Nursing Students General Students
Published Jun 9, 2003
NurseDixie
419 Posts
My dad's girlfriend is now taking B-12 injections and she has some new insulin needles that my dad used for allergy shots. She wants me to give her B-12 shots with these needles (the dose is 1 ml) Is it ok to use these small needles? Thanks
Jen2
931 Posts
I would check with the DR., but when I gave these in the Dr.'s office where I used to work it was SQ. Although I have known them to be IM.
janleb
249 Posts
If I am correct B-12 injections need to be given IM. So you would need a 1" or 1.5" needle to inject. HMMMMMM
Jennerizer, ASN, RN
728 Posts
B-12 shots are IM......I've been getting them monthly for the last 7 years (pernicious anemia)....don't forget to pull back on the syringe to make sure you aren't hitting a vein before injecting. I get mine in the deltoid.
I'm curious, how does she get access to the liquid B-12? I can't find anyone that will sell it to a consumer.
Paprikat
216 Posts
Our policy is IM or deep subcu...
career seeker
62 Posts
I have always given B-12 IM but I did have a pt hwo was pregnant who gave her own SQ per her OB's orders. Maybe ther are certian conditions where you would give SQ???? Curious...
I think if the person has pernicious anemia, it needs to be IM because the body can't absorb b12 any other way. Perhaps if it is just a supplement, it can be done sq. That's just a guess though.
Shamrock, BSN, RN
448 Posts
Would be IM. I would be more worried about my license if I were you. Remember that you are liable for any nursing procedure or
advice you give outside the work place. The good samaritan law
will not protect you. I know of a case where a RN was sued by
a "friend" for complications from the RN giving allergy shots as a
favor.
rosemadder
IM is the correct method for B12.