lihastesse

Lihastesse is a Finnish term used to describe intramuscular injections, a route of administering medications into skeletal muscle tissue. The approach relies on the relatively rich blood supply of muscle to absorb drugs more rapidly than subcutaneous tissue, though slower than intravenous delivery.

Common injection sites include the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, the ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal area of the hip, and the vastus lateralis on the thigh. The choice of site depends on the medication, required volume, patient age, and muscle mass. Proper technique and anatomy are important to avoid nerves and blood vessels.

Equipment and parameters: typical needle length is about 1 to 1.5 inches for adults, with gauge commonly between 22 and 25. Volumes commonly range from 0.5 to 3 mL, with smaller amounts for children or sensitive medications. Sites are often rotated to minimize tissue damage. Some injections may involve aspiration to check for intravascular placement, though guidelines vary by protocol and vaccine type.

Common uses: vaccines (such as influenza and tetanus boosters), certain antibiotics, hormones, and vitamins are frequently administered intramuscularly. Some medicines are specifically formulated for IM delivery to achieve desired pharmacokinetics.

Safety: sterile technique and accurate site selection are essential. Potential risks include pain, local tissue irritation, lipodystrophy with repeated injections, and, rarely, nerve or vascular injury. As with all injections, guidance from healthcare professionals should be followed for proper administration.