Subcutaneous Injection Guide
A complete visual protocol for subcutaneous peptide injections. Follow each step precisely for safe, effective administration in a research context.
Research purposes only. This guide is for laboratory and research settings. Always follow applicable regulations in your jurisdiction.
Always Do
- Always use a new, sterile syringe for each injection
- Store reconstituted peptides at 2–8°C
- Rotate injection sites each time
- Check the solution is clear before drawing
- Dispose of sharps in an approved container
Never Do
- Re-use needles — ever
- Inject into a bruised or infected area
- Shake vials — gently swirl instead
- Skip the alcohol swab step
- Inject through clothing
8-Step Injection Protocol
Follow every step in sequence. Skipping steps increases contamination risk and reduces reproducibility.
Gather your supplies
Collect everything before you start. Never improvise mid-process.
- Peptide vial (reconstituted)
- Insulin syringe (1ml / 100 units)
- Alcohol swabs (70% isopropyl)
- Clean flat surface
- Sharps disposal container
Wash hands thoroughly
Scrub with soap for 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. This is the single most effective contamination prevention step.
- Soap + water for 20 seconds minimum
- Include fingernails and wrists
- Dry with clean towel (not reused cloth)
- Optional: nitrile gloves after washing
Swab the vial stopper
Clean the rubber stopper of the peptide vial with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry for 30 seconds — don't blow on it.
- Wipe with firm circular motion
- Use a fresh swab per vial
- Allow 30 seconds to air dry
- Do not touch the stopper after swabbing
Draw the correct dose
Remove the syringe cap. Insert the needle through the rubber stopper at a 45° angle. Pull back the plunger to draw your dose.
- Needle bevel facing up for easier insertion
- Insert at 45° angle through stopper centre
- Draw slightly more than needed, then adjust
- Tap syringe to move air bubbles to top, expel gently
Choose your injection site
Subcutaneous (sub-Q) injections go into the fat layer just below the skin. Rotate sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
- Abdomen — 5cm away from navel (preferred)
- Outer thigh — upper third
- Outer upper arm
- Rotate within each site; avoid bruised areas
Swab the injection site
Clean the chosen skin area with an alcohol swab. Use a circular outward motion. Wait 30 seconds until completely dry.
- Circular outward motion from centre
- Cover ~5cm diameter area
- Wait until fully dry before injecting
- Do not fan or blow — let air dry naturally
Inject smoothly Key Step
Pinch a fold of skin lightly. Insert needle at 45° (or 90° for more body fat). Release the skin fold. Depress plunger slowly and steadily.
- Pinch ~2.5cm of skin — firm but gentle
- 45° angle for lean individuals; 90° for more fat
- Insert full needle length in one smooth motion
- Depress plunger over 5–10 seconds (not fast)
Withdraw and dispose
Pull needle straight out at the same angle used to insert. Apply light pressure with a clean swab. Dispose of needle immediately.
- Withdraw at same angle as insertion
- Do not rub — dab lightly with swab
- Activate safety cap immediately if present
- Drop needle into sharps container right away
Injection Site Reference
Rotate between sites every injection. No more than 2 injections per site per day.
Abdomen
PreferredMost common. Avoid 5cm around navel.
Outer Thigh
PreferredUpper outer third. Easy self-injection.
Upper Arm
Outer region only. Harder to self-administer.
Glutes
Upper outer quadrant. Usually requires assistance.
Dosing Calculation Quick Reference
Insulin syringes are marked in units (100 units = 1ml). Use this table to convert your dose.
| Vial Size | BAC Water Added | Concentration | 250mcg dose | 500mcg dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2mg (2,000 mcg) | 1ml | 2,000 mcg/ml | 12.5 units | 25 units |
| 2mg (2,000 mcg) | 2ml | 1,000 mcg/ml | 25 units | 50 units |
| 5mg (5,000 mcg) | 1ml | 5,000 mcg/ml | 5 units | 10 units |
| 5mg (5,000 mcg) | 2ml | 2,500 mcg/ml | 10 units | 20 units |
| 10mg (10,000 mcg) | 2ml | 5,000 mcg/ml | 5 units | 10 units |
| 10mg (10,000 mcg) | 5ml | 2,000 mcg/ml | 12.5 units | 25 units |
100 units on a standard insulin syringe = 1ml. Formula: (dose mcg ÷ concentration mcg/ml) × 100 = units to draw.
Storage at a Glance
Lyophilised (unopened)
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Reconstituted
Never freeze after reconstitution
Handling rule
Discard if cloudy, particulate, or off-colour
Have Questions?
Our team is available to assist with protocol questions, reconstitution guidance, or product selection.