subcutaneous
The adjective subcutaneous , also written subcutaneously (from the Latin sub for 'under' and cutis for 'skin'; abbreviated sc ), stands for an anatomical location that refers to the tissue under the skin (also as a directional indication under the skin ). This subcutaneous ( Tela subcutanea or subcutis ) essentially consists of the immediately underlying the skin connective and adipose tissue .
Subcutaneous suture
A subcutaneous suture is used by the surgeon to close the subcutaneous tissue in deep wounds.
Subcutaneous drug administration
The subcutaneous administration of drugs is a parenteral form of administration. It is easier and faster than intravenous or intramuscular ; therefore this form of application is usually carried out by nursing staff, but the patient himself can be trusted. Only a short and usually thin cannula is required for injection . Common practice in the hospital environment is a brief alcoholic wipe disinfection; Even on an outpatient basis - as with self-administration of insulin - this should not be avoided.
Some commonly given subcutaneous drugs are: insulins , heparins , cytokines , interferons and immunomodulators , EPO and allergen extracts for desensitization . In geriatrics and palliative medicine in particular , the administration of subcutaneous fluids is preferred today because it can be regarded as simple, low-complication, safe and gentle on the patient. Subcutaneous pain medication is the best alternative when oral analgesia is not possible. Opioids such as morphine and hydromorphone (among the non-opioid analgesics in human medicine, only metamizole ) are particularly suitable.
In veterinary medicine, subcutaneous drug administration is the predominant form of administration. Most vaccines are also injected subcutaneously.
Demarcate the intracutaneous injection , in which the substance is injected into the skin, for example in allergy tests , or the tuberculin test .
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Individual evidence
- ↑ Clinical Guide Care ; 6th edition; Elsevier, Munich, 2008, ISBN 978-3-437-26162-6 , p. 219. Figure types of injection, p. 213.
- ↑ Th. Frühwald: Is subcutaneous infusion a practical alternative in geriatrics? In: Journal of Nutritional Medicine. 3, 2001, pp. 16-18.