Z Tracking Technique

Waitemata District Health Board: Z Tracking Technique

This technique is used  

• When irritating preparations such as irondextran complex is given  

• When the medication is a slow release preparation, such as flupenthixol  

The Z –track method deposits medication into the muscle without tracking through the sensitive tissues  

 

To form the Z track at the site use the ulna side of your non- dominant hand to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue about 2.5cm to the side:

• Hold the skin in this position until the medication has been administered  

• Once the medication has been injected, keep the needle in-situ for 10 seconds to ensure absorption of the medication.

• Quickly withdraw the needle and release the displaced tissue  

DO NOT massage the site.