Giving an Intramuscular Injection

1. Cleanse your selected INTRAMUSCULAR injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow to dry.

2. Hold the syringe with your dominant hand between your thumb and index finger (as you would a pencil).  With your other hand, firmly stretch your skin at the selected injection site. Make sure you are using the intramuscular needle (usually 1½”).  NOTE: To minimize bruising, firmly stretch the skin.

3. With a quick, dart-like motion, insert the entire needle (up to the hub of the syringe) at a 90 degree angle into the stretched skin area between your thumb and index finger of the opposite hand.

4. Using either hand to stabilize the syringe,  pull back slightly on the plunger and watch for blood in the syringe. (This is rare.)  You may feel slight resistance or see a small bubble – this is normal.  If blood is not seen in the syringe, the needle is inserted properly, and you may continue to next step.

If blood appears in the syringe, DO NOT INJECT YOUR MEDICATIONS.  Withdraw the needle, cover the site with a gauze pad and apply pressure.  Discard the syringe into the Sharps container.  Begin again.

5. Depress the plunger slowly and steadily.

6. Pull the syringe out in one motion.

7. After injecting the medication, dispose of the syringe into the Sharps container.  It is unnecessary to recap the needle as this could cause injury.

8. Apply pressure to the site with a gauze pad and gently massage the area to help disperse the medication and relieve discomfort. Apply a bandage if necessary.

IM Injection Sites: