Always ensure the syringe is sterile.
Giving an injection to another person or to yourself starts with getting the medication into the syringe that is attached to the needle. Doing this correctly and without hesitation makes the patient feel more at ease, and he will be more relaxed when it is time to get the actual injection. Loading a syringe is the same for all types of injections, including the most common types, inter-muscular for antibiotics, boosters and vitamins, and subcutaneous for insulin, certain pain medications and diuretics. With some practice and patience, you will be on your way to filling a syringe.
Instructions
1. Wash your hands thoroughly before picking up all materials you will use to give an injection or fill a syringe. Use antibacterial soap and hot running water. Afterward, dry your hands with disposable towels.
2. Remove the syringe from its wrapping. Open the paper that wraps the syringe by pulling the tabs at the top of the syringe package. They are held by adhesive and should come apart with a gentle pull. Keep the plastic covering on the needle; the plastic covering comes with the item, on the needle, and keeps the needle sterile and unbent.
3. Lay the syringe on a sterile towel, keeping the needle covered with the plastic covering.
4. Open the metal cap on the top of the medicine bottle from which you will draw liquid. If you won't use the entire bottle, lay the cap face down on the sterile towel.
5. Hold the medicine bottle by its sides in your non-dominant hand. The bottom of the bottle should face up, and the top containing the rubber stopper should face down, toward your wrist. Tap the side of the bottle gently with the forefinger of your other hand.
6. Prepare to draw liquid. Lift the syringe with the hand you use to write or throw a ball. Remove the plastic covering from the needle carefully using the top of your thumb. If that is difficult, lay the bottle on the sterile towel and use two fingers to remove the needle covering.
7. Remove air from the syringe. Push the syringe's plunger in to expel air in the syringe. Use your thumb to do this. Withdraw the plunger from the syringe about 3/4 of the way. Lay the syringe on the sterile towel.
8. Clean the medication bottle's top. Pour a little alcohol on a piece of gauze or get an alcohol wipe. Then use it to wipe the top of the bottle containing the medication.
9. Draw the liquid. Hold the bottle in your non-dominant hand once more with the bottom facing up. Take the syringe into your other hand and push the 3/4-drawn plunger into the rubber tip at the top of the medication bottle. Keep the hand with the bottle angled and the syringe in such a way that you can see the markings for the amount. Pull the syringe plunger out slowly until the liquid goes just beyond the amount you need. Then pull the needle and syringe out of the bottle, and place the bottle down.
10. Remove the extra liquid. Hold the syringe with the needle upward, and look for the marking that displays the amount of liquid in the syringe. Expel the small amount of extra fluid you drew. This will release any air that might be in the syringe.
If you are the person giving the medication and the patient is in the room, give the medication. If not, cover the needle with the plastic cover, and then place it on the sterile towel.
Tags: sterile towel, plastic covering, syringe sterile, draw liquid, face down