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
Not sure how many units to draw?
Calculate your exact reconstitution and syringe units before you start step 4.
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.