If you hit a blood vessel during an intramuscular (IM) injection, the immediate sign is that you will see blood in the syringe when you attempt to draw back on the plunger (a process known as aspiration). This indicates that the needle has entered a blood vessel rather than remaining solely within the muscle tissue.
What to Do If You Hit a Blood Vessel
If you observe blood in the syringe during an intramuscular injection, it is crucial to take immediate and specific steps to ensure safety and the effectiveness of the medication. The general guideline is to avoid injecting the medicine into a blood vessel if it is intended for intramuscular delivery.
Here are the essential actions to take:
- Withdraw the Needle: Immediately and gently pull the needle completely out of the skin. Do not proceed with the injection.
- Do Not Inject the Medicine: Under no circumstances should you inject the medicine into the blood vessel. The medication is formulated for absorption within muscle tissue, and intravenous (IV) administration could lead to rapid absorption or other adverse effects not intended for the specific drug.
- Discard Safely: Dispose of the used needle and syringe immediately and safely. This should be done in a designated sharps container or a special puncture-resistant container designed for needles to prevent accidental needle sticks.
- Prepare a New Dose: Prepare a new syringe with a fresh, new dose of the medicine for the injection. Do not reuse the contaminated needle or the medication from the syringe that contained blood.
- Choose a New Site: Select a different, appropriate site for the new injection to minimize the risk of hitting another blood vessel.
By following these steps, you help ensure the medication is administered correctly and safely, preventing potential complications associated with unintended intravenous injection.
