How to Draw Sterile Water Into a Syringe

There is a proper way to draw sterile water into a syringe.

Sterile water is often used in conjunction with other liquids or powders and injected into the body, or is used to clean syringes. Whatever the purpose, there are several steps you must follow to safely draw sterile water into a syringe. If the sterile water will be injected into your body, you must remove all air bubbles from the syringe. Even if the sterile water is not injected into your veins, it is good practice to remove the air from the barrel.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

2. Fill a clean container with the sterile water, if the water is not already in a container into which the syringe will fit.

3. Push the plunger down into the syringe as far as it will go.

4. Submerge the plunger or tip of the syringe in the water.

5. Pull the plunger out of the syringe to draw the sterile water into the barrel of the syringe. Make sure to stop drawing the sterile water once the liquid has reached the correct measurement.

6. Take the syringe out of the sterile water, and flip the syringe so the tip is facing up.

7. Tap the side of the syringe with your finger a couple of times to draw the air bubbles to the top of the barrel.

8. Push the plunger in to push out the air bubbles. Tap the side of the barrel again to draw any more air bubbles to the top of the barrel and remove them. Once the air is removed, you are ready to inject or remove the sterile water from the syringe.

References

• AppliedBioSystems: Syringe Care and Maintenance
• Murphy's Machines: How to Correctly Use A Syringe
• University of Rochester: How to Use a Syringe