Insulin syringes and needles are primarily used by patients with diabetes to inject insulin, but sometimes are used to inject small amounts of other medications. These amounts must be less than or equal to one milliliter, or mL. Only use them for subcutaneous injections given directly under the skin in the fatty, or subcutaneous, layer of the skin. The needles come already attached to the syringe and vary in length and diameter.
Step 1
Choose the appropriate size syringe. Insulin syringes come in three sizes and are marked or calibrated in units: 100 units, or 1 mL; 50 units, or 1/2 mL; and 30 units, or 3/10 mL. Make your selection based on your prescribed dose of insulin. For example, if your highest dose of insulin is 40 units, you should choose the 50-unit size.
Step 2
Choose the length and thickness, also known as the gauge of the needle. The length ranges from 0.5 inch--regular length -- to 0.3 inch -- short length. Needle gauges range from 28 G to 31 G. Finer needles provide a more comfortable shot.
Step 3
Prepare for the injection. Clean the top of your insulin vial using an alcohol swab. Draw an amount of air into the syringe equal to your dose. For example, if your dose is 50 units, pull the plunger of the syringe back to the 50-unit mark. Insert the needle into the vial at a 90-degree angle. Push the air from the syringe into the vial. With the syringe in the vial, turn it upside down. Slowly pull back on the plunger of the syringe until your dose has been drawn into the syringe.
Step 4
Check the syringe for bubbles. If bubbles are present, remove them by tapping on the syringe. This will move the bubbles to the top of the syringe. Slowly push the insulin back into the vial until the bubbles disappear, then slowly pull back on the plunger until you reach your desired dose. Withdraw the syringe from the vial.
Step 5
Choose your injection site and inject the dose. Clean it with an alcohol swab. Pinch the skin of the area. While holding the syringe by the barrel, inject yourself at a 90-degree angle, making sure not to inject too deep. If you are thin, use a 45-degree angle instead.
Step 6
Dispose of the syringe. Always place your used syringes in a Sharps container. These containers come in different sizes and may be purchased at your local pharmacy.
Tips and Warnings
- Never touch the needle or the plunger. Doing so will contaminate these parts. Handle the syringe by the barrel, the wings and the top of the plunger. Never recap the needle.
Things You'll Need
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Insulin
- Sharps container
References
- Becton Dickinson: Insulin Injection Demonstration
- Pharmacist Care and Management of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: John White PharmD
- Becton Dickinson: Safe Needle Disposal
- Becton Dickinson: Insulin Injection At-a-Glance
