Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

In which route of administration does the drug reach the bloodstream the quickest?

1. Subcutaneous

2. Intravenous

3. Oral

4. Intramuscular

The correct answer is: Intravenous

The intravenous route of administration is considered the quickest way for a drug to reach the bloodstream because the drug is delivered directly into the vascular system. This method bypasses any barriers to absorption that exist with other routes, such as the digestive system or tissue permeability. When a drug is administered intravenously, it circulates quickly throughout the body, allowing for rapid onset of action. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios requiring immediate therapeutic effects, such as in emergency medicine or during surgical procedures. In contrast, other routes of administration, like subcutaneous, oral, and intramuscular, involve various degrees of absorption delay as the drug must first pass through different barriers, such as skin layers or the gastrointestinal tract before entering the bloodstream. For instance, oral administration often involves metabolism by the liver before the drug can exert its effects, which can further delay its action. Thus, intravenous administration stands out for its speed and efficiency in drug delivery.