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Click here for the visual version How to Give a Subcutaneous Injection
Note.These instructions are intended to provide assistance to people who are not trained medical professionals who need to give subcutaneous injections to themselves or a family member. These instructions are intended to be used only as a guideline. Any questions should be directed to your medical professional before you give any injections at home.
How to do HCG InjectionsSubcutaneous injections use
a very small needle that causes no pain or prick. Once
you have done one you will not be intimidated any more
because it does not hurt. A subcutaneous injection, as
illustrated in the figure to the right, is given in the
fatty layer of tissue just under the skin. |
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STEP 1
Wash your hands with soap and water.
STEP 2
Wipe the top of the medication vial for injection with
an alcohol pad.
STEP 3
Remove the needle guard (cover) from the needle and
syringe, saving the needle guard. Be sure you are using
a proper syringe for subcutaneous injections. Pull back
on the syringe plunger to draw up an amount of air equal
to the amount of medication that will be used for the
injection.
STEP 4
Holding the vial of medication in an upright position
(such as sitting it on a table top), slowly insert the
needle into the rubber stopper on top of the vial while
holding the syringe barrel carefully. Do not bend
needle. Then push the plunger to discharge all the air
into the vial. This prevents vacuum.
STEP 5
With the needle in the vial, turn the vial upside down
and hold both the vial and the syringe together in one
hand. The tip of the needle should be in the solution.
Hold the vial between the thumb and forefinger,
supporting the syringe with other hand, pull the plunger
back in a slow, continuous motion until you have drawn
into the syringe the amount of medication to be given.
Be sure the needle stays in the fluid in vial. Do not
touch inside of plunger.
STEP 6
Check for clear air bubbles inside of syringe. Small
bubbles are not harmful but take up space in syringe.
With bubbles present, correct amount of medication may
not be prepared. If air bubbles have formed in the
syringe, dislodge them by gently tapping the syringe
with your free hand while continuing to hold the syringe
and vial in the inverted position. Bubbles should rise
to the top of the syringe, and then you can push them
back into the vial by moving the plunger and slowly pull
the medication into the syringe again, stopping at the
correct dose. Repeat this procedure until there are no
large air bubbles in the syringe. Always double check to
make sure you have the correct amount of medication in
the syringe. If necessary, draw more solution into the
syringe.
STEP 7
Remove the needle from the vial by pulling it straight
out.
STEP 8
Prepare the injection site by cleaning the area with an
alcohol swab. To do this start at the center, apply
pressure, and cleanse in a circular motion working
outward. Do NOT retrace your steps.
STEP 9
Wait a few seconds until the alcohol has dried. This
reduces the sting. Hold the syringe as you would a
pencil.
STEP 10
With your free hand, gently pinch up the skin at the
injection site. Holding the syringe at a right angle to
the site, insert the needle using a quick smooth motion.
Going slowly will cause more pain. A 45 degree angle may
be used for children or thin adults.
STEP 11
When the needle is in place, slowly pull back on the
plunger to see if any blood flows into the syringe. If
some blood does enter the syringe (a rare occurrence),
remove the needle and try another injection site. If no
blood enters the syringe, let go of the skin and slowly
inject the medication by gently pushing the plunger
until the syringe is empty.
STEP 12
Put alcohol swab over needle gently, and pull needle out
quickly at the same angle it was inserted. Check for
medication leakage at site. Apply pressure to the
injection site with a dry, sterile gauze pad. You may
note a drop of blood, but there is no cause for concern.
If desired, apply a bandage. Properly dispose of the
needle into a container that will be safe.
INTRAMUSCULAR (IM) INJECTIONS
Note intramuscular
injections are not required. Many people have already
proven that Subcutaneous injection’s work well for the
HCG diet.
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