Types of Injections
The type of injection you give depends on the specific area of the body where it is to be administered, the type of medication, and the dosage. A couple common types of injections are: 1. Subcutaneous (SQ) A subcutaneous injection is one that is delivered into fatty areas of skin. The injection goes in between the muscle and skin. SQ injections go into the fatty area. These injections are ideal for medicines that can be delivered in small amounts, only 1 to 2 mls. It is also ideal when a medication requires slow absorption for maximum effectiveness. 2. Intravenous These types of injections are given directly into the veins. 3. Intramuscular Use only the intramuscular route when you want immediate muscle use is required. For this, use only a blue or green needle. For this article, we will discuss how to do subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.Tips for Injection Technique
- Use an orange needle for subcutaneous injections
- Pinch to raise the skin from the muscle
- Inject into the subcutaneous area at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle
- Use the intramuscular technique only on the deltoid, gluteals, vastus literalis, and rectus femoris.
- Use a 25-guage needle for intramuscular injections.
- Remove any air in the syringe by tapping it up pushing the plunger.
- Clean your hands and your injection site thoroughly.
- Inject slowly.
- Pull out just as quickly as you injected the needle into the area.
Injection Techniques
Before you begin, inspect the vial to ensure you are using the correct one. You will need alcohol pads, a brand new, hand sanitizer, sterile syringe, and latex gloves.- Abdomen
- Arm
- Thigh
- Lower back
- Gluteal Muscle
