What is the recommended gauge for an intradermal needle?

The recommended gauge for an intradermal needle typically falls within the range of 25 to 27 gauge. This smaller gauge is optimal for intradermal injections because it allows for precise delivery of the medication into the dermal layer of the skin without causing excessive tissue damage.

Using a finer gauge needle reduces patient discomfort and minimizes the risk of complications such as bleeding or hematoma formation. In the case of intradermal injections—for example, the administration of a tuberculosis skin test or allergy test—achieving the correct placement in the skin's layers is crucial, which is why a 25 to 27 gauge needle is preferred for this method of administration.

Other gauge sizes, like those larger than 27, would be less appropriate for intradermal injections due to the risk of injecting too deep and causing subcutaneous administration, while smaller sizes could be impractical for delivering the necessary volume or could lead to needle clogging.