What is the best needle size for intramuscular injection?

Intramuscular injections go directly into a muscle. 5 Muscle is deeper than skin, so the needle used for these shots must be thicker and longer. Needles with a gauge of 20 or 22 G and a length of 1 or 1.5 inches are usually best.

Can you inject 2ml into deltoid?

The deltoid site is mostly commonly used for immunizations. However, up to 1 mL of any medication may be administrated to this muscle (the maximum volume should never exceed 2 mL).

How do you know what size needle to use when injecting?

The length of a needle is listed after the gauge number. For example, 25G ½ refers to a 25 gauge, ½ inch-long needle. Longer needles (½ inch or longer) are commonly used for intramuscular injections, while shorter (shorter than ½ inch) needles are more often used for intravenous injections.

How do you give a deltoid IM injection?

Give in the central and thickest portion of the deltoid muscle – above the level of the armpit and approximately 2–3 fingerbreadths (~2″) below the acromion process. See the diagram. To avoid causing an injury, do not inject too high (near the acromion process) or too low.

Is a 22 gauge needle bigger than 25?

The higher the gauge, the smaller the diameter. For example, a 30 gauge needle has a narrower lumen than a 25 gauge needle. Different companies use different measurements for gauges, so it is important to specify inner diameter.

Can you use a 21 gauge needle for IM injections?

The gauge of the needle is determined by the type of medication administered. Aqueous solutions can be given with a 20 to 25 gauge needle; oily or viscous medication should be administered with 18 to 21 gauge needles. A smaller gauge needle (22 to 25 gauge) should be used with children.

Can you give 3 ml injection in deltoid?

The maximum amount of medication for a single injection is 3 ml. The deltoid muscle has a triangular shape and is easy to locate and access, but is commonly underdeveloped in adults. Begin by having the patient relax the arm.

Is 5/8 needle long enough for IM injection?

*Some experts recommend a 5/8-inch needle for men and women who weigh less than 60 kg (130 lbs). If used, the skin must be stretched fully and the subcutaneous tissues must not be bunched.

Do you pinch for deltoid injection?

Do you pinch the skin when giving a deltoid IM injection? No, you should not pinch the skin if you are giving a deltoid IM injection because this may mean you inject the syringe contents into the subcutaneous tissue rather than the muscle.