Where can an immunoglobulin injection be administered after a tick bite? - briefly
An immunoglobulin dose after a tick bite is administered intramuscularly, typically in the deltoid or gluteal muscle, by a qualified healthcare provider in a medical facility. The injection should be given as soon as possible following exposure to ensure optimal prophylaxis.
Where can an immunoglobulin injection be administered after a tick bite? - in detail
The immunoglobulin required after a tick bite should be given as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours. Administration follows specific anatomical guidelines to ensure adequate absorption and to avoid interference with the rabies vaccine.
The dose is divided between the wound site and distant muscle tissue. Approximately half of the calculated volume is infiltrated directly around the tick‑bite area, using a fine‑gauge needle to disperse the product throughout the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. This local infiltration maximizes neutralising antibodies at the entry point of the virus.
The remaining volume is injected intramuscularly into a large, well‑vascularised muscle. Preferred sites include:
- The deltoid region of the upper arm, avoiding the area used for the vaccine injection.
- The anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis), especially in adults with sufficient muscle mass.
- The gluteus maximus, when the other sites are unavailable or contraindicated.
Each injection must be performed with a separate sterile syringe and needle to prevent cross‑contamination. The intramuscular injection should be placed at a depth that reaches the muscle belly, not the sub‑cutaneous fat layer, to guarantee optimal systemic distribution.
Additional considerations:
- Do not administer the immunoglobulin into the same limb where the rabies vaccine is being given, to reduce the risk of local adverse reactions.
- Verify the patient’s weight to calculate the total dose (20 IU per kilogram of body weight) and then split the volume according to the guidelines above.
- Observe the injection sites for signs of swelling, erythema, or pain; report any severe reactions immediately.
Following these procedural details ensures that the passive immunisation component is delivered effectively, complementing the active vaccine series and reducing the risk of rabies development after a tick exposure.