Where to administer an immunoglobulin injection for a tick bite? - briefly
The immunoglobulin should be administered intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, or into the anterolateral thigh if the arm is unsuitable. Administration must occur promptly after the bite, preferably within 24 hours.
Where to administer an immunoglobulin injection for a tick bite? - in detail
The immunoglobulin intended for a tick bite should be delivered in two distinct locations to achieve optimal passive immunity. First, the entire calculated dose must be infiltrated directly into the tissue surrounding the bite, ensuring that the antibody reaches the site where potential pathogens entered. Any volume that cannot be absorbed locally should be administered intramuscularly in a muscle group distant from the wound, typically the deltoid or the anterolateral thigh.
Key points for proper administration:
- Calculate the dose according to the product’s prescribing information and the patient’s weight.
- Distribute the full dose around the bite, using multiple small injections if necessary to cover the entire wound area.
- Inject the remaining volume into a large, well‑vascularized muscle (deltoid or anterolateral thigh) on the opposite side of the body.
- Observe the patient for immediate adverse reactions during and after the procedure.
This dual‑site approach maximizes local antibody concentration at the entry point while providing systemic protection through the distant intramuscular depot.