IM/Subcutaneous Injection

Equipment

Gloves, small (2-5 ml) syringe, blue needle (for injection), green needle (to draw up drug), Alcohol wipe, gauze, the drug, sharps bin/kidney dish

Before you start

1. Check the patients name against the drug chart
2. Explain the procedure. Obtain consent
3. Check the type and dose of drug against the drug chart. Ensure the drugs are not past their expiry date.
4. Wash you hands and apply gloves
5. Draw up the drug in to the syringe with the green needle
6. Clean the site with the alcohol wipe
7. Change the needle to blue on the syringe. This is best done on the specially designed edge of the sharps bin.

IM injection

1. Common sites of injection include the deltoid and gluteal (be careful to avoid the sciatic nerve). See these illustrations .
2. The muscle should be relaxed for the injection to be less painful
3. Jab the needle at 90 degrees in to the site about 2-3 cm
4. Aspirate to ensure you are not in a vein (no blood should come out)
5. Inject the drug
6. Withdraw the needle and apply the gauze. Dispose of sharps and apply dressing.
7. Document the administration on the drug chart

Subcutaneous Injection

1. Common sites include the lower abdomen
2. Pinch the skin between the thumb and finger of the hand without the needle in.
3. Insert the needle in to this lump at an angle of 25 degrees.
4. Release the skin fold, keeping the needle in
5. Aspirate to ensure you are not in a vein
6. Inject the drug
7. Withdraw the needle and apply the gauze. Dispose of sharps and apply dressing.
8. Document the administration on the drug chart