Needle size for IM ROA

[explorer83]

The only needles I have access to are 5ml 21G and 1 1/2inch. Is this to big for IMing? I'm not a fan of needles, but I've heard such horrible things about insuffulation drip from DPT and I have sinus problems as it is.

I've read the FAQ for Injection safety and it states to use a larger gauge needle, which I believe means a smaller needle. I read about injection location but not about depth. What is the proper depth?

 

[Makaveli69]

I have never IM'd but I would never stick a 21 gauge in me, if I was going to IM I'd go with a 25 or 24.

 

[explorer83]

I thought that it was probably too big. I'm not into needles at all but there are a couple of chems on my list that IM is considered by many to be the preferred ROA. DPT and Ketamine, specifically.

 

[Swerlz]

A good gauge is around 22-25 for water/oils

 

[explorer83]

A good gauge is around 22-25 for water/oils

Is there that much of a difference between 21 and 22 gauge?

 

[Swerlz]

you can get away with using a 21g. I wouldn't use them often as your butt or wherever will look terrible. I've IMd with 21g needles no problem. Just kinda stings a lil more than a smaller gauge would. It just looks intimating.

 

[hexcollie]

holy shit, i would never stick a 21g needle in my body. Hit up the local CVS and get some 27g at the largest. just tell the pharmacist or pharm tech that you'll be using them to mix concentrated dyes for natural fibers (if they even ask you). Always gets a funny look, but always works for me.

 

[explorer83]

holy shit, i would never stick a 21g needle in my body. Hit up the local CVS and get some 27g at the largest. just tell the pharmacist or pharm tech that you'll be using them to mix concentrated dyes for natural fibers (if they even ask you). Always gets a funny look, but always works for me.

I've never used needles before at all. What gauge are typical insulin needles? Would that be a good excuse?

 

[hexcollie]

29 or 30 gauge is pretty standard for insulin, and won't leave a nasty bruise so long as you only use them once or twice (MAXIMUM). Insulin is a bad excuse to use at the pharmacy because they will ask you for proof of your prescription a lot of the time. Like i said, go with the "mixing concentrated dyes" excuse. never fails me

 

[explorer83]

29 or 30 gauge is pretty standard for insulin, and won't leave a nasty bruise so long as you only use them once or twice (MAXIMUM). Insulin is a bad excuse to use at the pharmacy because they will ask you for proof of your prescription a lot of the time. Like i said, go with the "mixing concentrated dyes" excuse. never fails me

Sounds good. Thanks for the info! I'm not a teenager and don't look shady so I bet they won't question me too much.

One more thing. In what quantity are they usually sold? a case, etc.?

Also, what length should the tip be? 1/2" or 1"?

 

[Mugz]

The higher the gauge the better in my opinion, using a 29 was much nicer than when I had to use a 25. I would imagine using a 21 would be rather painful.