Please ensure that you have completed the sharps safety page in conjunction with this page, click to complete here
Read the illustrated guide to intramuscular injections on ClinicalSkills.net here:
You will need to be logged into ClinicalSkills.net to use these pages: Go to ClinicalSkills.net, click login at the top, enter your user name and password. You must have set up your account to do this. For further information on how to login to your ClinicalSkills.net account please click here: How to Login to ClinicalSkills.net
Please take note, the first 4 links are generic instructions shown on adults, the last link contains information of the different locations for injection for different age ranges.
Intramuscular injection using the deltoid site
Intramuscular injection using the dorsogluteal site
Intramuscular injection using the vastus lateralis site
Click on the button below to navigate to the 'Take a Test' area of ClinicalSkills.net. Please make sure you're logged into ClinicalSkills.net already, otherwise you may not be able to open and take the test. Once you have reached the 'Take a Test' area, select 'Local Tests' and then click on the test called 'Intramuscular Injection (General) - Child' to begin. You will need to score 80% or more to pass. Make sure you've read the ClinicalSkills.net procedure thoroughly before taking the test as many of the answers will be found within there!
Here you can open the step by step virtual checklist, which you can use on a smartphone or tablet:
Alternatively, you may wish to use the paper version of this, which you can open here (and print if required):
If you'd like a step by step checklist for one of the other possible IM injection sites (dorsogluteal or vastus lateralis) these can be found on the individual ClinicalSkills.net pages listed above in the 'Read' section.
The Effect of Distraction cards on reducing pain and anxiety during intramuscular injection in Children
Date reviewed:
Next review: August 2023