A step by step guide to subcutaneous injection.
Step 1 — Get Ready
What you need
- Medication (vial or prefilled syringe)
- Drawing-up needle (larger gauge, e.g. 18G or 21G)
- Injecting needle (1–1.5 inch, typically 23G or 25G)
- Syringe (size appropriate to your dose)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container
Tip: Set everything up before you start
Step 2 — Wash Hands
- Clean hands reduce infection risk
- Soap + water or sanitiser
- Dry completely
Step 3 — Prepare Your Dose
If using a vial:
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab and let it dry
- Attach the drawing-up needle to your syringe
- Draw air equal to your prescribed dose
- Inject the air into the vial
- Turn the vial upside down and draw your dose
- Tap the syringe to remove air bubbles
- Swap the drawing-up needle for a fresh injecting needle before proceeding
If prefilled:
- Check the dose matches your prescription
- Remove the cap
Step 4 — Choose Injection Site
Best areas for intramuscular injection:
- Ventrogluteal (upper-outer hip) — preferred site for most patients, large muscle with low risk of hitting nerves or vessels
- Vastus lateralis (outer thigh) — easy to self-inject, midway between hip and knee on the outer side
- Deltoid (upper arm) — suitable for smaller volumes only (≤1ml), if assisted
Reminder: Rotate sites each time to avoid scar tissue build-up.
Step 5 — Clean the Area
- Use a fresh alcohol swab
- Wipe in a circular motion outward from the centre
- Let it dry fully — do not blow on it
Step 6 — Inject
- Stretch the skin flat between two fingers (do not pinch — pinching is for subcutaneous, not IM)
- Hold the syringe like a dart
- Insert the needle at 90° in one quick, smooth motion
- Insert most of the needle length so the medication reaches the muscle
Step 7 — Deliver Dose
- (Optional, as advised by your clinician) Lightly pull back on the plunger for 1–2 seconds — if blood appears, withdraw and restart with a new needle at a slightly different site
- Push the plunger down slowly and steadily — oil-based injections take time
- Ensure the full dose is delivered
Step 8 — Remove Needle
- Remove the needle at the same 90° angle
- Apply light pressure with a clean swab or gauze
- Do not rub — gentle pressure only
Step 9 — Dispose Safely
- Place the needle and syringe directly into your sharps container
- Recap the needle
- Never reuse needles or syringes
Key Tips
- Rotate injection sites each time (alternate left/right and between muscle groups)
- Always use a new needle for each injection
- Follow your prescribed dose exactly — do not adjust without clinical guidance
- Store medication as directed (typically room temperature, away from direct light)
- Warm the vial briefly in your hands before drawing — oil flows more easily at body temperature
- Mild soreness at the site for 24–48 hours is normal; persistent pain, redness, or swelling should be reported
Need Help?
Contact our care team at support@getlimitless.health
