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Subcutaneous (SC) Injection Guide for Filipino Caregivers

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Learn how to safely perform a Subcutaneous (SC) Injection with this step-by-step guide designed for Filipino caregivers, nurses, and healthcare students.

Learning the Subcutaneous (SC) Injection technique is essential for Filipino caregivers, nurses, and healthcare students—especially because diabetes management is so common in the Philippines. A Subcutaneous (SC) Injection delivers medication just beneath the skin, where absorption is slower and gentler compared to an intramuscular injection. The SC route is most often used for insulin, blood thinners, allergy medications, and certain hormone treatments.

This guide provides a clear SC injection technique, common injection sites, safety tips, and references from global health authorities. For more basic procedures every caregiver should know, visit our Master Corner article here:
👉 https://helalmedical.com/most-common-simple-procedures-for-filipino-caregivers-nurses-and-healthcare-students/

🩺 What Is a Subcutaneous (SC) Injection?

A Subcutaneous (SC) Injection administers medication into the fatty tissue layer between the skin and the muscle. This allows for slower, steady absorption. It’s ideal for medications that need to work throughout the day—such as insulin for diabetic patients.

This technique is supported by major medical institutions such as:

• World Health Organization (WHO) – safe injection practices
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – injection guidelines
• Mayo Clinic – SC injection patient instructions

💉 Common SC Injection Sites

These areas have enough fatty tissue to safely administer medication:

• Abdomen – best for insulin; avoid a 2-inch radius around the navel
• Upper outer arms – between the shoulder and the elbow
• Thighs – front or outer area
• Upper buttocks or lower back

Rotating sites helps prevent lipodystrophy (fat tissue damage), especially in diabetic patients receiving daily injections.

🧴 Materials Needed

Before performing an SC injection, prepare:

• Sterile syringe or insulin pen
• Medication (e.g., insulin)
• Alcohol swabs
• Gloves
• Cotton balls or gauze
• Sharps container

💉 Step-by-Step Guide to Subcutaneous Injection

1. Wash Hands Thoroughly

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel.

2. Prepare the Medication

• Check the medication label and expiry date.
• If using insulin, gently roll (not shake) cloudy insulin types.
• Draw up the prescribed dose or set the insulin pen.

3. Select the Injection Site

Choose a fatty tissue area. Clean the site using an alcohol swab and let it dry.

4. Pinch the Skin

Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch 1–2 inches of skin to avoid injecting into the muscle.

5. Insert the Needle at 45–90 Degrees

• For thinner patients: 45 degrees
• For average or heavier patients: 90 degrees

Insert the needle quickly and smoothly.

6. Inject the Medication Slowly

Push the plunger until all medication is delivered.

7. Remove Needle and Apply Light Pressure

Do not massage the site, especially for insulin or anticoagulants.

8. Dispose of Sharps Properly

Place used needles in an approved sharps container immediately.

⚠️ Safety Tips

• Follow the 5 Rights: right patient, medication, dose, route, time.
• Rotate injection sites daily to prevent lumps or scar tissue.
• Never reuse needles or syringes.
• Store insulin properly—do not expose it to heat.
• If a patient develops swelling, numbness, or redness, consult a healthcare provider.

📝 Summary

Mastering the Subcutaneous (SC) Injection is a vital skill for Filipino caregivers, nurses, and healthcare students—especially since diabetes is among the most common chronic illnesses in the Philippines. This gentle and effective method of delivering medication just beneath the skin allows for steady absorption and better long-term management of chronic conditions. By understanding proper technique, safe injection practices, and site rotation, healthcare providers can deliver care confidently and safely.

📞 Contact Helal Medical Today!

Upgrade your caregiving and clinical skills with professional training in Subcutaneous (SC) Injection techniques and other essential procedures.
Get in touch with Helal Medical now to enroll!