What is the correct technique for subcutaneous injection?

Angle of injection PHE (2013) recommends that subcutaneous vaccinations are given with the needle at a 45-degree angle to the skin and the skin should be pinched together (PHE, 2013).

Do you pinch for SUBQ injections?

In general: Take your thumb and index (pointer) finger and pinch the skin. Lift the skin away from your body. Pinching and pulling gently will pull the subcutaneous tissue away from the muscle.

What are 2 common sites for subcutaneous injections?

Subcutaneous tissue is all over your body, but the most common areas for subcutaneous injections are:

• the upper outer area of the arm.
• the front and outer sides of the thighs.
• the abdomen, except for a 2 inch area around the navel.
• the upper outer area of the buttocks.
• the upper hip.

What happens if you give a subcutaneous injection wrong?

Are there any complications? The most common complication of a subcutaneous injection is pain near the injection site for 1 to 2 days afterward. Pain near the injection site can happen when inserting the needle at the wrong angle, or when it moves slightly during the injection.

Which layer of skin is best for subcutaneous injections?

Subcutaneous (SC) injections are administered into the adipose tissue layer just below the epidermis and dermis. This tissue has few blood vessels, so drugs administered by this route have a slow, sustained rate of absorption.

What’s the difference between subcutaneous and intramuscular?

Intramuscular injections are absorbed faster than subcutaneous injections. This is because muscle tissue has a greater blood supply than the tissue just under the skin. Muscle tissue can also hold a larger volume of medication than subcutaneous tissue.

What size needle do you use for SUBQ injection?

Subcutaneous (Subcut) injections Inject at a 45-degree angle into fatty tissue overlying the triceps muscle — a 5/8″ needle, 23–25 gauge is recommended.

What is the best site for subcutaneous injection?

The best areas on your body to give yourself a SQ injection are:

• Upper arms. At least 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) below your shoulder and 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) above your elbow, on the side or back.
• Outer side of upper thighs.
• Belly area.

Why did my subcutaneous injection bleeding?

If you see blood in the syringe, don’t inject. This means that the needle has entered a blood vessel. Withdraw the needle, select a new injection site, and repeat the steps above for getting the site ready. If there is no blood in the syringe, continue with the injection.

What are the subcutaneous injection sites?

The most common sites to administer a subcutaneous injection include:

• Abdomen (at or under the level of the belly button, about 2 inches away from the navel)
• Thigh (front of the thigh or inner thighs)
• Arm (the back or side of the upper arm with sufficient subcutaneous fatty tissue)

Why is Tinzaparin given subcutaneously?

To prevent blood clots forming in your veins Tinzaparin must be injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection). The dose and the length of your treatment will depend on the type of operation or illness you are having.