How to Give a Heparin Injection

Heparin is an anticoagulant used to thin blood and prevent blood clots from forming. Heparin is typically injected subcutaneously in the abdomen. Patients receive heparin injections when there are at risk for blood clots or have a history of blood clots. Patients should consult a doctor if they experience bruising after receiving a heparin injection.

Things You'll Need

• Latex or other sterile gloves
• Heparin dose
• Syringe with needle
• Alcohol pads

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands and put on sterile gloves that can be used for a medical procedure.

• 2

  Prepare the dose of heparin by putting the correct dosage into the syringe. Double check the patient's medical records to verify the correct dosage.

• 3

  Have your patient lie on her back with the abdomen exposed. Look on the abdomen for an injection spot. You must avoid areas with bruising and inject the heparin at least two inches from the belly button and any scar.

• 4

  Clean the injection side by gently patting it with an alcohol pad. Do not rub the alcohol pad on the skin.

• 5

  Put your thumb and forefinger around the chosen injection site and pinch your fingers together to form a thick fold in the skin. If the fold is not thick, you could bruise the skin by pinching it.

• 6

  Ask your patient to take a deep breath, and when your patient inhales, insert the needle into the skin fold at a 90 degree angle.

• 7

  Inject the heparin dose slowly, then release the skin and pull the needle straight out. Press an alcohol pad on the injection site for a few minutes if the patient begins bleeding.

• 8

  Dispose of the needle in a sharps container. Remove your gloves and wash your hands.