How to inject
A clear step-by-step reminder for safe administration.
Prepare the pen or syringe. For cloudy insulin, gently tip or roll the device 20 times.
For pens, perform a one-unit test shot, then dial the prescribed dose.
Avoid lumpy, bruised, scarred, inflamed, or painful areas.
Use a fat pinch when appropriate and inject at 90 degrees unless advised otherwise.
Push the plunger down slowly and count to 10 before removing the needle.
Place the used needle or syringe immediately into a sharps container.
Where to inject
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Rotate injection sites
Do not use the exact same injection point repeatedly. Reusing one area can cause fatty lumps called lipohypertrophy, which may make medication absorption unpredictable.
Pinch Up Technique
Use this technique only when appropriate for the needle length and according to clinical advice.
Correct technique
- Use your thumb and two fingers.
- Keep the fingers approximately four finger-widths apart.
- Lift the fatty tissue away from the muscle.
- Suitable for 6 mm, 8 mm, and 12.7 mm needles.
- Do not use for 5 mm needles unless advised by a physician.
Do not
- Use a narrow pinch.
- Inject through clothing.
- Use alcohol wipes unless advised.
- Reuse needles.
- Inject too close to moles or scars.