Needle size for thighs (conflicting beliefs)

[Animal1852]

So I am on a test E cycle right now and I inject primarily into my thigh (Vastus Lateralis). While most people will tell you 1" will suffice I have read variations in nursing books and cdc recommendations. Most nursing techniques require one to use 22-25 gauge for IM in thigh but here's the interesting part - the needle sizes vary by weight and age. Some recommend up to 1.5 inches for thigh. A study I came across validated the idea that BF plays a critical role in needle size and proper medication delivery.

Now this may be my paranoia but this cycle I am at a higher BF than I ever have been at over 16% to under 22% (calipers have an error of atleast +/- 3%). I say this because I have been averaging around 18%. Should I use a 1.25" needle for my thigh or stick with 1"? How would one know if they are not delivering the test IM?

A friend of my said even if you don't deliver deep IM but you are deep/ deeper than Sub-q the medication will eventually still be absorbed but will take longer. I have yet to find a sure answer to this and would like feedback if this is only myth?

These sound like simple newbie questions, however, I think they are important to explore as many suggest 1" universally for Vastus Lateralis IMI when in fact this needle size can vary by gender, age, weight and BF.

Thanks for reading all that, please take the time to provide some input.

Animal

 

[estray]

1.5" is the one you should use. No need for a 22g harpoon though, 25g works just fine. Its goes a little slower but you can barely feel it. If you dont get it deep itll hurt alot more, especially in your quads.

 

[outlawtas]

I think your over analyzing it. I doubt you have a 1 inch layer of fat on your thighs. Needle gauge isn't relevant, except that you should try to get away with the smallest needle possible. I would say 1" is sufficient, I'd go 1.5" in the glutes though.

 

[AustinTX]

I think your over analyzing it. I doubt you have a 1 inch layer of fat on your thighs. Needle gauge isn't relevant, except that you should try to get away with the smallest needle possible. I would say 1" is sufficient, I'd go 1.5" in the glutes though.

I agree. Also at 18% BF, you're in the highish-"normal" range for most age groups.

A 400 lb, 60% BF piece of blubber may need a pretty long needle, but I can't imagine that at your BF, a 1" wouldn't be nicely seated in the muscle when injecting...

 

[TheMilkMan]

As the previous posters have said, I would use the smallest gauge needle possible. I have used 1.25" x 27g needles successfully in the past in my quads, but 1" x 25g are what I normally use. Unless you are incredibly fat, 1" should be enough length.

 

[outlawtas]

I have used 1.25" x 27g needles successfully in the past in my quads,

I should probably try those, my quads seem to very sensitive. I'm always hitting nerves.

/thread jack

 

[TheMilkMan]

I should probably try those, my quads seem to very sensitive. I'm always hitting nerves.

/thread jack

I had the same problem... When I found those, I was able to shoot multiple spots on my quads and so long as I wasn't shooting more than 4x a week, I was able to use my quads only.

 

[AustinTX]

I've used those too, can rotate from upper to mid to lower quad as well on one side.

Had a problem trying to use the 27g for glutes though, takes a little too much pressure at an awkward angle, so ended up moving the needle around too much and was pretty sore for a while.

 

[Biggin]

1in. is sufficient Imo.

 

[Animal1852]

Great to see all the feedback. I' ll stick with 1" x 23G for now the Aburaihan test is very thick don't think the 27G will cut it I have trouble getting it through a 23 after warming it up.

But yea I guess Outlaw your right I am probably just being paranoid.

Austin, I was just concerned about my BF being high and the bloat never been this heavy before. But thanks for the reassurance.

Gotta love this board. Thanks again everyone.

BTW Outlaw if you decide to use 27 I would recommend using it with something that is dissolved in EO. The syntrop test was clear and seemed like EO, it flew threw a 25 no problem.