HOW TO GIVE SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTIONS
Ready, Set, Go!
Step 1: Gathering Supplies
Step 2: Injection Checklist
Step 2: Injection Checklist
Before beginning, it is important to make sure that you have gathered all necessary supplies. These include:
- Alcohol pads
- Disposable syringe
- Medication vial
- Adhesive bandage
- Sharps container
Step 2: Injection Checklist
Step 2: Injection Checklist
Step 2: Injection Checklist
Begin by reviewing this checklist to ensure the procedure is done correctly:
- Wash and dry or sanitize hands before handling the injection supplies
- Check the syringe for being opened or damaged, get another syringe if you notice anything wrong with it
- Always use the exact dose that you have been prescribed
- Don’t allow the needle to touch any
Begin by reviewing this checklist to ensure the procedure is done correctly:
- Wash and dry or sanitize hands before handling the injection supplies
- Check the syringe for being opened or damaged, get another syringe if you notice anything wrong with it
- Always use the exact dose that you have been prescribed
- Don’t allow the needle to touch anything other than the medication vial. Do not remove the cap until you are ready to insert the needle
- Call our office if you are unsure about any step in the process
Step 3: Preparing the Injection and Injection site
Step 3: Preparing the Injection and Injection site
Step 3: Preparing the Injection and Injection site
Here’s how to prepare your injection:
1. Select and Clean the Injection Site: Choose a site that is accessible and appropriate for the volume of medication needed. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it air dry.
2. Prepare the Medication Vial: Remove the cap from the vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
3. Check th
Here’s how to prepare your injection:
1. Select and Clean the Injection Site: Choose a site that is accessible and appropriate for the volume of medication needed. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it air dry.
2. Prepare the Medication Vial: Remove the cap from the vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
3. Check the Syringe Package: Inspect the syringe package. If it is open or damaged, discard it and use a new one. Otherwise, remove the syringe from the container.
4. Handle the Needle: Remove the cover from the needle, holding it as you would a pen. Avoid letting the needle come into contact with any surfaces.
5. Draw Air into the Syringe: Pull back on the plunger to fill the syringe with air equal to the prescribed dose of medication.
6. Prepare the Vial: Place the vial on a flat surface. Insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper and push the plunger to expel the air into the vial.
7. Draw the Medication: With the needle still in the vial, turn the vial upside down. Pull back on the plunger to draw the medication into the syringe, ensuring you get the correct dose.
8. Remove Air Bubbles: Check for air bubbles by tapping the side of the syringe. If present, gently depress the plunger to expel the air.
9. Verify the Dose: Confirm you have the correct dose of medication in the syringe before removing the needle from the vial.
10. Proceed Carefully: Do not lay the needle down or let it touch anything before proceeding with the injection.
Step 4: Injecting Your Medication
Step 3: Preparing the Injection and Injection site
Step 3: Preparing the Injection and Injection site
Select your injection site, with the abdomen being a common choice for subcutaneous injections due to its accessibility. To avoid skin irritation and scarring, consider rotating your injection sites regularly.
1. Prepare the Site: Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger, then clean the chosen area with an alcohol swab. Allow
Select your injection site, with the abdomen being a common choice for subcutaneous injections due to its accessibility. To avoid skin irritation and scarring, consider rotating your injection sites regularly.
1. Prepare the Site: Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger, then clean the chosen area with an alcohol swab. Allow the site to air dry for 5-15 seconds.
2. Insert the Needle: Hold the needle at a 90-degree angle to the skin. With a steady, smooth motion, insert the needle straight into the skin, positioning it between the skin and the underlying muscle.
3. Administer the Injection: Gently press the plunger to inject the medication. Count to three to ensure the full dose has been administered.
4. Finish the Process: Remove the needle in a straight motion and apply an adhesive bandage to the site.
5. Dispose of the Needle: Place the used needle in a sharps container for safe disposal.