injection gauge size, locations, needle length and angles

Intradermal gauge size

25-27 Guage

intradermal needle length

¼ to 5/8 of a inch

intradermal angle

5 to 15 degrees

subcutaneous gauge size

25-27 gauge

subcutaneous needle length

3/8 to 5/8

subcutaneous angle

45 or 90 degree

subcutaneous insulin gauge size

25-31 G

subcutaneous insulin needle length

5/16 to 1/2

subcutaneous insulin angle

45 or 90

intramuscular gauge size

18-25 gauge

intramuscular needle length

5/8- 1 ½

intramuscular angle

90 degrees

intradermal sites

ventral side of the forearm or upper back (tb test or allergy testing)

intramuscular sites

deltoid, vastus lateralis, or ventrogluteol

subcutaneous sites

lateral or posterior side of arm, abdomen 2 inches from umbilicus, lower toins (upper buttocks) or back/anterior thighs

How much medication can we give for a subcutaneous injection

No more than 1.5 mL

How much medication can we give for intradermal injections

0.1 mL

How much medication can we give for a intramuscular deltoid injection

Up to 2 mL

How much medication can we give for a intramuscular vastus lateralis and ventrogluteal injection

5 mL

Deltoid muscle landmarks

are the acromial process and the axillary line. Insert the needle at a point 2 to 3 finger widths (1 to 2 inches) below the acromion process, above the axillary line in the middle of the triangular-shaped in the midline of the lateral aspect of the arm. Do z-track method

Vastus lateralis landmarks

are the head of the greater trochanter and the knee. Insert the needle into the middle third of the muscle at least 1 hand width below the greater trochanter and 1 hand width above the knee in the anterolateral aspect of the leg.

Ventrogluteal landmarks

head of the greater trochanter and the anterior superior iliac spine. Place the heel or palm of your hand on the head of the greater trochanter with your thumb pointing toward the client’s abdomen. Extend your index finger up to the anterior superior iliac spine, then spread your other fingers back along the iliac crest. Insert the needle in the “V” formed between your index and third fingers.