Safety Tips
Avoid spreading germs when you give an injection.
- Always wash your hands using soap and water or a hand disinfectant. Wash your hands together in lather for 15 seconds before rinsing. Do this to remove any germs from your skin.
- Before you give an injection, cleanse the injection site well. If the skin is dirty, wash it off with soap and water. Then use an alcohol swab to clean the site just before you give the injection. Place the swab at the center of the site and use a firm circular motion, swabbing from the center out. Be sure to let the alcohol dry completely before injecting.
- Never touch the needle of the syringe against any surface. Keep the needle capped until you are ready to give the injection. If there is any question that the needle was touched, throw it and the syringe away and start over with a new syringe and needle.
- Use a hard plastic or metal, leak-proof container with a tight fitting lid to throw away syringes and needles. Do NOT put this container in the recycling bin. Most communities have specific disposal laws. There are also syringe buy back programs at some pharmacies and hospitals. Check with your local health department for specific disposal instructions in your community.
Give the right amount of medicine
- Be sure to give the correct amount of medicine, especially if you have to mix medicines. Double check the amount before giving the injection.
- Always buy the same type of syringe. Syringes hold different amounts, have different needle sizes, and are marked in different measures. There are specific syringes that are only used for insulin. An insulin syringe is marked in units instead of milliliters.
- Feel comfortable using the same syringe.
One last tip
Always check a medicine vial for changes in color, clarity, presence of clumping or frosting before you give an injection. Check the expiration date on the vial. Do not use a vial with any of these changes or that is expired.