IM/IA (Intra-Articular) injection is a type of injection that is administered into a joint or muscle. Here are some general steps on how to use IM/IA injection:
- Gather the necessary supplies: You will need a sterile syringe, a sterile needle, alcohol wipes, and the medication to be administered.
- Choose the injection site: Your healthcare professional will determine the appropriate injection site based on the joint or muscle that needs to be treated.
- Prepare the injection site: Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.
- Draw up the medication: Pull back on the plunger of the syringe to draw up the medication into the syringe. Make sure to remove any air bubbles in the syringe by gently tapping the syringe and pushing out the bubbles.
- Insert the needle: Hold the syringe at a 90-degree angle to the skin and insert the needle quickly and firmly into the joint or muscle.
- Aspirate: Pull back slightly on the plunger of the syringe to check for blood. If blood appears in the syringe, withdraw the needle and choose a new injection site.
- Inject the medication: Slowly push the plunger of the syringe to inject the medication into the joint or muscle.
- Remove the needle: Quickly and smoothly remove the needle from the joint or muscle.
- Apply pressure: Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a clean cotton ball or gauze to help stop any bleeding.
- Dispose of the syringe and needle: Place the used syringe and needle in a puncture-resistant container and dispose of it as directed by your healthcare professional.
Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional when using IM/IA injection. Additionally, inform your healthcare professional of any medications or supplements you are taking to ensure they do not interfere with the medication.
An IM (intramuscular) or IA (intra-articular) injection is a type of injection that is given into the muscle tissue or joint space. This type of injection is used to administer medications that need to be absorbed slowly or that cannot be given by other routes, such as orally or topically.
Here are the general steps for giving an IM or IA injection:
- Wash your hands and put on gloves if required.
- Select the appropriate site for the injection, such as the deltoid muscle in the upper arm or the joint space in the knee or shoulder.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad or swab and allow it to air dry.
- Hold the syringe like a pencil with the bevel of the needle facing up.
- Use your other hand to stretch the skin taut at the injection site.
- Insert the needle into the muscle or joint space at a 90-degree angle, using a smooth and steady motion.
- Once the needle is inserted into the tissue, aspirate to make sure you have not hit a blood vessel. If blood appears in the syringe, remove the needle and start over.
- Inject the medication slowly and steadily by pushing the plunger with your thumb or fingers.
- Withdraw the needle at the same angle it was inserted and apply pressure to the injection site with a gauze pad or cotton ball.
- Dispose of the used needle and syringe in a sharps container and remove your gloves.
It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider when giving an IM or IA injection, including the proper dose and injection site. If you have any questions or concerns about giving an IM or IA injection, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.