Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Equipment - Needles
Needles are selected according to length in mm (depth of injection) and diameter in gauge or mm (viscosity)
One third of the needle length is usually left above the skin, so it may be removed in the very rare accident of needle breakage.
| Colour | Needle Length | Needle Guage / Diameter | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 40mm | 21G / 0.8mm | For 'drawing up' and deep IM injection in large adult muscles. |
| Blue | 30mm | 23G / 0.6mm | For IM injection small adult / large child. |
| Orange (long) | 25mm | 25G / 0.5mm | For 45 degree angle SC injection or IM to the deltiod muscle or smaller child. |
| Orange | 16mm | 25G / 0.5mm | For 90 degree angle SC injection. |
Also available
- Blunt needles for 'drawing up'
- Filter needles for aspirating the contents of glass amplules which potentially contain glass fragments.