JET INJECTION IN PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Abstract

The technic of jet injection is described. It represents the first fundamental change in the basic principles of injection in almost 100 years. The method is relatively painless, is practically innocuous to tissue, and has technical simplicity. Information is presented dealing with depth of penetration of substances injected, pain response of children, local effects on tissues, blood levels of penicillin and of streptomycin given by jet injection, and clinical response of patients given penicillin by this technic. Discussions are given concerning the need for chemical inertness of the metal used in the metapule, viscosity of material which can be injected and the possibility of inadvertent intravenous injection. The proper instrument for children under 10 years of age is one of 75 pounds spring pressure, and for children 10 years of age or older 100 pounds spring pressure. With these strengths it has consistently been possible to secure intramuscular injections in the deltoid and triceps areas, and subcutaneous injections in the lateral thigh area. Injections over large veins should obviously be avoided. Jet injection offers promise in the field of pediatrics chiefly because of its relative painlessness. It may prove of value in mass immunizations, not only because of pain prevention and technical simplicity, but also because the transmission of viral agents from one subject to another by contaminated needles would be avoided. Further investigations are indicated, for the relief of pain is one of the foremost functions of a physician.