Z-track

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Z-track n. a method of injecting medication into a large muscle in which the skin and subcutaneous tissue are displaced 2.5–3.75 cm laterally during the injection and released immediately afterwards. This seals the medication deeply within the muscle and prevents leakage back into the subcutaneous tissue and skin. It is used primarily when injecting dark medications (e.g. iron solutions), which can stain the superficial tissues, and is also the method of choice for administering intramuscular medications that are very irritating to the tissues.