What angle should be used for a subcutaneous injection?

The appropriate angle for a subcutaneous injection is typically 45 degrees. Administering at this angle ensures that the medication is injected into the subcutaneous tissue, which is just beneath the skin, rather than deeper into the muscle or under the skin. This angle helps to reduce the risk of hitting muscle tissue, which can cause increased pain and discomfort as well as alter the absorption of the medication.

At 45 degrees, the needle enters the skin at a trajectory that allows for effective delivery into the subcutaneous layer, maximizing absorption and minimizing complications. Other angles, such as 30 degrees, may not penetrate deeply enough into the subcutaneous tissue for effective delivery, while angles such as 60 or 90 degrees could risk injecting into muscle or causing unnecessary trauma to the tissue, potentially affecting absorption rates and causing more pain for the patient.