Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN

There are many commonly used routes for compound administration in laboratory mice and rats. However, certain protocols may require the use of less commonly used routes, including intradermal, intranasal, and intracranial injections. Specialized training is essential for these procedures to be performed successfully. Justification for these routes may need to be provided to gain Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval.

1. Intradermal administration

1. Most intradermal injections are aqueous-based compounds. The solutions must be physiologically buffered to have a neutral pH, in order to avoid tissue necrosis at the injection site.
2. The needle size range is 25-30 gauge, the smallest possible.
3. The dose range per injection site is 50-100 µL. Injecting excessive volumes can result in necrosis at the injection site or leakage of the compound out of the site due to pressure.
4. For accurate placement o

The administration of compounds into animals can have a significant effect on both the wellbeing of the animal and the outcome of the experimental data and scientific value. The proper method of delivery is essential to the success of the experiment. Many factors must be considered to determine the best route, including the scientific aim of the study, the pH of the substance, the required dosage volume, the viscosity of the substance, and the wellbeing of the animals. Technical expertise is also a requirement for all in