Intramuscular Injection Guidelines
Intramuscular Injection Guidelines
Intramuscular Injection Guidelines
Pediatric
7/8" - 1 1/4"
22 - 25 G
90
Adult
> 18 years
19 - 25 G
90
* Adapted from Fundamentals of Nursing: Human Health and Function, R. Craven, C. Hirnle, 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2003 ** Prior to administering an IM injection, refer to your procedure manual to determine the injection site utilizing body landmarks.
30 G 29 G 28 G 27 G 26 G 25 G 24 G 23 G 22 G 21 G 20 G 19 G 18 G
ISO Hub Color Standards for safety-engineered needles
90 90
Injection Site
muscle
Lateral femoral condyle
The vastus lateralis site is in the lateral middle third of the thigh between the greater trochanter and the knee. When injecting, lift the vastus lateralis muscle away from the bone.
Greater trochanter
The ventrogluteal site: place the palm over the greater trochanter, form a V, with the middle finger toward the iliac crest and the index finger toward the anterior superior iliac spine. Inject within the center of the V, below the anterior superior iliac crest.
Injection Procedure:
Spread the skin taut, (except in vastus lateralis which requires lifting the muscle) and insert the needle at a 90 angle. Pull back plunger slightly. If blood appears, remove needle, dispose properly and prepare a new injection. If no blood is present inject medication slowly.
Clavicle
Acromion process
Injection Site
Scapula Axilla
The thickest part of the deltoid muscle is 2.5-5cm (1-3 finger breadths) below the lower edge of acromion process of the scapula over the midaxillary line.
The dorsogluteal site is above an imaginary line between the greater trochanter and the posterior superior iliac crest. The injection is administered laterally and superior to this imaginary line.
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