Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Comparative Study
Subcutaneous fluid administration in elderly subjects: validation of an under-used technique.
In a crossover study in six volunteers over the age of 65, absorption of 500 mL of normal saline given subcutaneously was compared with that given intravenously. Tritiated water and technetium pertechnetate were used as water tracers. ⋯ Radioactivity could not be demonstrated at the subcutaneous site 1 hour after completion of the infusion. Subcutaneous infusion is an effective method of giving fluid to elderly people and deserves more widespread use.