Shorter needles, typically shorter than ½ inch, are generally used for intravenous (IV) injections.
The choice of needle size for injections depends on the route of administration and the patient's specific needs. Here's a comparison:
| Injection Type | Needle Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Intravenous (IV) | Shorter (shorter than ½ inch) | To deliver medication or fluids directly into a vein. |
| Intramuscular (IM) | Longer (½ inch or longer) | To deliver medication into a muscle. |
The reference specifically states that "shorter (shorter than ½ inch) needles are more often used for intravenous injections." This is because veins are located closer to the surface of the skin compared to muscles. A shorter needle minimizes the risk of accidentally injecting the medication into deeper tissues. Different sized needles are used for different purposes.
