Which gauge needle is most commonly used for a subcutaneous injection?

The choice of a 25-gauge needle for a subcutaneous injection is based on several important factors related to both the procedure and the characteristics of the needle itself. Subcutaneous injections typically involve the administration of medication into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin.

Using a 25-gauge needle strikes an optimal balance between being large enough to allow for appropriate flow of the medication while still being thin enough to minimize discomfort for the patient. A smaller gauge needle, such as a 25, creates a smaller puncture wound, which is less painful and can help reduce the risk of complications like bleeds or bruising at the injection site.

Additionally, the choice of needle gauge may also depend on the viscosity of the medication being injected, but in general practice, the 25-gauge needle is widely recognized as a standard for most subcutaneous injections, such as those administered for insulin or vaccines. This size ensures that the injection is comfortable and effective in delivering the medication into the subcutaneous tissue where it can be absorbed appropriately.