A thoroughly cleaned, sterile needle and syringe should be used for each injection (needles and syringes may be sterilized in boiling water for 15 minutes). Before withdrawing the solution from the bottle, disinfect the rubber cap top with 70% alcohol. The injection site should be similarly disinfected with alcohol. Needles of 16 to 18 gauge and 1 to 1.5 inches long are adequate for intramuscular injections.
In livestock intramuscular injections should be made by directing the needle of suitable gauge and length into the fleshy part of a thick muscle, such as rump, hip, or thigh region; avoid blood vessels and major nerves. Before injecting the solution, pull back gently on the plunger. If blood appears in the syringe, a blood vessel has been entered; withdraw the needle and select a different site.