Injection Sites and Angles in Nursing: IM, SC, ID | NPrep

Injection sites and angles in nursing depend on the route: intramuscular injections go in at 90 degrees, subcutaneous at 45 to 90 degrees, intradermal at 10 to 15 degrees, and IV cannulas at about 15 to 30 degrees. Common intramuscular sites are the deltoid, vastus lateralis and ventrogluteal; the ventrogluteal is the safest large site for adults.

Updated 13 November 2026. Sites, angles and volumes follow standard Fundamentals of Nursing textbooks. Follow the doctor's orders, the drug's instructions and your hospital's protocol for a real patient.

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Injection routes at a glance

Route	Angle	Common sites	Typical needle
Intramuscular (IM)	90 degrees	Deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal	21 to 25 G
Subcutaneous (SC)	45 to 90 degrees	Abdomen, back of the upper arm, thigh	25 to 27 G, short
Intradermal (ID)	10 to 15 degrees	Inner forearm, upper back	26 to 27 G, short
Intravenous (IV) cannula	About 15 to 30 degrees	Veins of the hand and forearm	Size by purpose

Which intramuscular site is used when?

Site	Where	Use and volume
Deltoid	Upper outer arm, about 2 to 3 fingers below the acromion	Small volumes, usually up to 1 mL, such as vaccines
Vastus lateralis	Middle third of the outer thigh	Preferred site in infants
Ventrogluteal	Hip, located with the palm on the greater trochanter	Safest large site in adults; away from major nerves and vessels
Dorsogluteal	Upper outer buttock	Avoided where possible, because of the risk to the sciatic nerve

What is the Z-track technique?

A method of IM injection that seals the drug in the muscle. The skin is pulled about 2.5 cm to one side before the needle goes in, the drug is injected, and the skin is released after the needle comes out. The track closes off, so the drug does not leak into the tissue under the skin. It is used for irritating drugs, such as iron injections.

Which injections are given subcutaneously and intradermally?

• Subcutaneous: insulin and heparin are common examples. Rotate sites to prevent lumps.
• Intradermal: the Mantoux (tuberculin) test and drug sensitivity tests. A small raised bleb shows the injection was given correctly.

What precautions apply to injections?

• Follow the rights of medication administration: right patient, drug, dose, route and time, with documentation.
• Use aseptic technique and a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
• Aspiration before IM injection is no longer recommended for vaccines. For other drugs, follow the drug's instructions and your hospital protocol.
• Never recap a used needle. Discard it straight into the sharps container.
• Watch for reactions after the injection, and record the site and time.

How are injection sites asked in exams?

This is an NPrep practice question, not a past-paper question.

At what angle is an intradermal injection given?

A. 90 degrees B. 45 degrees C. 10 to 15 degrees D. 30 degrees

Answer: C. An intradermal injection is given at 10 to 15 degrees, just under the epidermis, to raise a small bleb.

For drug calculations and safety, see Pharmacology for NORCET.

FAQs

What is the angle for an intramuscular injection?

90 degrees.

What is the angle for a subcutaneous injection?

45 to 90 degrees, depending on the needle length and the amount of fat at the site.

What is the angle for an intradermal injection?

10 to 15 degrees.

Which is the safest site for an IM injection in adults?

The ventrogluteal site, because it is away from major nerves and blood vessels.

Which IM site is used in infants?

The vastus lateralis, on the outer thigh.

Why is the dorsogluteal site avoided?

Because of the risk of injuring the sciatic nerve.

What to read next

• Up: Fundamentals of Nursing for NORCET
• Across: Pharmacology for NORCET and vital signs in nursing
• Practice: free NORCET mock test