Rotating Injection Sites

It is extremely important to rotate sites to keep the skin healthy. Repeated injections in the same spot can cause scarring and hardening of fatty tissue that will interfere with absorption of medication.

Each injection should be about 1 inch apart. Each injection site can be measured with a small dot Band-Aid, provided the patient is not sensitive to adhesive.

Start injections at the highest point of the area and continue down toward the point farthest away from the body (for example, upper arm down toward elbow). It is preferable to use all sites available on one body part (arm or leg) before moving on to another. However, some parents find that children are more accepting of injections if they are rotated from one body part to another (arm, leg, arm, leg). Avoid giving injections in areas that are burned, red- dened, inflamed, swollen, or damaged by prior injections.

What is a Subcutaneous Injection?

Why are subcutaneous injections given?

Preparing to Give Medication

Drawing up Medication

Locating Injection Sites

Giving the Injection