Giving an injection requires careful preparation and technique. The specific method depends on the type of injection (e.g., subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravitreal). This guide focuses on subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, commonly administered by healthcare professionals and, with proper training, by patients themselves. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and consult the medication's packaging for detailed guidance.
Subcutaneous Injections
Subcutaneous (sub-kyu-TAY-nee-us) injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue under the skin. Sources like the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and MSKCC provide detailed instructions.
Steps:
- Prepare: Wash your hands thoroughly. Gather necessary supplies: injection medication (pre-filled syringe or vial & needle), alcohol swabs, and gauze.
- Cleanse: Cleanse the injection site (typically the outer thigh, abdomen, or upper arm) with an alcohol swab, using a circular motion from the center outward. Allow the area to dry completely.
- Pinch Skin: Pinch the skin firmly between your thumb and forefinger, creating a fatty tissue fold.
- Insert Needle: Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle (or 90-degree for patients with more subcutaneous fat) quickly and smoothly.
- Inject Medication: Slowly depress the plunger, injecting the medication.
- Remove Needle: Withdraw the needle at the same angle as insertion. Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with gauze.
Intramuscular Injections
Intramuscular (IM) injections deliver medication into a muscle. MedlinePlus (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000935.htm) offers guidelines. This is a more involved procedure, usually performed by healthcare professionals.
Steps:
- Prepare: As with subcutaneous injections, wash hands, gather supplies, and prepare the medication.
- Locate Site: Common IM injection sites include the deltoid muscle (upper arm), vastus lateralis muscle (thigh), and ventrogluteal muscle (buttock).
- Cleanse: Cleanse the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Insert Needle: Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, penetrating deeply into the muscle.
- Inject Medication: Slowly depress the plunger to inject the medication.
- Remove Needle: Withdraw the needle and apply gentle pressure to the injection site.
Important Considerations:
- Needle Length and Gauge: The appropriate needle size varies depending on the injection type, medication, and patient's body fat. Always use the needle size recommended by your healthcare provider or medication instructions.
- Disposal: Dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container immediately after use.
- Medication Knowledge: Before giving any injection, be sure you understand the medication, dosage, and proper administration technique.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Improper injection technique can lead to complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on administering injections.
