IM and SQ Injections

what are the IM injection sites?

• vastus lateralis

• ventrogluteal

• deltoid

what is the needle angle for IM route injections?

90

what is the needle length, gauge, and syringe size for IM injection on deltoid?

length: 1-1 ½ in

gauge: 22-25

size: 1-3mL

what is the needle length, gauge, and syringe size for IM injection on vastus lateralis?

length: 1-1 ½ in

gauge: 22-25

size: 3 or 5 mL

what is the needle length, gauge, and syringe size for IM injection on ventrogluteal?

length: 1-1 ½ in (up to 3 in for large adult)

gauge: 19-23

size: 3 or 5 mL

what are the SQ injection sites?

• abdomen

• under arm

• lower back

what is the needle angle for SQ injections?

90 if the patient has enough fatty tissue

45 otherwise

what is the needle length, gauge, and syringe size for SQ injections?

length: 1/2 - 5/8 in

gauge: 23-25 or 25-27

size: 1 or 3 mL

how do you find deltoid landmark?

1. palpate lower edge of acromion process

2. place 3 fingers across deltoid muscle with top finger along acromion

3. draw imaginary line at axilla, this form base of triangle

4. injection site in center of triangle

how to find vastus lateralis landmark?

1. one hand above knee

2. one hand below greater trochanter

3. locate midline of anterior thigh and midline of lateral thigh

4. injection site is lateral area of thigh

how to find ventrogluteal landmark?

1. palm of hand on greater trochanter of femur

2. index finger on anterior superior iliac spine (hip bone)

3. middle finger extended towards iliac tubercle

4. injection site within triangle formed by under and middle fingers