Injection Technique Quick Reference

Proper subcutaneous injection technique reduces pain, prevents bruising, and ensures full medication delivery. Laminate this card and keep it near your injection supplies. Always follow your prescriber's specific instructions.

Step-by-Step Injection Process

Gather your supplies.
Medication (check it is not expired, not discolored, and at room temperature if refrigerated), alcohol swabs, sharps container, cotton ball or gauze.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. Do not touch the injection site or needle after washing.
Choose and clean the injection site.
Recommended sites: abdomen (2+ inches from navel), front of thigh, or back of upper arm. Clean with an alcohol swab in a circular motion. Let dry completely (about 30 seconds). Do not blow on it.
Prepare the medication.
Pre-filled pen: Remove cap, prime if new pen (per manufacturer instructions), dial dose. Syringe: Draw prescribed dose, tap to remove air bubbles, push plunger until a small drop appears at tip.
Pinch the skin at the injection site.
Use your non-dominant hand to gently pinch a 1-2 inch fold of skin. Hold throughout the injection. This lifts subcutaneous fat away from muscle.
Insert the needle at the correct angle.
45-degree angle: for lean individuals or thin skin areas. 90-degree angle: for most patients, especially in abdomen and thigh. Insert with a quick, smooth motion like a dart.
Inject the medication slowly.
Push the plunger or pen button slowly and steadily. Count to 5-10 as you inject. Rushing can cause discomfort and medication leakage.
Hold for 10 seconds after injection.
Keep the needle in place for a full 10 seconds after the medication is fully injected. This prevents medication from leaking out.
Remove and dispose safely.
Release the skin fold, then withdraw the needle. Do not recap needles. Place immediately into a sharps container. Apply gentle pressure with gauze if needed. Do not rub.

Injection Sites

Recommended Sites

Abdomen: Most popular. Avoid 2 inches around navel. Avoid waistband area.
Front of thigh: Middle third of the thigh. Good alternative if abdomen is sore.
Upper arm (back): Best if someone else administers. Hard to self-inject here.

Areas to Avoid

Within 2 inches of the belly button
Bruised, scarred, or irritated skin
Areas with stretch marks
Near moles or skin lesions
Same exact spot as the previous injection

Rotation Rule Always inject at least 1 inch away from your last injection site. Rotate between sites on a schedule (e.g., left abdomen → right abdomen → left thigh → right thigh). See our Injection Site Rotation Map template for a complete rotation system.

Common Issues & Solutions

Air bubble in syringe

Tap syringe gently, push plunger to expel air. A tiny bubble will not harm you but may reduce dose accuracy.

Medication leaks after injection

Hold needle in place longer (count to 15). Inject more slowly. Ensure needle is fully inserted.

Bruising at injection site

Apply gentle pressure (no rubbing) for 30-60 seconds. Ice the area. Avoid blood thinners before injection if possible.

Pain during injection

Let alcohol dry completely. Use a quick dart-like motion. Try numbing with ice for 30 seconds before. Inject at room temperature.

When to Seek Help Contact your provider if you experience: signs of infection at injection site (redness, warmth, swelling, pus), severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), or if you are unsure about your technique. Never reuse needles.