Description
Safe Injection Practices – Proper Injection Techniques and Locations
The simplest injection sites are the glutes, quads, or deltoid muscles.
These larger muscles facilitate easier injections, but caution is still necessary to prevent hitting any blood vessels or nerves.
Choosing the Right Injection Sites:
- Glutes: The safest and largest area for injections. Inject into the upper outer quadrant to avoid the sciatic nerve.
- Quads: The second safest site, located at the top outer thigh, halfway between your knee and hip.
- Delts: A smaller muscle group where injections are given 3-5 cm from the top, centered in the muscle.
Preparing and Cleaning Your Injection Site:
- Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
- Clean the injection site with soap and water, or an alcohol swab. Do not scrub vigorously to prevent spreading bacteria.
- Let the area dry for about a minute.
- Swab the top of a multi-dose vial before and after drawing the medication.
Injection Procedure:
- Use an 18 gauge needle to draw, then switch to a 25 gauge needle for injecting.
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, ensuring it goes in most of the way (1″ to 1.5″).
- Pull back the plunger slightly to check for blood. If present, remove the needle and apply pressure.
- Limit injections to no more than 2ml of fluid per site to reduce the risk of infection.
- Inject slowly, approximately 10 seconds per ml.
- After injecting, remove the needle, apply pressure, and dispose of it safely.
Post-Injection Care and Warning Signs:
- Watch for signs of infection like redness, pain, warmth, swelling, or blistering at the injection site.
- Be aware of symptoms like chills or fever.
- Note sensations like an “electric shock” or ongoing numbness, which could indicate nerve damage.
Seek Medical Advice If:
- You notice any of the symptoms mentioned above or have concerns about the injection process.
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