How to Use a Hypodermic Needle?

The provided reference indicates a hypodermic needle, specifically the Cardinal Health Magellan™ Safety Syringe, designed with safety features. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, incorporating the information about bevel orientation and the protective sheath:

Understanding the Magellan Safety Hypodermic Needle

The Magellan safety hypodermic needle is designed with user safety in mind. It has two critical features:

• Bevel Orientation: The bevel of the needle (the angled opening) is oriented for optimal injection.
• Protective Sheath: A protective sheath is included for safety, which helps to minimize accidental needlestick injuries.

Steps for Using the Magellan Safety Hypodermic Needle

While the reference emphasizes the safety features, here are general steps adapted for this type of hypodermic needle:

1. Preparation:

   • Wash your hands thoroughly.
   • Gather all necessary supplies, including the syringe, medication, alcohol swabs, and any needed bandages or gauze.
   • Ensure the correct medication and dosage are present.

2. Preparing the Syringe:

   • Remove the syringe from its packaging, being careful not to touch the needle.
   • If using a vial, clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
   • Draw the appropriate dose of medication into the syringe.
   • Remove any air bubbles by gently flicking the syringe and pushing out excess air.

3. Preparing the Injection Site:

   • Clean the intended injection site with an alcohol swab, using a circular motion moving outwards from the center.
   • Allow the alcohol to dry completely before injection.

4. Injection:

   • Hold the syringe in your dominant hand.
   • With your non-dominant hand, gently pinch or stretch the skin around the injection site.
   • Insert the needle into the skin at the correct angle.
   • Push the plunger at a slow and controlled speed to inject the medication.

5. Withdrawal and Safety:

   • Once the injection is complete, withdraw the needle smoothly.
   • Immediately activate the safety mechanism of the Magellan Safety Syringe to engage the protective sheath. The reference states: "Site and remove the magellan. Safety needles protective. Sheath for your convenience." This indicates the safety sheath should be deployed after removing the needle from the injection site.
   • Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with gauze or a bandage if needed.

6. Disposal:

   • Dispose of the used syringe and needle in an approved sharps container. Never recap the needle manually.

Important Safety Considerations

• Always follow proper procedures and training when using hypodermic needles.
• Never reuse needles.
• Use the safety features designed for the syringe.
• Dispose of needles safely to prevent needlestick injuries and disease transmission.

Step	Action
1. Preparation	Wash hands, gather supplies, verify medication and dosage.
2. Preparing Syringe	Open syringe, draw medication, remove air bubbles.
3. Preparing Site	Clean injection site with alcohol swab.
4. Injection	Insert needle, inject medication slowly.
5. Withdrawal and Safety	Withdraw needle, activate safety sheath.
6. Disposal	Dispose in sharps container.