Injection Best Practices

Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re going to quickly review the essential steps to safely and effectively administer an injection.

When you’re preparing to give an injection, start with hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and put on clean gloves.

Next, double-check the Five Rights: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. This step alone prevents countless errors.

When you’re ready to prep the site, use aseptic technique. Clean the skin with an antiseptic swab in a firm, circular motion, and let it air dry completely. Once it’s clean, don’t touch the area again.

For the injection itself, use the correct method: stretch the skin flat for an intramuscular injection, or gently pinch the tissue for a subcutaneous one. Insert the needle swiftly and confidently at the proper angle.

Afterward, activate the safety device immediately. Never recap the needle. Dispose of the entire syringe directly into a sharps container.

With every injection, your technique matters. Stay consistent, stay safe, and always put patient care first.