How to Give a Subcutaneous Injection

1. 1Check + GatherConfirm your name, medication, dose, route, storage instructions, and beyond-use date on the pharmacy label. Gather a new syringe, alcohol pads, gauze, and sharps container.
2. 2CleanWash and dry your hands. Check the solution exactly as your pharmacy instructed. Wipe the vial’s rubber stopper with a fresh alcohol pad and let it air-dry.
3. 3Draw the Prescribed DoseUse a new needle and syringe. Draw air equal to your prescribed dose, inject the air into the vial, turn the vial upside down, keep the needle tip in the liquid, and draw the exact prescribed amount. Tap out bubbles and recheck the dose.
4. 4Choose + Clean a SiteUse the abdomen at least 2 inches from the belly button or the front/outer upper thigh. Rotate sites. Avoid skin that is red, bruised, hard, tender, scarred, irritated, or infected. Clean with a new alcohol pad and let dry.
5. 5Inject SubcutaneouslyPinch about 1 inch of fatty tissue. Insert the needle at 90° (or 45° only if your clinician instructed you because you have little fatty tissue). Release the pinch and slowly press the plunger until empty.
6. 6Remove + DisposePull the needle straight out. Apply gentle gauze pressure; do not rub. Put the needle and syringe immediately into an approved sharps container. Never recap, reuse, or share them.

Educational only; no dosing instructions. Sources: CDC Injection Safety; MedlinePlus SQ injections/drawing from a vial. Clinical review required before distribution.