Medical professionals around the world know how to fill a syringe, but it is a skill that is becoming increasingly necessary for some patients. Studies have shown that 80% of women prefer to have their injections at home rather than go to a doctor's office. Pharmaceutical companies are working to meet patient demands and find drugs that can be injected directly at home. If you are one of the millions of people who depend on injectable drugs, or know someone who is, follow the steps in this article to learn how to safely and professionally insert the drug into a syringe.
Steps
Step 1. Check the expiration date on the drug package
Step 2. Wash your hands
Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Step 3. Check the needle to make sure it is not broken or bent
If the needle is bent, do not try to straighten it. Throw it away in a safe, needle-proof container and get a new one
Step 4. Check the syringe before filling it with medication
Make sure it's not ruined. The syringes have a shelf life of 1 year, but can last longer. However, some parts, especially rubber ones, start to break and can leak.
Step 5. Roll the medicine bottle between your hands to mix the liquid
Do not shake it, so as not to create bubbles.
Step 6. Remove the cap from the medication vial and clean it with an alcohol pad
Let the alcohol dry but do not wave it with your hand and do not blow on it. You could recontaminate the cleaned area.
Step 7. Pull back the plunger of the syringe to the mark corresponding to the amount of medication you need to administer
Step 8. Remove the needle cap
Step 9. Insert the syringe needle into the rubber center on the top of the medication bottle
Step 10. Push the syringe plunger down and force the air out of the syringe to enter the bottle
Step 11. Turn the bottle upside down and hold the neck of the bottle between the index and middle fingers of your left hand
Support the syringe with your thumb and ring finger. Do not let the needle bend.
If you are left handed, reverse the passage with your right hand
Step 12. Use your right hand to pull the plunger back to the level of the prescribed amount of medication
Switch your hand in this step if you are left handed
Step 13. Check the medication in the syringe for air bubbles
Gently tap the barrel of the syringe. In this way, any air bubbles trapped in the drug move towards the needle.