What is a Subcutaneous (SUBQ) Injection?

Flu shots. Insulin injections. Allergy shots.

What do they all have in common?

They’re all examples of subcutaneous (SUBQ) injections, also known as SQ. Subcutaneous injections are a popular method for administering medications and vaccines.

They’re relatively easy to perform and less invasive than other methods. A SUBQ injection enters the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle layers.

This subcutaneous injection technique for nurses delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through small blood vessels called capillaries found in this layer of fat. The medication is then absorbed by the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body.

Can You Give SUBQ Injection Anywhere? – Subcutaneous Injection Sites

No, you shouldn’t give subcutaneous injections just anywhere.

The most common sites for SUBQ injections include:

• Abdomen: Avoiding a 2-inch (5-centimeter) radius around the navel.

• Thighs: The outer area of the upper thighs.

• Upper Arms: The back or side of the upper arms above the elbow at least 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) below the shoulder.

• Lower back: Just above the buttocks.

These areas have a layer of fat between the skin and muscle, ideal for the slow absorption of medication. If it’s a routine injection like insulin, make sure to rotate the sites.

Do You Pinch Skin for SUBQ Injections?

Pinching the skin is an optional subcutaneous injection technique for nurses, but it may help reduce the pain.

Pinching the skin gathers the fatty tissue into a small fold, which provides a larger target area for the injection. This may help decrease discomfort from the needle and ensure the nurse injects the medication into the subcutaneous layer.

What Angle is SUBQ Injection Given?

A nurse typically gives a subcutaneous injection at a 45-degree angle.

But if the client has more subcutaneous fat, the nurse may use a 90-degree angle. This angle ensures they deliver the medication into the subcutaneous tissue rather than the muscle.

The Correct SUBQ Injection Technique for Nurses

The correct subcutaneous injection technique for nurses involves the following steps:

Preparation

1. Gather supplies. Ensure you have the medication, syringe (select a 25- to 27-gauge needle 3 to 5/8 of an inch), alcohol swabs, two or more clean gauze pads, and a sharps container.

2. Check the medication. Verify the medication and dosage.

3. Wash hands. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least one minute. Wash between the fingers, under nails, and up to the wrists. Dry the hands with a paper towel and put on gloves.

Administration

1. Select the site. Choose a proper injection site.

2. Clean the site. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.

3. Pinch the skin (optional). Gently pinch an inch (2.5 centimeters) of the skin at the injection site.

4. Insert the needle. Hold the syringe like you would a pencil or even a dart. Remove the cape of the needle and insert it at 90 degrees — or 45 if there isn’t much fatty tissue.

5. Inject the medication. Slowly inject the medication.

6. Withdraw the needle. After you fully inject the medication, wait about 10 seconds to remove the needle and apply gentle pressure with a clean swab.

7. Dispose of the needle. Engage the safety shield and dispose of the needle in a sharps container.

8. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least one minute.

Post-Injection

1. Monitor the client. Observe the client for any adverse reactions.
2. Document. Record the injection details in the client’s medical record.

By following these steps, nurses can make sure they administer subcutaneous injections safely and effectively.

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Nursing techniques, such as subcutaneous injections or intramuscular injections, require proper training and practice.

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