selecting the correct needle length and gauge for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections

June 2011

There's confusion about selecting the correct needle length and gauge for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.

Intramuscular (IM) injections need a needle long enough to reach the muscle...but short enough to avoid nerves or bone.

Give a 1" to 1.5" needle for most adults...and 5/8" to 1.25" for kids. Stick with longer needles for deep gluteal injections.

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