Subcutaneous Injections
Subcutaneous injections are commonly performed in clinical practice in order to deliver medications. This section outlines the procedure and the correct technique required.
Equipment & Preparation
Identifying a Site
- 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
Injection
- 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