Checklist for Intramuscular Injection
1) Introduce yourself to the patient including your name
and role.
2) Confirm the patient's identity.
3) Briefly explain what the procedure will involve using
patient-friendly language.
4) Check the patient's understanding of the medication
being administered and explain the indication for the
treatment.
5) Gain consent to proceed with intramuscular injection.
6) Check for any contraindications to performing an
intramuscular injection (active infection, cellulitis, or
dermatitis at the site of administration).
7) Check if the patient has any allergies.
8) Ask if the patient has a preferred injection site. If the
patient is receiving regular intramuscular injections,
ensure that the injection sites are rotated.
9) Ask the patient if they have any pain before continuing
with the clinical procedure.
10) Gather all the necessary equipment (Gloves, Alcohol
swab/Spirit, Cotton balls, appropriate Syringe with
needle, Drug, Bandage/tape).
11) Wash your hands.
12) Wear the gloves.
13) Remove the syringe & needle from packaging and
dispose of the packaging.
14) Attach the needle firmly to the syringe.
15) Draw-up the appropriate medication into the syringe
using a drawing-up needle.
16) Position the patient so that they are sitting/lying down
comfortably.
17) Adequately expose the planned injection site for the
procedure (e.g. deltoid).
18) Clean the site by wiping the area from the centre of
the injection site working outwards in a circular
motion, without going over the same area twice.
19) Apply the solution for 30 seconds then allow it to dry
completely.
20) Remove cap from the needle.
21) Ask patient to relax the target muscle.
22) Gently place traction on the skin with your non-
dominant hand away from the injection site.
23) If the patient is elderly with reduced muscle mass or
the patient is very thin, do not apply traction, instead,
bunch the muscle up to ensure adequate bulk before
injecting.
24) Warn the patient of a sharp but brief pain.
25) Holding the syringe like a dart in your dominant hand,
with the bevel facing upwards, pierce the skin at a 90°
angle.
26) Insert the needle quickly and firmly.
27) Aspirate to check the location of the needle. If blood
appears, withdraw the needle and start again.
28) If no blood appears, inject the contents of the syringe
whilst holding the barrel firmly.
29) Inject the medication slowly at a rate of approximately
1ml every 10 seconds.
30) Remove the needle at the same angle as the insertion
(90o) and place a cotton swab.
31) Ask the patient to hold the cotton swab by applying
gentle pressure over the injection site. Do not rub the
site.
32) Carefully recap the needle & immediately dispose it off
into a sharps container (Yellow-lidded).
33) Put bandage/tape over the cotton swab.
34) Dispose of your gloves and equipment into an
appropriate clinical waste bin.
35) Explain to the patient that the procedure is now
complete.
36) Wash your hands.
37) Discuss post-injection care.
38) Document the details of the procedure and the
medication administered.
