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Discussion

Tb skin test

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.

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'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!

  • Experts
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.

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.

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.

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!

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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