Intramuscular Injection (IM)
Definition
Intramuscular injection (IM) is the administration of a drug in injectable form into a muscle.
Indication
An Intramuscular injection IM is indicated when there is a need for absorption and thus rapid action: resorption is rapid because of the important vascularisation of the muscles.
Equipment
Medicine to be injected.
Equipment for the preparation of the medicine.
Sterile syringe 1 mL to 20 mL depending on the amount of the drug to be administered.
Intramuscular needle (black: 22 Gauge, green: 21 Gauge).
Alcohol swabs
Dressing or compress and plaster.
Disposable Gloves.
Equipement for hand hygiene.
Container for used syringes and needles
Types of Needles and their sizes |
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| Colour | Gauge | Diameter | Uses |
| Yellow | 30 Gauges | 0,30 mm | Subcutanuous / Intradermal Injections |
| Grey | 27 Gauges | 0,40 mm | Subcutanuous Injections (SC) |
| Brown | 26 Gauges | 0,45 mm | Subcutanuous Injections (SC) |
| Orange | 25 Gauges | 0,50 mm | Subcutanuous Injections (SC) |
| Bleu | 23 Gauges | 0,60 mm | SC / IV / IM Injection – Venipuncture |
| Back | 22 Gauges | 0,70 mm | IM / IV Injection – Venipuncture |
| Green | 21 Gauges | 0,80 mm | IM / IV Injection- Venipuncture |
| Yellow | 20 Gauges | 0,90 mm | Venipuncture |
| Cream | 19 Gauges | 1,10 mm | Venipuncture |
| Rose | 18 Gauges | 1,25 mm | Pump |
| White | 16 Gauges | 1,60 mm | Pump |