Learn How to Inject: Subcutaneous Injections with a Pre-Filled Syringe
Its easy for patients and caregivers to learn how to perform a subcutaneous injection with a pre-filled syringe. Subcutaneous means “under the skin”.
This type of injection is also called a subq injection, pronounced “sub Q” (“sub cue”).
Dr. Thompson, a rheumatologist, will demonstrate an injection in the following video using a syringe that has been pre-filled with medicine.
The video lesson is applicable a variety of medications that must be taken by subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled syringe.
If your medication comes in a syringe that you need to fill on your own, you might be interested in:
Learn how to inject subcutaneous injectionsSubcutaneous Injections
A subcutaneous injection involves poking a small needle just under the skin to deliver medicine into the “fatty tissue” below. The medicine is absorbed by the small blood vessels under the skin.
The way the body absorbs medication under the skin is similar to when you take a pill or tablet and small blood vessels in the stomach or bowel absorb the medication.
A subcutaneous injection is a different type of injection than those that deliver medicine into a muscle (an intramuscular injection) or directly into the blood (an intravenous injection).
Parts of a syringe
Each syringe might look a little different but they are all the basically the same. They have 4 basic parts:
- A needle cap (which is removed)
- A needle
- A barrel which contains the medicine
- And a plunger.
Video Lesson
Step-by-Step: How to Inject
There are four basic steps to performing a subcutaneous injection with a pre-filled syringe:
We’ve prepared a special “injection placemat” that you can download and print to help make sure that you’ve got all of the necessary supplies:
Place your “injection placemat” on a clean table or surface.
Gather your supplies:
- Your pre-filled syringe. If it has been in the refrigerator it’s a good idea to let it warm up for 30 minutes. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- A clean gauze or tissue
- A puncture proof “Sharps Container” to dispose of the used syringe
Ask your local pharmacist if you’re missing any of the required supplies.
It’s important to start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
A subcutaneous injection can be given into the thigh, the abdomen, or the upper arm. It’s best to choose a different site for each injection that’s at least a few centimetres (an inch) away from a previous injection.
You can easily inject into your abdomen or thighs on your own but you’ll probably need help from another person if you want to inject into your upper arms.
It’s a good idea to rotate your injection sites. For example, if you had to take weekly injections, this week you might place the injection in your thigh, and next week to your abdomen. If someone else is performing the injection on you, you can also use your upper arms.
If you’re injecting into your abdomen stay away 5cm (2 inches) from around your belly button.
Don’t inject into an area that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.
- Remove the needle cap from the syringe. Don’t touch the needle or allow it to touch anything else.
- Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site.
- Gently insert the needle into the fold at a 45-degree angle under the skin.
- Release the skin and slowly inject the medicine. When the syringe is empty remove the needle.
- Apply pressure with a cotton gauze or tissue for about 10 seconds.
It’s normal to see a tiny drop of blood.
It’s important to dispose of used sharp syringes in a proper container, often called a Sharps Container. These containers can be found at your local pharmacy.
Don’t ever put the needle cap back on a needle as you or someone else may accidentally poke themselves with it. Simply take the used needle and place it in the Sharps Container.
Store your Sharps Container in a safe place out of reach of small children. When the container is 2/3 full, tape the lid closed and discard of it as instructed by your local pharmacist.
Giving a small injection under the skin is really that easy. If you have any questions or concerns please talk to your doctor or your nurse.