Syringe Injection

1. Wash your hands with plain soap and warm water

2. Check the insulin type and expiration date

Know the right insulin type, right dose, and right time(s) to inject. Make sure the bottle (vial) is not expired. If using an opened bottle, check the bottle’s guide to see how long it can be used after opening.

There are many types of insulin. Each type works in your body for a different amount of time. Some types are taken with meals. Others are taken at set times each day.

3. For a new insulin bottle, remove the plastic cover over the rubber stopper on the bottle

4. Wipe the rubber top of the insulin bottle with an alcohol wipe

Alcohol wipes are in the Yellow Box.

5. Remove the (A) needle cover on the syringe and (B) bottom cap

6. Pull the plunger back to your insulin dose

7. Insert the needle of the syringe into the rubber stopper of the bottle

Hold the bottle steady on the table.

8. Push all the air into the bottle until dose goes back to zero

This dose of air is the same as your insulin dose and helps remove air bubbles.

9. Pick up the bottle with the syringe attached. Flip upside down and hold bottle steady.

10. Slowly pull the plunger down to your insulin dose

11. Remove the syringe from the bottle

12. Remove air bubbles

Do this by slowly tapping the syringe with your finger or against the edge of a table.

13. Choose site to inject insulin

You can inject in your belly, thigh, or back of your arm.
Pick a new site every time.

14. Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe

Wait 10 seconds until the skin is dry.

Alcohol wipes are in the Yellow Box.

15. Inject insulin

(a) Pinch skin.

(b) Hold syringe straight and push needle into skin.

(c) Hold firmly in skin and count to 10. Remove syringe.

You can try this with the practice skin in the Yellow Kit. You may see a few drops of insulin on the practice skin after you inject.

16. Replace syringe needle cover

17. Place the syringe in the sharps container and put the insulin bottle in a safe place

The sharps container is in the Yellow Box. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you can store your insulin bottle at room temperature.