Why 21G × 1.25" with PrecisionGlide Technology for Deep IM and Viscous Medications

The 21-gauge needle (0.8mm outer diameter) provides the larger bore necessary for viscous medications, oil-based hormones, thick antibiotic suspensions, and blood draws where adequate flow rate is essential—the wider lumen significantly reduces injection time and pressure required compared to smaller gauges. The 1.25-inch (32mm) length ensures proper penetration into deep muscle tissue in adult patients, particularly valuable for deltoid injections in larger adults and ventrogluteal site where adequate needle length is critical to reach muscle beyond subcutaneous fat layers. BD's PrecisionGlide technology features triple-sharpened bevels with precision-engineered angles that reduce insertion force despite the larger diameter, minimizing tissue trauma while the thin-wall cannula design optimizes internal diameter to provide superior flow rates.

Key Features & Benefits

Key Features:

• 21-gauge (21G) needle with 0.8mm outer diameter for viscous medications
• 1.25-inch (32mm) length for deep intramuscular injections
• PrecisionGlide technology with triple-sharpened bevel
• Thin-wall cannula construction for optimized flow rate
• High-quality stainless steel for consistent sharpness
• Color-coded hub (green for 21G per ISO standards)
• Transparent hub for blood flashback visualization
• Compatible with Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes
• Electropolished surface reduces friction
• Sterile, individually packaged
• Box of 100 needles for clinical inventory
• Latex-free construction
• Single-use, disposable design

Benefits:

• Larger bore accommodates viscous medications without excessive force
• Extended length ensures deep muscle penetration in adults
• Faster flow rate reduces injection and blood draw time
• PrecisionGlide technology maintains smooth penetration
• Triple-sharpened bevel minimizes tissue trauma
• Color-coded hub enables quick gauge identification
• Sterile packaging ensures infection control
• Latex-free protects sensitive patients and staff
• Reliable BD quality with consistent performance

Clinical Applications

BD PrecisionGlide 21G × 1.25" hypodermic needles are appropriate for:

✓ Deep intramuscular injections in deltoid muscle (larger adults) ✓ Intramuscular injections in ventrogluteal site ✓ Viscous medication administration (oil-based hormones, thick suspensions) ✓ Long-acting antipsychotic injections ✓ Testosterone and hormone replacement therapy ✓ Vitamin B12 injections in oil base ✓ Thick antibiotic suspensions ✓ Immunoglobulin IM administration ✓ Blood sample collection from veins ✓ Venipuncture for laboratory specimens ✓ Fluid aspiration procedures ✓ Z-track injection technique ✓ Vaccine administration when IM route specified ✓ Emergency medication requiring rapid delivery ✓ Drawing medications from vials ✓ Routine clinical injections in adults

Usage & Application

Setup and Preparation:

• Verify medication order and patient identity
• Gather supplies and perform hand hygiene
• Inspect needle package for integrity and expiration
• Attach needle to appropriate syringe (Luer Lock or Luer Slip)
• Draw medication using aseptic technique
• Replace needle if drawing from ampule (prevents glass particles)

Intramuscular Injection:

• Select appropriate site (deltoid, ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis)
• Clean site with alcohol and allow to dry 30 seconds
• Stretch skin taut (do not pinch for IM)
• Insert at 90-degree angle with quick, smooth motion
• Insert to full 1.25" depth (to hub or near-hub)
• Aspirate per protocol to check for blood return
• Inject medication slowly and steadily
• Withdraw needle quickly at same angle
• Apply gentle pressure and massage (unless contraindicated)

Blood Draw:

• Apply tourniquet 3-4 inches above puncture site
• Select and anchor vein
• Clean site with alcohol
• Insert needle at 15-30 degree angle with bevel up
• Advance until blood flashback visible
• Release tourniquet and collect sample
• Remove needle and apply firm pressure 2-5 minutes

Viscous Medications:

• Ideal gauge for oil-based and thick medications
• Warm medication to room temperature if appropriate
• Use slow, steady pressure during injection
• Z-track technique recommended for irritating medications
• Insert to full depth to ensure proper muscle deposition

Post-Procedure:

• Do not recap needle (needlestick injury risk)
• Dispose immediately in sharps container
• Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
• Document medication, dose, route, site, time, and patient response
• Monitor patient for adverse reactions

Special Considerations:

• Obese patients: 1.25" appropriate for adequate depth
• Thin/cachectic patients: May be excessive—consider 1" needle
• Anticoagulated patients: Apply pressure longer, monitor for hematoma
• Viscous medications: Excellent choice for oil-based hormones and thick suspensions
• Blood draws: Provides good flow rate with minimal hemolysis

Technical Specifications

Product Details:

• Manufacturer: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)
• Product Line: PrecisionGlide™
• Needle Gauge: 21G (0.8mm outer diameter)
• Needle Length: 1.25 inches (1¼", 32mm)
• Bevel Type: Regular bevel with PrecisionGlide technology
• Bevel Features: Triple-sharpened edges, precision-engineered angle
• Cannula Material: Surgical-grade stainless steel
• Cannula Type: Thin-wall construction for optimized flow
• Surface Treatment: Electropolished for reduced friction
• Hub Color: Green (per ISO 6009 color coding for 21G)
• Hub Material: Medical-grade polypropylene
• Hub Type: Transparent for blood flashback visualization
• Connection Type: Universal hub compatible with Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes
• Sterility: Sterile, individually packaged
• Sterilization Method: Ethylene oxide (EtO) or gamma radiation
• Latex Content: Latex-free (no natural rubber latex)
• DEHP-Free: Yes
• Expiration: Typically 5 years from manufacture (check packages)
• Packaging: Box of 100 individually packaged needles
• Intended Use: Intramuscular injection, blood draws, aspiration
• Patient Population: Adults, larger adolescents
• Regulatory Status: FDA-cleared medical device, Class II
• Standards Compliance:
  • ISO 7864 (sterile hypodermic single-use needles)
  • ISO 9626 (stainless steel needle tubing)
  • ISO 6009 (needle color coding)
  • USP standards for sharpness and sterility