Overview
Potential Sites for IM Injection
- Deltoid (1-2mL) - 2-3 finger breadths below the acromian in the mid-axillary lineThe small size of this muscle limits the volume injectable
- Ventrogluteal (2-3mL) - with the palm over the greater trochanter of the femur, make a V shape with the index and middle finger along the iliac crest then inject within the VThis area has good muscle bulk and a lack of nerves / vessels
- Dorsogluteal (3-4mL) - in the upper quadrant of the buttock, above and lateral to the imaginary line between the greater trochanter and PSISIt is possible to inject a large volume here, but this has the slowest absorption rate
- Vastus lateralis (2-3mL) - within the lateral middle third of the thigh
Choosing the Right Site
Do
- Use the vastus lateralis where possible
Don't
- Don't inject through burns, infections or oedema
- Don't inject through moles or other skin lesions
- Avoid the dorsogluteal site in obese patients as subcutaneous injection is likely
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