National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

Which syringe is best for administering an intradermal injection?

1. Insulin syringe

2. Tuberculin syringe

3. Hypodermic syringe

4. Capped syringe

The correct answer is: Tuberculin syringe

The tuberculin syringe is specifically designed for intradermal injections, making it the most suitable choice for this procedure. This type of syringe typically has a capacity of 1 mL and is marked with precise calibrations, allowing for accurate dosing required for intradermal applications, which usually involve very small volumes (often 0.1 mL or less). Intradermal injections require the needle to penetrate the dermal layer of the skin, which necessitates a specific gauge and length for the syringe. The tuberculin syringe generally has a smaller gauge needle, typically 25 to 27 gauge, which is ideal for this technique. Moreover, its design facilitates easier visualization of the injection site and ensures that the medication is delivered precisely where it is needed. Other syringe types may not offer the same level of calibration detail or appropriate needle size. For instance, insulin syringes, while precise, are specifically designed for insulin administration in diabetes management and are generally not used for intradermal injections. Hypodermic syringes, used for a variety of injections into muscle or subcutaneous tissue, may not have the same precision for smaller doses needed for intradermal injections. A capped syringe does not refer to