Tb skin test

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Does anyone have any tips on giving a successful s TB skin test?

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Make sure you are going in at the right angle, and the biggest tip I can give you is just insert the tip of the needle, go in as little as possible without spilling. If you insert the right amount you should get a good wheel. But I'm just a CMA maybe one of the nurses can offer better advice, this is just my experience.

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Specializes in Gyn.

Low and slow, bevel up - I hold the syringe between my thumb and forefinger to insert. Recommended angle is 5-15 degrees. After I insert I check for the tip of the needle and push the plunger and watch for a wheel. We practiced this in nursing school quite a bit and don't laugh but I used to practice at home on cheap hot dogs! :) Another thing I had to master was before inserting, pull the skin taught to get a good stick. It comes with time and you'll get the hang of it. Good luck! :)

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I'm right handed... I hold the syringe in my right hand, bevel up, between thumb and forefinger. I always stabilize my hand with my other fingers on pt's arm. My left hand I use to hold pt's arm steady, with my thumb under my right hand pulling the skin taut in the opposite direction I'm inserting the needle. Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Low and slow, bevel up - I hold the syringe between my thumb and forefinger to insert. Recommended angle is 5-15 degrees. After I insert I check for the tip of the needle and push the plunger and watch for a wheel. We practiced this in nursing school quite a bit and don't laugh but I used to practice at home on cheap hot dogs! :) Another thing I had to master was before inserting, pull the skin taught to get a good stick. It comes with time and you'll get the hang of it. Good luck! :)

I practiced on many a hot dog myself. It does help.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
I practiced on many a hot dog myself. It does help.

When I was I school, one of my instructors brought in a small chunk of a roast for students to practice their IM injections. The roast's meat gave just the right resistance & 'feel" of human body that it really did facilitate technique training.

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Best way I learned was from this great RN that I work with. She handed me the needle and let me practice on her. Never had a problem since.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Best way I learned was from this great RN that I work with. She handed me the needle and let me practice on her. Never had a problem since.
I did this with a 3-11 newbie nurse to do PPDs. She had numerous new admissions and PPDs were to be given then.

Poor kid really had NO practice in school, so I let her practice on me using saline for the ID inj. She soon became very proficient!

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

pull the skin taught so you're able to get the needle in, otherwise with some of these elderly folks you just wind up pushing the skin around and making a mess!

You want to see the bevel disappear but at the same time be as superficial as possible.

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