Good Injection Technique (Vial and Syringe)

Clean the injection site using an alcohol wipe. Clean the top of the insulin vial with an alcohol wipe. Mix the insulin by rolling it in your hand. Insulin, such as regular insulin, lispro, and aspartate, does not need mixing. If you have to draw 20units of insulin, draw the syringe’s plunger to the 20unit mark, then inject this air into the vial. This prevents any vacuum formation. With the vial inverted, now draw the plunger to the 20unit point drawing with it insulin, avoid any air bubbles. Suppose there are air bubbles these need to be flicked and removed. Once the plunger is at the 20unit mark, remove the syringe from the vial.

Grasp a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger over the site where you have decided to inject. The needle should enter the skin at a 90-degree angle, especially if you are obese. If you are thin, the needle may need to be inserted at a 45-degree angle to avoid injecting into the muscle. Then push the plunger to inject the insulin.

Remove the needle and dispose of the syringe and needle by placing them in a puncture-proof container of heavy-duty plastic or metal with a screw cap. Rules for disposing of syringes and needles vary depending on where you live. Please check with your local garbage authorities or County Waste Management to determine how these should be disposed of. Kindly follow the appropriate disposal methods.

If you have a burning sensation with the insulin injection, consider discussing this with your doctor. Some insulin, such as Glargine, is somewhat acidic and may cause a burning sensation. Also, insulin is best injected at room temperature. Sometimes cold insulin right from the refrigerator may cause some discomfort. A quick stab when puncturing the skin is less painful than slowly trying to puncture the skin. Please avoid using the needle multiple times since the needles become blunt, making it very uncomfortable. Relaxing your muscle at the site of the injection helps reduce discomfort.

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