Delaware Valley OB/GYN and Infertility Group, PC
 
Seth G. Derman, MD
 
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How to Administer Injections > Intramuscular Injection
 
This is an injection that you give into a muscle. Here are step-by-step instructions for administering an intramuscular injection.

Lying down-or standing with your weight off of the side to be injected-locate the upper outer quadrant (or quarter) of your buttock. The injection is given here.

Take a deep pinch between your thumb and forefinger and wipe with alcohol. Then let dry.

Place the needle into this pinch of tissue and muscle completely, leaving none of the needle exposed.

Draw back on the plunger. If you are accidentally in a blood vessel, blood will appear in the syringe. If so, pull the needle out, replace it with a new, sterile needle, and repeat the process.
 
Slowly push the plunger all the way to inject the medication, and pull the needle straight out.

Alternate between your left and right sides, each time you give yourself an injection.
 
Apply pressure and massage the injection site gently for thirty seconds after you administer the shot.

Never reuse needles and syringes.
 
Dispose of the syringe in a biohazard container such as a Sharps container-or in an unbreakable plastic container such as a laundry detergent bottle that you can seal.

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