The needle is held at what angle to the skin for subcutaneous injections?

For subcutaneous injections, the needle is typically held at a 45-degree angle to the skin. This angle allows for the most effective delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue while minimizing discomfort. Holding the needle at a 45-degree angle helps ensure that the medication is deposited in the fatty layer beneath the skin without risk of penetrating too deeply into underlying tissues, such as muscle, which can occur at larger angles, like 90 degrees.

While a smaller angle, such as 30 degrees, may also be used in certain situations, the 45-degree angle strikes a balance between minimizing pain and ensuring the medication is correctly administered into the intended tissue layer. Other angles, like 60 degrees, are not standard for subcutaneous injections and can result in inefficient delivery or discomfort for the patient. Therefore, the 45-degree angle is generally preferred for its efficacy and patient comfort.