Final answer:
A 1 mL tuberculin syringe is used for subcutaneous injections to deliver small volumes of medication, which minimizes discomfort and is suitable for the limited absorption capacity of subcutaneous tissue. It is commonly used in tuberculin skin tests like the Mantoux test to confer a positive result if there is an immune response to tuberculosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 1 mL tuberculin syringe is appropriate for subcutaneous injections primarily because the typical order for subcutaneous injection is for 1 mL or less of fluid. This volume is sufficient to deliver the necessary dose without overwhelming the subcutaneous tissue, which can only absorb small amounts of fluid due to its limited blood supply and the nature of the tissue structure. Furthermore, by using a 1 mL syringe, a healthcare provider can ensure minimized tissue distortion and thereby reduce the discomfort that the patient might feel during the injection.
The tuberculin skin test, such as the Mantoux test, involves the injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative to test for the presence of an immune response to the tuberculosis bacteria. A positive result, signified by swelling and redness at the injection site, indicates that the patient has been exposed to the bacteria and exhibits a cellular immune response. In regions where the BCG vaccine is administered, a positive tuberculin skin test can occur even in the absence of an active TB infection, making the test less useful in such populations.