Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate needle gauge for a subcutaneous injection?

1. 22 gauge

2. 25 gauge

3. 30 gauge

4. 18 gauge

The correct answer is: 25 gauge

The most appropriate needle gauge for a subcutaneous injection is typically 25 gauge because it strikes a balance between being sufficiently thin to minimize discomfort for the patient while also being robust enough to deliver the medication effectively. Subcutaneous injections are generally administered in areas of adipose tissue, like the thigh or abdomen, where a slightly finer needle is more suitable to penetrate the skin and subcutaneous tissue without causing excessive trauma. Using a 25 gauge needle allows for good flow of the injected medication, which can be particularly important for substances that may be thicker or viscous. This gauge is widely accepted in practice for subcutaneous injections, providing an effective and comfortable experience for both the practitioner and the patient. While smaller gauges (like 30 gauge) can also be used, they may not adequately handle thicker medications. Larger gauges (like 22 gauge and 18 gauge) could cause unnecessary discomfort and are more appropriate for intramuscular or intravenous injections rather than subcutaneous administration. Therefore, 25 gauge is the optimal choice for performing subcutaneous injections effectively and with minimal pain.