How To Give An Intramuscular Injection - Diagram At Bottom

1. Wash Your Hands: Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. This step is essential for maintaining cleanliness and preventing the introduction of contaminants to the injection process.

2. Gather Supplies: Collect all the necessary supplies including the medication vial, a syringe and alcohol swabs.

3. Inspect the Medication Vial: Examine the medication vial for any signs of damage, tampering, or expiration. If the medication looks cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles, avoid using it. Follow proper disposal procedures for expired or compromised medications.

4. Clean the Vial Top: Wipe the top of the medication vial with an alcohol swab. This helps maintain sterility and prevents contamination when the needle punctures the stopper.

5. Draw Air into the Syringe: Ensure the syringe's plunger is fully pushed down. Draw an amount of air into the syringe equal to the dosage needed. This action helps equalize pressure within the vial.

6. Insert the Needle: Hold the syringe like a pen. Remove the needle cap with your other hand without touching the needle. Insert the needle into the rubber stopper of the medication vial at a 90-degree angle.

7. Inject Air: Push the plunger to inject the air into the vial. This action makes it easier to withdraw the medication.

8. Draw Medication: Tip up vial and gradually pull back on the plunger to withdraw the correct dosage of medication into the syringe.

9. Check for Air Bubbles: After drawing the medication, gently tap the syringe to dislodge air bubbles. Push the plunger slightly to remove any air bubbles back into the vial, if necessary.

10. Remove the Needle: Carefully take out the needle from the vial, avoiding contact with the needle tip to maintain sterility.

11. Prepare the Injection Site: Choose the deltoid muscle in the upper arm Ensure proper rotation of injection sites to prevent tissue irritation.

12. Clean the Injection Site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the chosen injection site. Rub the area in a circular motion and let it air dry fully.

13. Insert the Needle: Hold the syringe like a pencil. Insert the needle at a 90-degree in the deltoid muscle in the upper arm, smoothly and steadily.

14. Inject the Medication: Gradually push the plunger with your dominant hand to administer the medication. Ensure a controlled and steady injection.

15. Withdraw the Needle: Once the medication is fully administered, smoothly withdraw the needle from the skin.

16. Apply Pressure: Promptly place a cotton ball or sterile gauze over the injection site. Apply gentle pressure for a few seconds to prevent bleeding and minimize bruising.

17. Dispose of Supplies: Properly dispose of the used syringe and needle. Place them immediately into a designated sharps container, which should be puncture-proof and securely sealed to prevent accidental needle exposure.