Subcutaneous inejction

Subcutaneous injections:

SubQ is given between the fatty layer of muscle and skin. This is the easiest type of the injection that is given to patient. Insulin is most common medicine given subcutaneously. Other medicines given are growth hormones, epinephrine etc. Medicine, which needs to be delivered slowly over long period of time is given subq. There are certain sites where subcutaneous injections are given. Subcutaneous injection can be given both angle of 90 degree (if we can grasp 2 inch of skin by our thumb) and 45 degrees if we can grasp only 1 inch of skin. Injection procedure: Clean the injection site with alcohol wipe, in the round fashion, begin at the center and then go outward. Allow the alcohol to dry by air or by gauge. Hold the syringe like pen, grasp the skin between the thumb and index finger, quickly thrust the needle into the skin. Release the skin and pull back plunger to check for blood. If no blood appears release the medicine. Pull out the needle and gently press the site by gauge.

Some common abbreviation for medications:

• p.o.: by mouth
• IM: intramuscular injection
• SC: subcutaneous injection
• IV: intravenous
• PR: per rectum
• h.s.: at hour of sleep (bedtime)
• ac: before meals
• pc: after meals
• q: every, ie, q 8 h means every 8 hours
• q.d.: every day
• b.i.d.: twice/day
• t.i.d.: three times/day
• q.i.d.: four times/day
• q.o.d.: every other day

Subcutaneous injection sites