When using a ⅝-inch needle for a subcutaneous injection, what angle should be used?

When administering a subcutaneous injection with a ⅝-inch needle, utilizing a 45-degree angle is the appropriate technique for several reasons. This angle allows for proper placement of the needle into the subcutaneous tissue without reaching too deep into muscle, which is essential for effective medication absorption. The goal of a subcutaneous injection is to target the fatty tissue layer just beneath the skin, and a 45-degree angle helps ensure that the needle enters this layer without penetrating into the muscle tissue.

Using this angle also reduces the risk of pain or injury to the surrounding tissues, enhances comfort for the patient, and minimizes the likelihood of complications such as hitting a blood vessel. While a 90-degree angle can also be used in some cases, it is typically reserved for situations where a larger volume of medication is administered or when the clinician determines that the subcutaneous tissue is adequately thick. Thus, for a typical subcutaneous injection, especially in standard practice with a ⅝-inch needle, a 45-degree angle is the recommended approach for ensuring safe and effective administration.