SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION (SC/SQ)

It is defined as the method of giving injection into the subcutaneous layer of the
skin just below the dermis and epidermis layers.

INDICATION

 Administration of insulin injection for diabetic patient

 Administration of heparin injection
 Unconscious patient

CONTRAINDICATION

 Bony prominences
 Skin lesions, lumps

ARTICLES REQUIRED:

A Tray containing:

Medication card For prescription orders

Tuberculin syringe(1ml)with 24- 26 G For administration
needle
Hand sanitiser For hand sanitisation
7o% isopropyl alcohol swab To clean the skin surface
Sterile gloves For maintenance of sterile field
Kidney tray and paper bag For waste collection
Drug and ampoule cutter For opening ampoule
Sterile injection tray To keep loaded syringe

SITES FOR SUBCUTAEOUS ROUTE:

 Outer area of upper arm

 Abdomen: 2 inches away from the umbilicus
 Thigh about 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin
 Upper area of the buttocks , just behind the hip bone.
STEPS OF PROCEDURE WITH RATIONALE:

STEPS RATIONALE
Check the doctor’s order for To prevent medication errors
medication administration
Confirm patient’s identity and To seek consent from the patient
explain the procedure
Check the 10 rights of To check any contraindication
medication administration
including the expiry date of
medication
Wash hands and wear the Prevent cross contamination
gloves
Prepare the medication from To administer right dose.
the vial or ampoule. Calculate
the desired amount of dose .

lode the medication in the

syringe and keep it in sterile To maintain aseptic technique
injection tray.
Pull the curtain or screen To provide privacy
Assist the patient to sit in For easy injection procedure
comfortable position and
provide privacy.

Wear gloves To prevent cross infection

Select the appropriate site for Participation of patient in site selection

injection. Patient can also inculcate independence and promote decision
decide the site. making.

To create sterile field

Clean the site with alcohol swab
in a circular motion
Remove the needle cap and To remove air in the syringe
expel any air bubble from the
syringe, if present.

With dominant hand, hold Pen holding grip is the right method of
syringe like a pencil between administration
the thumb and fingers ( pen
holding position)

Pinch subcutaneous tissue Pinching and 45 degree angle helps to reach

between thumb and forefingers only to subcutaneous tissue not beyond it.
with nondominant hand

Insert needle at 45 degree angle Holding the hub of needle prevents shaking of
with dominant hand using pen needle and prevent tissue injury
holding technique

90 degree angle is used if 26

guage needle is used

When needle is in place ,

release the subcutaneous tissue
(non dominant hand) and hold
the hub of the needle.

Do not aspirate after insertion To prevent tissue damage, hematoma

of needle formation and bruising

With dominant hand inject the

medication at a rate of 10
sec/ml

Withdraw the needle at the Withdrawal at same angle prevent tissue

same angle at which it was damage and pain recapping can lead to needle
inserted stick injury
Do not recap the needle Recapping can lead to needle stick injury
Do not massage the site, place It causes tissue damage.
the patient in comfortable
position.

Remove gloves and wash hand

Dispose the contaminated

articles

Record the procedure in patient Timely documentation ensures patient safety.

medication card

Evaluate patient response to

medication