Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in several body functions. The National Institute of Health notes B12 is important for energy production, protein and fat metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve health. Vitamin B12 deficiencies may be caused by diseases such as pernicious anemia, fibromyalgia and Crohn's disease. A protein compound called instrinsic factor is necessary for the body to absorb dietary B12 from the stomach. In some individuals malabsorption causes low levels of this important nutrient and intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 are necessary. These shots are typically given in a doctor's office or clinic.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water and put on a pair of protective latex gloves.
Arrange all the other items on a tray or counter and ask the patient to roll up his sleeve so the upper arm is exposed.
Step 2
Record the batch number of vitamin B12 in the patient's chart or in the home records if giving the shot to a family member. Cleanse the top of the vial with alcohol and a gauze pad. Unwrap the new syringe and poke the needle through the vial of vitamin B12. Draw the B12 liquid into the syringe by turning the vial upside down and pulling the syringe's plunger back slowly. Ensure air bubbles are not drawn into the syringe by pushing a small amount of fluid back into the vial, and set it aside carefully with the cap on the needle.
Step 3
Locate the area on the patient's outer upper arm that is roughly at the intersection of the deltoid or shoulder muscle and the bicep or upper-arm muscle. Cleanse this area in a circular motion with alcohol on a gauze pad.
Step 4
Uncap the needle and pick it up with your dominant hand so your thumb is on top of the plunger. With the other hand pinch the edges of the injection site between your thumb and forefinger so the muscle is raised in the middle.
Step 5
Plunge the needle deep into the muscle. Draw the plunger back slightly to ensure you are not in a blood vessel. The needle should be in a muscle and blood should not be drawn up. Push the plunger down in one smooth motion to inject all the vitamin B12 into the muscle. Draw the needle out and click on the safety cap immediately. Place a gauze pad firmly over the injection site and hold it for a few seconds before placing a bandage on it. Dispose of the needle in a biomedical waste box or other safe method.
Tips and Warnings
- Be sure to push the needle deep into the muscle. A vitamin B12 shot is an intramuscular injection, not a subcutaneous one under the skin. Use a new needle each time a vitamin B12 injection is given, even if it is on the same patient.
- Check the expiration date on the vitamin B12 vial before giving an injection. Record all injections in the patient's chart. An injection can also be given in the muscle of the buttocks. It should be given at the top edge of the muscle to avoid hitting the sciatic nerve that runs in the middle of this muscle.
Things You'll Need
- Vial of Vitamin B12 solution
- Syringe
- Latex gloves
- Gauze
- Rubbing alcohol
- Band-Aid
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