A subcutaneous injection involves injecting materials into the deeper layers of skin like those layers below the superficial epidermis and dermis. It is often associated with pain. The areas of the body which are perfect for subcutaneous injection include the upper arm, abdominal region, thigh and the upper part of the buttocks. However, even in these areas there are specific regions that you should not inject such as in the area that is right of the navel. Subcutaneous injections are generally used to inject vaccines or drugs such as morphine, insulin and diacetylmorphine.

Individuals who take regular subcutaneous injections should not take the injection all the time at one single area, as it may result in formation of lumps. It is also essential to use one particular area at one particular time of the day to have perfect action of the drugs. For example, use the thigh region for morning injections and the abdominal or arm region for evening doses. This is most essential in case of injections such as insulin as inappropriate use of the areas may result in change in timings of the action of the hormone which may result in other problems.

Subcutaneous injection results in pain. It is essential to distract the patient. You can easily do it by talking to the patient or by using ice before injecting to make the area numb. In some cases such as amniocentesis, anesthetic might be used to relieve the pain.

If you are on regular injections, you would like to learn to inject yourself rather than visiting a medical center regularly. It is very simple if you note down certain important points.

• It is essential to select a proper area with a layer of fat between the skin and the muscles. If you have a lean personality, then it is recommended to avoid using the abdominal region.

• Never use the same site for injection as it may result in formation of clots. It is essential that you rotate the site of injection. Make sure that every site is at least one and half inch away. This also helps to have less pain.

• Now that you have spotted down the area to be used, it is essential to clean the area with a cotton swab that is immersed in alcohol.

• Let the area dry before you inject.

• Grab a small area of skin between your thumb and index finger and inject the needle by holding it at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees. Make sure that the needle goes all the way down the skin. To have less pain, the injection should be injected quickly at once.

• Start injecting the medicine if you do not see any blood in the syringe.

• After you have injected the medicine, slowly remove the needle and place a cotton swab to control bleeding, if any. If the bleeding is severe, place a bandage. Make sure that you do not rub the injected area.

• Finally, do not forget to dispose the syringe safely.

It is recommended to take the injection under the guidance of experienced personnel as errors may sometimes prove to be very costly and serious.

Mark Perry

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