Subcutaneous Injections

Indications

Slow absorption, inability to deliver orally

Alcohol Swab

Syringe

Drawing Up Needle

Injection Needle

Choose the right size - usually 26 - 30G, 4-8mm long

Medication

Dressing

Cotton ball or small adhesive dressing

Exit Strategy

Sharps bin nearby

Rotate injection sites to avoid damage to skin

Abdomen

The most commonly used site

Anywhere except around the umbilicus

Upper Arm

Higher chance of IM injection

Posteriorly or laterally

Thigh

Higher chance of IM injection

Anterolaterally

Upper Buttocks

Slowest absorption rate

Laterally

Choosing the Right Site

Don't inject through burns, infections, oedema, moles

Identify that this is the correct patient

Explain the procedure and ask for patient's consent

Positioning

Comfortable position, expose the desired site

Wash hands and don gloves

Prepare the Syringe

Reconstitute medication, draw up, injection needle

Prepare the Area

Decontaminate with alcohol swab

Pinch up the skin between thumb and index finger

Insert the needle

45 degrees to the skin

Pull Back the Plunger Slightly

Assess for blood - if so then remove and start again

Inject the Medication

Slowly

Remove the Needle

And apply light pressure to the site with a dry swab

Clean Up

Dispose of sharps and other waste

Remove gloves and wash hands

Documentation

Pain

Infection

Cellulitis, abscess

Haematoma

Lipodystrophy

Breakdown or thickening of subcutaneous tissue

Injury

To vessels, nerves, bone, muscle