Subcutaneous Injection of Insulin

 

Sites suitable for subcutaneous injection:

(1) left or right thigh

(2) left or right upper arm

(3) left or right buttock

(4) left or right side of the abdomen

(5) other site as approved by the physician

 

Sites unsuitable for injection:

(1) into skeletal muscle, unless instructed to do so by the physician

(2) directly into a vein

 

The site for injection should be changed each time. If the injection is given in the a region that has been used recently, then the sites should be at least 1 inch apart.

 

If air is present in the primed insulin syringe or pen, then this should be released carefully prior to making the injection. This is done with the needle pointing upwards and while tapping the syringe to let air bubbles collect at the top. These can then be carefully displaced without undo loss of insulin.

 

Making the injection:

(1) The skin should be cleaned and allowed to dry.

(2) Pinch the skin at the selected injection site. This may be difficult to do in the upper arm without assistance.

(3) Hold the injection device (syringe or insulin pen) like a pencil and push the needle firmly and quickly into the pinched skin.

(4) The skin is released and the drug is injected beneath the skin.

 

Recommendations to ensure optimum delivery:

(1) After making the injection keep the needle in place for several seconds and the finger on the applicator hub.

(2) The injection site should not be rubbed after the injection. If bleeding occurs a dry cotton swab can be lightly pressed over the site.