Which angle is used for intradermal injections?

• A. 90 degrees
• B. 45 degrees
• C. 10-15 degrees
• D. 25 degrees

Answer: (C)

Intradermal injections target the dermis, a very superficial layer just beneath the epidermis. To stay in that layer, you insert the needle at a shallow angle relative to the skin—about 10 to 15 degrees. This gentle angle helps the needle stay within the dermis and usually produces a small wheal, which is a sign that the injection is in the right place. If you angle the needle more steeply, it will reach deeper tissues: a 90-degree angle goes into the muscle, while around 45 degrees tends to go into subcutaneous tissue. A 25-degree angle is still too deep for an intradermal injection. So the 10–15 degree angle is the best approach for intradermal injections.