Syringe Injection
Video: Learn How to Inject Insulin with a Syringe
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Step by Step: Learn How to Inject Insulin With a Syringe
1. Wash your hands with plain soap and warm water
2. Check the insulin type and expiration date
Check for the right insulin type, right dose, and right time. 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 cover over the rubber stopper on bottle
4. Wipe the 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. Turn syringe upside down and insert 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 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 alcohol is dry.
Alcohol wipes are in the Yellow Box.
15. Inject the 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.
