How to Give a Subcutaneous Injection

Introduction

• Subcutaneous (sub-Q) injections: Administered below the skin into fatty tissue.
• Used for various health problems: diabetes, anemia, blood clotting issues.
• Medication forms: auto-injectors, syringes, vials.

Preparation

• Wash hands with soap and warm water.
• Gather supplies:
  • Alcohol pads or cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol
  • Disposable syringe
  • Medicine vial
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Container for used syringes

Medicine Handling

• Medicine can be liquid or powder (needs mixing with a liquid like saline).
• Allow refrigerated medicine to reach room temperature to reduce injection pain.

Injection Sites

• Suitable areas: upper arm, upper thigh, outer hip, abdomen.
• Avoid: bruised, tender, or scarred areas.
• Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage.

Syringe Components

• Three parts: barrel, plunger, needle.
• Markings on barrel: for dose measurement.
• Types and measurement units: Insulin syringes (units), others (milliliters).

Drawing the Medicine

1. Check expiration date.
2. Remove cap and clean vial with alcohol.
3. Draw air into syringe to prescribed mark.
4. Insert needle into vial, inject air, and draw medicine.
5. Remove air bubbles by reinjecting and drawing again.

Administering the Injection

• Clean the skin with an alcohol swab.
• Pinch skin between thumb and forefinger.
• Insert needle at a 90-degree angle.
• Push plunger slowly, count to 3, and remove needle.

Disposal

• Use a sharps container for used syringes.
• Alternative containers: stiff plastic jar/bottle with screw-on cap, clearly labeled "dangerous".
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Medication Storage

• Refrigerate if necessary after use.
• Discard other waste normally.

Conclusion

• Subcutaneous injections are simple when following these steps. They are effective for various medical treatments.