8.4.1: Deltoid Site

The deltoid muscle is a triangular-shaped muscle located at the top of the shoulder near the upper arm. This site is for adults only and is used to administer small amounts of fluid, 0.5–1mL. The needle length is 5/8 inch to 1½ inch, and the gauge is 22–25. The patient is usually in a seated position during this administration type. To locate the deltoid muscle, find and palpate the acromion process, a bony prominence in the area where the arm meets the shoulder. Place a finger on the acromion process and measure two fingerbreadths below. Use the other hand to make a V shape with your fingers using the fingers below the acromion process as the top of an upside-down triangle. The center of this triangle is the largest part of the deltoid muscle in most patients. This technique will help to avoid injecting into the axillary nerve or the brachial artery.

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