​1. HOW TO ACCURATELY MEASURE DOSAGE ON A SYRINGE
Start by carefully reviewing your prescription instructions to determine the correct dosage for your injection. The prescribed amount may be indicated in milliliters (mL), units, or both.
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Your prescription will include a standard insulin syringe. The syringe shown holds a maximum capacity of 100 units or 1 mL. Be sure to use the correct measurement markings to draw up the precise amount as instructed.
Places on the body where subcutaneous injections can be given
**Rotate where you give injections. Scar tissue can accumulate and negatively affect the potency of the medication if you give an injection in the same place every day or even every week.
2. WHERE TO ADMINISTER A SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
There are several safe locations on the body for subcutaneous
injections.​
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Upper Arm
Expose the upper arm completely. The person receiving the injection should rest their hand on their hip while standing. Position yourself slightly behind and to the side of them. Locate the middle section of the upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow. Pinch the skin at the back of the arm using your thumb and first two fingers, ensuring you can grasp about 1–2 inches of skin.
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Abdomen
Make sure the abdomen is fully exposed. Identify the waistline and the hip bone as reference points. Injections can be administered in the area below the waist and above the hip bone, avoiding the region within 2 inches of the belly button. Use the natural centerline of the body as a guide. If possible, gently pinch 1–2 inches of skin to ensure proper administration.
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Thigh
Fully expose the leg. Find the space between the knee and hip. The best location for injection is the middle section of the outer thigh, spanning from the front to the side. Pinch the skin to confirm you can grasp 1–2 inches.
3. HOW TO DRAW MEDICATION INTO A SYRINGE​
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them completely. Wear gloves if needed.
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Remove the plastic cap from the medication vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe.
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Take a new syringe, remove the needle cap, and pull back the plunger to draw in an amount of air equal to your prescribed dosage.
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Insert the needle into the vial and slowly push the air into the vial. This helps balance the pressure inside, making it easier to withdraw the liquid. (Fig. 1)
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With the needle still inside, turn the vial upside down and carefully pull back the plunger to draw the correct amount into the syringe.
(Fig. 2) -
If air bubbles appear in the syringe, gently tap the barrel with your fingers to move the bubbles toward the top, then push them out through the needle. A small amount of medication may also come out, which is normal. (Fig. 3)
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The syringe is now ready for injection.
4. HOW TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION INTO SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE​
Before beginning, read through these instructions completely to familiarize yourself with the process. You may refer back to the steps while administering the injection.
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and ensure they are completely dry.
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Open the alcohol wipe from its packaging.
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Clean the injection site with the alcohol wipe and allow the area to air dry.
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Remove the needle cover. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand and carefully pull off the cover with your other hand, similar to removing a pen cap.
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For a 45-degree angle injection: Hold the syringe in your writing hand, positioning it between your thumb and first two fingers. Ensure the needle bevel is facing upward before inserting at the correct angle.
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For a 90-degree angle injection: Grip the syringe using your thumb and first finger while allowing the barrel to rest on your second finger—similar to how you might hold a pen when writing.
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Using your non-dominant hand, gently pinch the skin at the injection site. With your dominant hand, firmly hold the syringe barrel and use your wrist to insert the needle into the skin. The needle may glide in easily, but if the skin is tougher, you may need to apply a bit more pressure or insert it more quickly.
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Once the needle is fully inserted, slowly press the plunger to inject the medication.
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Remove the needle at the same angle at which it was inserted.
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Safely dispose of the used syringe and needle in an approved Sharps Container.
5. HOW TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF USED SYRINGES AND NEEDLES​
A Sharps Container is the safest way to dispose of used syringes and needles. These hard-plastic containers are specifically designed for this purpose and can be purchased at most pharmacies.
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If you don’t have a Sharps Container, you can use a sturdy, hard-plastic container with a secure screw-on lid—such as an empty detergent or fabric softener bottle. Ensure the container is durable enough to prevent needles from puncturing the sides, bottom, or lid.
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For proper disposal, check your local or state regulations. You can contact your primary care provider or a nearby pharmacy for guidance on safe disposal options in your area.
