How to Use a Syringe on Yourself

There are several reasons a person may need to give herself an injection. For many this can seem like an impossible task. But for diabetics or those with severe allergies, it is absolutely necessary to learn how to use a syringe on yourself. Methods for intramuscular injections are outlined below.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Syringe
• Dosage of prescribed medicine
• Alcohol
• Cotton swab
• Sharps container

1. Determine the location of the injection. You can do it in the abdomen (excluding a two-inch diameter around the navel), upper arms or upper outer thighs.

2. Open the prescription vial and sterilize the rubber top.

3. Pull the syringe stopper back enough to fill the syringe with air equaling the dosage.

4. Pierce the vial with the syringe and turn the vial with the syringe in it upside down, pulling the plunger back to the correct dosage.

5. Tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles that may be within it.

6. Remove the syringe needle from the vial.

7. Inject into the fatty tissue, keeping it perpendicular to the skin and using a quick firm motion.

8. Check the location by pulling back slightly on the plunger. If there is not blood, continue to the next step. If there is blood, remove the syringe and throw it away. Start over.

9. Push the plunger, slowly injecting the medicine until the syringe is empty.

10. Remove the needle in one quick motion at the angle it was inserted.

11. Wipe the location with an alcohol swab.

12. Throw needle away in a Sharps container, a container that holds needles and other medical "sharp" objects for safe disposal of biohazard materials.