IM and SUBQ INJECTIONS

Recommended IM sites

ventrogluteal
deltoid (for small doses only)
vastus lateralis (good for children, also does not have a lot of blood vessels)

Recommended subcu sites

abdomen
upper hips
upper back
lateral thighs
lateral upper arm

Recommended needle length for IM

Depends on size of adult but 1 to 1-1/2 inches

Recommended needle length for subcu

3/8, 1/2, 5/8 inch

Recommended needle length for Z-track

1 to 1-1/2 inches

What determines needle length for IM?

Muscle development
Patient size and weight
Type of injection (longer for IM)
Slant of needle placement (often 90 degrees for IM)

What determines needle length for subcu?

Patient size and weight
Type of injection (subcu)
Slant of needle placement (may be using a 45-degree angle)

Massaging after injection:
Z-track?
IM?
Subcu?
ID?

Z-track : No!
IM: Yes for most
Subcu: Yes for most
ID: No!

Types of syringes

Luer slip tip
Luer-Lok
Insulin

Info about Luer slip tip

Tuberculin needle
1 mL
Marked in tenths, hundredths, and minims
Usually for subcu, can be used for intradermal
Smaller doses

Info about Luer-Lok

3 mL
Marked in tenths and minims
Used for larger amounts, IM

Info about insulin syringes

100 units (1 mL) or 50 units (0.5 mL)
Sometimes can be used for other subcu injections that require a small amount

Rate of absorption from injection?

IV fastest
IM next
Subcu next

Gauge for IM?

20-23

Gauge for subcu?

25-29

Gauge for ID?

25-27

Gauge for Z-track?

20-22 (deep IM)