Lecture Notes: Injection Techniques and Procedures

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Intradermal Injections

• Purpose: Injection into the dermis, below the epidermis.
• Site: Forearm.
• Needle Selection:
  • 25 to 27 gauge needle.
  • Length: 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
  • Syringes must measure to the one-hundredth and tenth when drawing medication.
• Steps for Administration:
  1. Gather supplies.
  2. Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves.
  3. Recall the five rights of medication administration: right patient, drug, dose, route, and time.
  4. Cleanse the injection site with alcohol, allow to dry.
  5. Hold syringe at a 5 to 15° angle.
  6. Remove needle cap and inject to form a small wheal under the skin.
  7. Wait 10 seconds after injection to remove the needle.
  8. Engage safety shield and dispose of needle in sharps container.
  9. Never recap the needle.
  10. Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.

Intramuscular (IM) Injections

• Sites: Vastus lateralis, deltoid, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal muscles (depends on facility policy).
• Needle Selection: Appropriate size.
• Steps for Administration:
  1. Gather supplies.
  2. Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves.
  3. Recall the five rights of medication administration.
  4. Cleanse the area with alcohol, allow to dry.
  5. Hold syringe perpendicular to the body.
  6. Use Z-track method to displace skin and ensure medication stays in muscle.
  7. Inject the medication like throwing a dart.
  8. Wait 10 seconds to remove the needle after injection.
  9. Engage safety shield and dispose in sharps container.
  10. Never recap the needle.
  11. Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.

Subcutaneous Injections

• Sites: Abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or lower back (fatty areas).
• Needle Selection:
  • 25 to 27 gauge needle.
  • Length: 3 to 5/8 inch.
• Steps for Administration:
  1. Gather supplies.
  2. Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves.
  3. Recall the five rights of medication administration.
  4. Clean area with alcohol swab, allow to dry.
  5. Hold syringe like a pencil or dart.
  6. Remove cap and inject at a 45° or 90° angle.
  7. Optional: Pinch skin to help reduce pain.
  8. Wait 10 seconds after injection to remove needle.
  9. Engage safety shield and dispose in sharps container.
  10. Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.

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