IACUC Guideline
RODENT INJECTIONS FOR DELIVERY OF EXPERIMENTAL AGENTS
Introduction
Injections are used to deliver experimental and pharmaceutical agents to patients. Understanding the different
injection techniques with regards to rate of delivery as well as volume limits is important when choosing the
appropriate injection method. Properties of the article being injected must also be considered to ensure it does
not cause irritation if given via the selected technique. Certain injection sites may require restraint of animals
and/or general anesthesia of the animal. Please consult with ULAR veterinary staff for more information and
recommendations.
Speed of entry into systemic circulation (fastest to slowest)
IV
intravenous
IP
intraperitoneal
IM
intramuscular
SQ
subcutaneous
ID
intradermal
Sites for administration
IV
tail vein, retro-orbital sinus
IP
lower left or right quadrant
IM
quadriceps, hamstring
SQ back (scruff), flank
ID
flank
Alternative Administration route
PO by mouth (oral gavage; in drinking water)
Determining Injection Volumes
To determine calculated injection volume (typically measured in “ml”) multiply animal weight (kg) x
dose (mg/kg) and divide by the concentration (mg/ml).
Route
Dose (in mL/ kg)
Weight (in kg)
0.020
0.025
0.030
0.035
0.040
0.045
0.050
Mouse Injection Limits in mL/ kg
PO
SQ
10
10
0.20mL
0.25mL
0.30mL
0.35mL
0.40mL
0.45mL
0.50mL
0.20mL
0.25mL
0.30mL
0.35mL
0.40mL
0.45mL
0.50mL
IP
20
IM*
0.05
IV(bolus**)
5
IV (slow)
25
0.40mL
0.50mL
0.60mL
0.70mL
0.80mL
0.90mL
1.00mL
0.001mL
0.001mL
0.001mL
0.002mL
0.002mL
0.002mL
0.002mL
0.10mL
0.13mL
0.15mL
0.18mL
0.20mL
0.23mL
0.25mL
0.50mL
0.63mL
0.75mL
0.88mL
1.00mL
1.13mL
1.25mL
*Technique is discouraged in mice due to small muscle mass
**A bolus is a larger dose given over a shorter period of time
APPROVED
6/28/2016
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IACUC Guideline
RODENT INJECTIONS FOR DELIVERY OF EXPERIMENTAL AGENTS
Rat Injection Limits in mL/ kg
Dose (in mL/ kg)
Weight (in kg)
0.200
0.225
0.250
0.275
0.300
0.325
0.350
0.375
0.400
0.425
0.450
0.475
0.500
0.525
0.550
0.575
0.600
0.625
0.650
0.675
0.700
PO
10
SQ
5
IP
10
IM
0.1
IV(bolus**)
5
IV (slow)
20
2.0mL
2.2 mL
2.5 mL
2.7 mL
3.0 mL
3.2 mL
3.5 mL
3.7 mL
4.0 mL
4.2 mL
4.5 mL
4.7 mL
5.0 mL
5.2 mL
5.5 mL
5.7 mL
6.0 mL
6.2 mL
6.5 mL
6.7 mL
7.0 mL
1.0mL
1.1mL
1.2mL
1.3mL
1.5mL
1.6mL
1.7mL
1.8mL
2.0mL
2.1mL
2.2mL
2.3mL
2.5mL
2.6mL
2.7mL
2.8mL
3.0mL
3.1mL
3.2mL
3.3mL
3.5mL
2.0mL
2.2 mL
2.5 mL
2.7 mL
3.0 mL
3.2 mL
3.5 mL
3.7 mL
4.0 mL
4.2 mL
4.5 mL
4.7 mL
5.0 mL
5.2 mL
5.5 mL
5.7 mL
6.0 mL
6.2 mL
6.5 mL
6.7 mL
7.0 mL
0.02mL
0.02mL
0.02mL
0.02mL
0.03mL
0.03mL
0.03mL
0.03mL
0.04mL
0.04mL
0.04mL
0.04mL
0.05mL
0.05mL
0.05mL
0.05mL
0.06mL
0.06mL
0.06mL
0.06mL
0.07mL
1.0mL
1.1 mL
1.25 mL
1.35 mL
1.5 mL
1.6 mL
1.75 mL
1.85 mL
2.0 mL
2.1 mL
2.25 mL
2.35 mL
2.5 mL
2.6 mL
2.75 mL
2.85 mL
3.0 mL
3.1 mL
3.25 mL
3.35 mL
3.5 mL
4.0mL
4.5 mL
5.0 mL
5.5 mL
6.0 mL
6.5 mL
7.0 mL
7.5 mL
8.0 mL
8.5 mL
9.0 mL
9.5 mL
10.0 mL
10.5 mL
11.0 mL
11.5 mL
12.0 mL
12.5 mL
13.0 mL
13.5 mL
14.0 mL
**A bolus is a larger dose given over a shorter period of time
References
Dielh,Karl-Heinz, et. al. A Good Practice Guide to the Administration of Substances and Removal of Blood,
Including Routes and Volumes. Journal of Applied Toxicology. 2010. 21(2001), 15–23. http://www.univangers.fr/Images/documents/Labo/ethicAnimal/good_practice_lab_animals.pdf.
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