📏 Volume (mL) Sizes
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0.5 mL
Insulin/allergy doses, pediatric medications
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1 mL
Standard IM injections (vaccines, testosterone, B12)
-
3 mL
Larger volume IM injections
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5-10 mL
Reconstitution, irrigation, larger doses
🔍 Gauge Selection
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18G-20G
Thick medications, drawing from vials (larger bore)
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21G-23G
Standard IM injections (oil-based, viscous medications)
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25G-27G
Standard IM/SQ injections (water-based medications, vaccines)
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28G-30G
SQ injections, insulin, thin medications
📐 Needle Length
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1/2" (0.5 inch)
SQ injections, thin patients
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5/8" (0.625 inch)
SQ injections, standard
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1" (1 inch)
IM injections (deltoid), SQ for larger patients
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1.5" (1.5 inch)
IM injections (gluteal, ventrogluteal)
🔒 Luer Lock vs. Non-Luer Lock
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Luer Lock
Needle screws onto syringe, more secure, prevents detachment, required for high-pressure applications
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Non-Luer Lock (Slip Tip)
Needle pushes onto syringe, easier/faster attachment, suitable for routine injections
💊 Tuberculin/Allergy Syringes
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Tuberculin (1 mL)
Precise measurement for TB testing, allergy testing, pediatric doses
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Allergy syringes
Specific markings for allergen immunotherapy