2-5.
PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTERING A SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
a. Follow procedures outlined in paragraph 2-3.
b. Select injection site and position patient.
(1) Outer aspect of upper arm (deltoid area of the shoulder). The injection
site (see figure 2-8) is one hand's width down from the top of the shoulder and a third of
the way around to the arm's outer aspect. The patient may be seated or standing with
the upper arm you have chosen exposed.
Figure 2-8. Deltoid area of shoulder, outer aspect of upper arm.
(a) The needle length used for all subcutaneous injections is 1/2 inch
to 7/8 inch (23 to 25 gauge).
(b) A volume of medication between 0.5 and 1.0 milliliter or less is
usually administered to an adult in the deltoid area.
(2) Outer aspect of upper leg (vastus lateralis area). The injection site is
one hand's width down from the groin on the outer area of the upper leg (see figure
2-9). The patient may be seated or standing. The upper leg you have chosen should
be completely exposed. A maximum volume of medication of 3.0 milliliters can be
administered to an adult in the vastus lateralis area.
(3) Buttocks. A third site that may be used is the subcutaneous tissue in the
buttocks area.
MD0552
2-12