What is the preferred gauge of needle for subcutaneous injection?

The preferred gauge of needle for subcutaneous injection is generally 25 gauge. This gauge is thin enough to minimize discomfort for the patient while still being adequate for the viscosity of subcutaneous medication. It allows for effective delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue without causing excessive trauma.

Using a finer gauge needle, such as 25 gauge, means that the injection is less painful, which is particularly important in patients who require frequent injections, such as those with diabetes. The choice of a thinner needle also helps reduce the risk of tissue damage, which could lead to complications such as bruising or irritation at the injection site.

Although other gauges like 20, 23, and 27 exist and may be utilized in different medical contexts, they do not represent the standard preference for typical subcutaneous injections. A 20 gauge is much larger and used for intravenous or more viscous medications, while a 27 gauge might be too thin for the usual types of subcutaneous medications that need to be administered comfortably and effectively.