Administering a subcutaneous injection involves injecting medication into the
subcutaneous tissue layer, which is located just below the skin. Subcutaneous injections
are commonly used for various medications, such as peptides, hormone therapies, and
certain vaccinations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a subcutaneous
injection:
1. Gather your supplies: Medication prescribed by your healthcare provider
Syringe (appropriate size for the prescribed dose)
Needle (usually a short, thin needle specifically designed for
subcutaneous injections)
Alcohol swabs
Sharps container (for safe disposal of used needles)
Cotton ball or gauze (optional)
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them.
3. Prepare the medication: Check the label to ensure you have the correct medication and dosage.
Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or
the medication's package insert.
Draw the medication into the syringe according to the prescribed dose.
4. Choose the injection site: Common injection sites for subcutaneous injections include the upper
arms, abdomen (around the navel), and thighs. Your healthcare provider
will usually advise you on the best site for your specific medication.
Rotate injection sites to prevent excessive discomfort or tissue damage.
5. Prepare the injection site: Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion, starting
from the center and moving outward.
Allow the area to air dry completely.
6. Prepare the syringe: Remove the needle cap, taking care not to touch the needle or allow it to
come into contact with any surface.
Hold the syringe with the needle pointing upward, tap the side gently to
remove any air bubbles, and push the plunger to expel any excess
medication until a small drop appears at the tip of the needle
7. Administer the injection: Pinch the skin at the cleaned injection site gently between your thumb and
forefinger to create a small mound.
Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart, with your dominant hand.
Insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle, depending on
the length of the needle and the amount of subcutaneous tissue.
Slowly push the plunger with steady, gentle pressure to inject the
medication.
Once the medication is injected, remove the needle swiftly and discard it
into a sharps container.
8. Apply pressure and clean up: If there's any bleeding at the injection site, apply light pressure with a
cotton ball or gauze until it stops.
Dispose of used needles, syringes, and other sharps appropriately in a
sharps container.
Dispose of any other used materials, such as alcohol swabs, according to
local regulations.
Remember, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified
healthcare professional for specific instructions and to ensure you're performing the
injection correctly, especially if you're doing it for the first time or have any concerns.
Administering Subcutaneous Injection
1. Gather your supplies:
Medication prescribed by your healthcare provider
Syringe (appropriate size for the prescribed dose)
Needle (usually a short, thin needle specifically designed for subcutaneous injections)
Alcohol swabs
Sharps container (for safe disposal of used needles)
Cotton ball or gauze (optional)
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them.
3. Prepare the medication:
Check the label to ensure you have the correct medication and dosage.
Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medication's package insert.
Draw the medication into the syringe according to the prescribed dose.
4. Choose the injection site:
Common injection sites for subcutaneous injections include the upper arms, abdomen (around the navel), and thighs. Your healthcare provider will usually advise you on the best site for your specific medication.
Rotate injection sites to prevent excessive discomfort or tissue damage.
5. Prepare the injection site:
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward.
Allow the area to air dry completely.
6. Prepare the syringe:
Remove the needle cap, taking care not to touch the needle or allow it to come into contact with any surface.
Hold the syringe with the needle pointing upward, tap the side gently to remove any air bubbles, and push the plunger to expel any excess medication until a small drop appears at the tip of the needle
7. Administer the injection:
Pinch the skin at the cleaned injection site gently between your thumb and forefinger to create a small mound.
Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart, with your dominant hand.
Insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle, depending on the length of the needle and the amount of subcutaneous tissue.
Slowly push the plunger with steady, gentle pressure to inject the medication.
Once the medication is injected, remove the needle swiftly and discard it into a sharps container.
8. Apply pressure and clean up:
If there's any bleeding at the injection site, apply light pressure with a cotton ball or gauze until it stops.
Dispose of used needles, syringes, and other sharps appropriately in a sharps container.
Dispose of any other used materials, such as alcohol swabs, according to local regulations.
Remember, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified healthcare professional for specific instructions and to ensure you're performing the injection correctly, especially if you're doing it for the first time or have any concerns.