Subcutaneous Injections in Adelaide
Safe and secure administering of subcutaneous injections in Adelaide is vital in providing high-quality support to persons with disabilities.
What is a subcutaneous injection?
Subcutaneous injection is one of the methods to administer medication. Compared to the usual injection method through the veins, subcutaneous injection entails medication being injected under the skin, specifically in the fatty layer. This type of injection is used when other methods are difficult to perform, not applicable, or deemed less effective.
Through subcutaneous injections, medications are absorbed into the bloodstream slower and steadier than when they are injected into the muscle tissues. Sometimes, absorption of medications, such as drugs and vaccines, administered through subcutaneous injections goes over 24 hours.
Although it is uncommon, the subcutaneous injection method is safe and convenient, especially for small amounts of delicate drugs. This method is also preferred compared to intravenous injection, which is costly and difficult to administer.
What conditions need to have subcutaneous injections?
Subcutaneous injections gives many types of medications for varying medical conditions. Some of the said conditions include the following:
- maintenance and treatment for diabetes (use of insulin);
- need for blood thinners, such as heparin;
- requires painkillers and anti-nausea medications;
- need for fertility drugs; and
- need for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including arthritis.
- Palliative care
- Medication nil by mouth
Moreover, this injection method is designed for individuals who must take medications by themselves daily at their homes or as the need arises. Suppose you or you know someone who has a condition that requires the administration of self-injection. In that case, your doctor or health care provider must train you to avoid medication errors. However, if you need someone to administer the subcutaneous injections on your behalf, experienced home care support service providers can help you with your medication or treatment.
The common condition which requires subcutaneous injection is Type I diabetes which is managed through regular self-injection of insulin.
How to administer subcutaneous injections in Adelaide?
In administering the subcutaneous injection, a short needle is utilised to inject a drug into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle. Some common areas for subcutaneous injections are the abdomen, back or side of the upper arm, and front of the thigh. In terms of the abdomen, the method may be administered at or under the belly button level. It is important to note that subcutaneous injections entail that no muscle, bone, or blood vessel will be hit.
The equipment used in administering subcutaneous injections includes vials of liquid medication and syringes. In cases where an auto-injector pen is available such as the epinephrine or the EpiPen, vials and syringes are no longer needed. In administering this injection method, alcohol pads, gauze, and bandages also need to be present.
Here are the steps in administering a subcutaneous injection:
- Hand Hygiene
- Gather supplies.
- Clean the injection site.
- Fill the syringe with the medication or prepare the auto-injector pen.
- Pinch your skin. The length between your thumb and index finger while pinching your skin should be an inch and a half to ensure that the fatty tissue is away from the muscle.
- Inject the needle into the pinched skin and insert the medication.
- Let go of the pinched skin to withdraw the needle.
- Apply pressure to the injection site and use gauze.
Complications of subcutaneous injection
- Pain
- Skin infection
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tool glitches
This symptom needs to be reported to physician and treated as earlier as possible.
NDIS coverage and benefits
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds various support services, including Subcutaneous Injections in Adelaide. If eligible for the NDIS funds, you may enjoy the perks of receiving assistance from staff trained following the NDIS Practice Standards to ensure high-quality service in the comfort of your homes.
If you are an existing participant of the NDIS and want to know more about incorporating Subcutaneous Injections services into your care plan, you may contact us.
What FGCS can do for you?
Here at FGCS, we can help you by having our trained professionals manage your subcutaneous injections in the most careful way possible. We guarantee that our team can address your care support needs and provide you with the relevant and appropriate treatment. All staff of FGCS are more than willing to guide you in every step of your recovery.
Contact us for more information on Subcutaneous Injections in Adelaide and other services we can offer.