need help with B-12 injection

ladylynx · Sep 4, 2005

Hi I need some help with a B- 12 injection. It is to be given deep sub Q, not IM so just trying to figure the needle & syringe selection.

The syringe is simply a subcutaneous syringe...usually tuberculin. You might want to refresh yourself on the meaning of subcutaneous. No other technique than what is required for insulin injections. Hope that helps.

Take care. Peace and love...nothing less! The Lady

RENAISSANCE RN · Sep 4, 2005

I think it is an IM.

moni in IA · Sep 4, 2005

I think it is an IM.

Yes normally I think they are & that is why I questioned it. But the order says deep sub Q, so I thought you would need a different needle?

sorpy69 · Sep 6, 2005

Vit B-12 injections are IM. I know because I've been giving them to myself for a couple of weeks for neuropathy. Hope this helps. I use a 22 gauge, 1 inch syringe.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 6, 2005

Yes, definitely IM.....

Brotherbob, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2005

Hi I need some help with a B- 12 injection. It is to be given deep sub Q, not IM so just trying to figure the needle & syringe selection.

B-12 I always give i.m.

If someone would order an injection deep sub q I would consider how much body fat the p/t has and then choose appropriate needle.

I´m sure a lot of i.m. injections go deep subQ on the fat patients.

BowlerRN · Sep 6, 2005

I have read that Vit B12 can be given as IM or SubQ, I don't know if there is any difference between deep subQ and any other subq injection.

RENAISSANCE RN · Sep 7, 2005

I use a 22 as well on myself.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 7, 2005

Some literature states can be given "deep SQ", but, I have always ordered and/or given IM......

arcticnurse82 · Sep 7, 2005

B12 is IM...give myself them all the time. Depending on the location and size of the person, a 1"-11/2 inch needle is used. Use the z-track method so that the medicine absorbs better and not follow back up the "hole" you created by the needle. Also, putting an airbubble helps keep the medicine from escaping.

I use a TB syringe or a 3cc syringe if I cannot find another syring, and use a 23 or 25 guage needle, since B12 is not thick. Hope this helps, rather than confuse you.

arcticnurse82

Hi I need some help with a B- 12 injection. It is to be given deep sub Q, not IM so just trying to figure the needle & syringe selection.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2005

Every order I have ever encountered say's IM. However, any med drug book will tell you it can be given either way IM or SUBQ....