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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Table of Contents

Cardiology HIGHER blood pressure goals in some elderly patients
Drug Interactions New precautions about not taking Allegra with orange juice are raising questions about a new kind of fruit juice interaction
Psychiatry more emphasis on the treatment of bipolar disorder
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Dermatology new combo acne treatment with Tactuo
Diabetes pregabalin (Lyrica) is "preferred" for treating painful neuropathy in diabetes patients
Needles & Syringes selecting the correct needle length and gauge for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections
Respiratory & Allergy patients with cystic fibrosis will have an alternative to nebulized tobramycin with the new Tobi Podhaler
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