Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a form of drug administration?

1. Subcutaneous injection

2. Enteral administration

3. Transcutaneous administration

4. Submucosal administration

The correct answer is: Transcutaneous administration

Transcutaneous administration refers to the delivery of a substance through the skin, often using patches or creams. While this method is indeed a means of drug delivery, it is less common and not typically classified under the main established forms of drug administration. Subcutaneous injection involves administering medication into the layer of fat and tissue just beneath the skin, which is a well-accepted method for various pharmaceutical therapies. Enteral administration refers to the delivery of medications directly into the gastrointestinal tract, commonly occurring via oral routes or feeding tubes, making it a standard and important method of drug administration. Submucosal administration, on the other hand, involves injecting a drug into the mucous membrane, which allows for rapid absorption into the circulatory system. Given this context, while transcutaneous administration exists, it is not traditionally recognized as a primary form of drug administration compared to the others outlined.