How to Administer a Subcutaneous Injection

Sometimes it's necessary to give someone a shot with a hypodermic needle. Knowing the best procedure for this task is essential. The length of the needle used determines the distance is must be pushed into the tissue just under the skin layer of the body. Use these tips administer a subcutaneous injection.

Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Medicine
• Alcohol wipe
• Gauze pad
• Medical trash container

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the site of the injection. The arm has a thinner layer of skin compared to the buttocks or thigh, so consider the length of needle.

• 2

  Understand the kind of medicine being administered. This will help to guide the pressure of the syringe plunger and the amount and rate to be pushed into the tissue.

• 3

  Measure the amount of medicine to be given. It is imperative that the correct amount of medicine is understood. This is typically measured in milliliters.

• 4

  Find out how the medicine is packaged. Ampules are small glass vials that you must break open. Vials commonly have a rubber stopper that the needle is pushed through into the sterile environment for removal.

• 5

  Clean the area of the subcutaneous injection with a small alcohol swab to prevent any infections through the skin as the needle passes through.

• 6

  Push the needle gently and slowly into the skin at a 45-degree angle. This method produces less pain than shot given at a 90-degree angle. Pinch the skin into a fold before inserting the needle.

• 7

  Remove the needle once the medicine has been administered. Wipe the injection site with a gauze pad and ensure bleeding has stopped. Place a cap on the needle and dispose in a medically approved container.