Experience Summary

There are many injection techniques with subcutaneous injections being one of the most common. Undertake this experience to learn and practise the process of performing a subcutaneous injection.

Clinical Context

Subcutaneous (SC) injections are a common and essential clinical procedure used to administer medications into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. This route is chosen for drugs that require slower, more sustained absorption compared to intravenous or intramuscular routes. Common medications given subcutaneously include insulin, low molecular weight heparin (e.g., enoxaparin), certain vaccines, and some pain relief or hormone therapies.

The SC route is particularly useful in chronic disease management, such as diabetes or thromboprophylaxis, where patients may also self-administer these injections at home. Healthcare professionals, including nurses and allied health practitioners, must be competent in this procedure to ensure safe, effective medication delivery and to educate patients where appropriate.

Procedural Steps

1. Preparation
   • Verify the prescription and patient identity.
   • Gather necessary equipment: prescribed medication, alcohol swab, sterile syringe and needle (usually 25-27 gauge, 1/2 to 5/8 inch), sharps container, gloves, and cotton wool or gauze.
   • Perform hand hygiene and apply gloves.
2. Site Selection
   • Common sites include the abdomen (avoiding 2 inches around the umbilicus), outer aspect of the upper arm, anterior thighs, and upper buttocks. Rotate sites to prevent tissue damage.
3. Skin Preparation
   • Clean the site with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.
4. Injection Technique
   • Pinch a fold of skin to lift subcutaneous tissue away from underlying muscle.
   • Insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle, depending on patient’s body habitus and needle length.
   • Inject the medication slowly and steadily.
5. Post-Injection
   • Withdraw the needle swiftly and apply gentle pressure with gauze or cotton wool.
   • Dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container.
   • Document the procedure, including medication, dose, site, and time.

Patient comfort, correct technique, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to minimise complications such as bruising, pain, or incorrect drug delivery.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the process for administering a subcutaneous injection.
2. Understand the PPE requirements for this procedure.
3. Be aware of sharps safety during this procedure.

External Resources

• Science direct topics - Subcutaneous Injection
• Nursing Times - Subcutaneous Injection