Illustration of Subcutaneous Needle Insertion

In daily life, subcutaneous injection is commonly used when administering vaccines. But how exactly is the needle inserted subcutaneously? The procedure is as follows:

1. The patient sits upright and places one hand on the waist (with the elbow bent), exposing the upper arm on the side without skin lesions.

2. After expelling air from the syringe, the nurse uses one hand to stretch the skin at the lower border of the deltoid muscle on the patient’s upper arm, while holding the syringe with the other hand. The needle is inserted rapidly at a 30–40-degree angle to the skin, with the beveled tip penetrating to a depth of one-half to two-thirds of the needle shaft.

3. After aspiration confirms no blood return, the medication is injected slowly. A cotton swab is then placed over the injection site, and the needle is withdrawn quickly.

4. The patient is instructed to apply gentle pressure with the cotton swab for five minutes.