How do you properly give a subcutaneous injection to a rat? - briefly
Restrain the rat, lift a fold of skin on the dorsal neck, insert a 25‑30 G needle bevel up at a 10‑15° angle into the subcutaneous space, deliver the prescribed volume, then release the animal. Dispose of the needle safely and monitor the rat for any adverse reactions.
How do you properly give a subcutaneous injection to a rat? - in detail
A subcutaneous injection in a laboratory rat requires preparation, proper restraint, correct site selection, and precise technique to ensure accurate dosing and minimize tissue damage.
Begin by assembling sterile equipment: a 1‑ml syringe, a 25‑ to 27‑gauge needle, the intended solution, alcohol swabs, and disposable gloves. Verify the syringe is free of air bubbles; draw the exact volume, then expel any residual air.
Restrain the animal using a gentle but firm method, such as a soft towel or a specialized restraining device, to prevent struggling while maintaining the rat’s breathing. Hold the rat with its back facing upward and its forelimbs gently tucked.
Select the loose skin over the dorsal cervical area, between the shoulder blades, or the lateral flank. Pinch a fold of skin to create a tent, ensuring the underlying muscle is not included. This elevation separates the subcutaneous space from underlying structures.
Insert the needle at a 45‑degree angle into the tented skin, directing the bevel upward. Advance the needle smoothly until the hub contacts the skin surface, then release the pinch to allow the tissue to close around the needle. Inject the solution steadily; avoid rapid delivery that could cause tissue rupture.
Withdraw the needle promptly, applying gentle pressure with a sterile swab to the injection site to prevent bleeding. Release the animal back into its cage, monitor for any signs of distress, swelling, or leakage, and record the administered dose and site.
Maintain aseptic conditions throughout the procedure, replace gloves if contamination occurs, and dispose of sharps in an approved container. Regularly inspect equipment for damage and calibrate syringes to ensure dosing accuracy.