How To Give Yourself A Subcutaneous Injection
Please read through all the instructions before doing your injection to familiarize yourself with all the steps. Please watch the video above before administer your injection for the first time.
Step 1: Select your injection site
This must be an area that has a layer of fat between the skin and muscle –where you can “pinch an inch”. This is called the subcutaneous tissue. The following parts of your body have great subcutaneous layers for injecting:
Outer surface of the upper arm
Top of thighs
Buttocks
Abdomen (except the navel or waistline)
Do NOT use the same site for injections each time – it is important to rotate injection sites. Rotate your injection sites in a regular pattern. You should be at least 1.5 inches away from your last injection site. Jot down on your calendar where you gave your last shot to help prevent giving the shot in the same place too soon.
Step 2: Cleanse the Area with Alcohol
Once you have selected your injection site, cleanse the area approximately 2 inches in diameter with a fresh alcohol pad or a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
Step 3: Let the Site Dry Naturally
Wait approximately 15 seconds for the site to dry. Do NOT blow on or fan the site.
Step 4: Remove the needle cap
Carefully take off the cap that covers the needle. Hold the syringe firmly in one hand, and use the other hand to pull the cap straight off—avoid twisting or bending it, as this can damage the needle. Be mindful not to touch the needle once the cap is removed, since keeping it sterile is essential for a safe injection.
Step 5: Pinch a Fold of Skin
Pinch a 1-2 inch fold of skin between your thumb and index finger.
Step 6: Hold the Syringe Correctly
Hold the syringe the way you would a pencil or dart.
Step 7: Insert the Needle at the Proper Angle
Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle to the pinched up skin. The needle should be completely covered by the skin. If you do this quickly, you will feel very little discomfort.
Step 8: Check for Blood Before Injecting
Hold the syringe with one hand. With the other, pull back the plunger to check for blood.
If you see blood in the solution in the syringe, do NOT inject. Withdraw the needle and start again at a new site.
If you do not see blood, slowly push the plunger to inject the medication. Press the plunger all the way down to ensure that the full dose is administered.
Step 9: Remove the Needle and Apply Pressure
Remove the needle from the skin and gently hold an alcohol pad or piece of gauze/cotton on the injection site.
Step 10: If there is bleeding, apply a bandage
A small drop of blood is normal after an injection. Simply press gently with gauze or cotton, and cover the spot with a bandage to keep it clean.
Step 11: Dispose of the Syringe Safely
Immediately put the syringe and needle into a puncture-resistant disposable container, such as a glass jar with a lid.
Step 12: Drop Off Used Needles at a Disposal Site
The used needles can be dropped off at any commercial pharmacy for disposal. Do NOT throw used needles in the trash.
See https://safeneedledisposal.org/ for more information and to find the sharps disposal site.
