Vitamin B shots are almost always intramuscular (IM) types of injections. It is always important to have a trained medical professional such as your physician or a pharmacist show you first hand how to properly go about an intramuscular injection. This will prevent incorrect and even dangerous injections. Safe and correct technique will prevent infections injuries and the possibility of others being injured by used needles.
Step 1
Prepare your area before beginning the process. Be sure to have a clean open space so that nothing gets in your way during this delicate process. Begin by putting on sterile latex gloves.
Step 2
Use alcohol wipes to sterilize the injection site. Disinfect the rubber stopper of the vitamin B vial by swiping over it once.
Step 3
Check your syringe to make sure that it is not defective. Remove the protective cover from the needle and stick it through the rubber stopper. Hold the needle and vial so that the vial is upside down and pull the plunger on the syringe back to withdraw the prescribed dosage. Tap the needle to get any large air bubbles to the top, pull the needle out and depress on the plunger gently.
Step 4
Hold the muscle you are injecting with two fingers to support the injection site and insert the needle at an even pace. Since most vitamin B shots will be intramuscular use the needle technique of injecting directly into the muscle at a 90-degree angle. Depress the plunger all the way down to release the medication.
Step 5
Release the muscle and pull the needle out. Promptly dispose of the needle into the sharps container. Hold a cotton ball at the injection site until bleeding stops. Dispose of the cotton ball, alcohol wipes and gloves in a safe location.
Tips and Warnings
- - Your doctor or pharmacist are trained to teach you the correct techniques in a one on one fashion. - If you are having trouble doing it by yourself it may be helpful to ask someone to do it for you.
Things You'll Need
- Syringes
- Sterile Latex Gloves
- Alcohol Wipes
- Cotton Balls
- Sharps Container
References
- "Pharmacy Management: Essentials for All Practice Settings"; Desselle, Zgarrick; 2008
- "A Practical Guide to Contemporary Pharmacy Practice"; Thompson; 2009
Member Comments