Subcutaneous Injection Training - Injecting the Medication

Dr. Kevin Hatfield describes and demonstrates a proper subcutaneous injection.

[@thewingedwretch]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was doing my injections in my leg before this time, and it got to a point that I couldn’t even do it because I was so nervous every time. I just did my first every subcutaneous shot with the guidance of this video, and it helped me not only feel better anxiety wise but made me way more confident! This video is wonderful! Thank you again!

[@halilibrahimkocoglu5899]

Testosterone Propionate is soooo painful in the thigh. OUCH! 😖 How do you handle the pain ?

[@staytuned2L337]

@@halilibrahimkocoglu5899 size of the needle may make a difference. I've been using my abdomen and sort of want to go for the thigh. It's weird though that I was more confident to begin with but now as I'm almost at a year and am getting more nervous each time =S

[@valeriobertucci6159]

@@halilibrahimkocoglu5899 i notice one thing in IM injection...little needle: if u move too much, more pain. Big needle: if u move, not so much pain. In subcoutaneus injections, try to put ice on skin for 1-2 minutes...You will notice anything....better: no pain at all that u must check if the needle is inside!

[@dickfitswell3437]

So you get to inject yourself. Ok, that's cool. I'm down with that. Wasn't even a IV user or anything. Just like needles. I figured they had to give it to you at the office each month

[@giovannicarosa8819]

@@halilibrahimkocoglu5899 Test Prop is just painful no matter where you put it.

[@tyleralv]

Only video I could find that includes an explanation of the pinching process. I was unsure of whether or not I should let go of my skin after the needle is in, and this video showed/explained the whole process clearly.

[@janalawinterwing8589]

Oddly, kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn-7gHmBn7mDgMU says to release the pinched skin before injecting, and it doesn't say to press firmly to get in an inch deep. I wish doctors had a more rigid standard on their methods.

[@marcelminns6491]

I have been injecting Testosterone for the past 6 years and this is new to me that you can do it subcutaneous instead of intramuscular. Very helpful.

[@dennist.8018]

yeah, but it's better to do a smaller dosage, like 0.1ml, and then daily. And even better use test propionate, because it acts faster and keeps other hormone levels in check. 0.5 ml is a big dosage for subq.

[@Grandmas_Favorite]

Exactly… As long as you do it either every day or 4-5 times a week

[@Killa-Kawalski]

Yes. Your spot on. Small daily or every other day .. Will keep from skyrocketing your bloods..

[@frankslefttesticle3247]

@@Grandmas_Favorite I do mine once a week

[@wadestandish8566]

@@dennist.8018 I’m going to try this. Wonder if this also helps keep blood pressure at bay?

[@fallingheart33]

You're the best! I've been confused for months and in just a few minutes of your explanation of how to administer self injections, I'm a thousand times more confident I'm doing it correct! Thank you!

[@rachland6184]

Oh my goodness, I was very nervous about giving myself a shot in the stomach, but you completely made me comfortable doing so. Thank you so much!

[@memento_mori6019]

This is a fantastic tutorial and demonstration of subQ injections. Thank you for educating the public with this.

[@alanbarton773]

Thank you! As a visual learner, your vid was so easy to follow. I’ve dreaded switching over from cream, which just ran out. Watched 10+ vids and nothing gave me confidence. Came across you and did first injection witching 10 min of watching. Super easy! Super painless! Thank you so much!

[@aha1126]

This is the best advice video I could find! I have been doing injections in my thighs and it progressively got more difficult. Being able to watch you do it and copy the movements finally made me comfortable enough to do it in the stomach, thank you!

[@XxThingsThatRawrxX]

I watched this video then watched it again as I did my first b12 injection for my deficiency. This made me feel so much less nervous thank you!

[@darrendustin2550]

M

[@WDgallagher]

What a helpful video after I received no info from the doctor or drug package itself. The pharmacist only gave me instruction after I asked for information. I will not got to CVS again. When you first get a diagnosis that you need twice daily shots, a calm teacher is very helpful. Thank you

[@TheJGVideoShow]

Thank you for this instructional video. Just switched from oral to injection methotrexate, and was very anxious about doing it myself even with the instructions provided to me in person. Your video helped alleviate my anxiety, and I helped me with my first injection. So, thank you! :-)

[@Polyclinic]

Glad this was helpful for your injection. Dr. Hatfield is one of the best!

[@Pluto-vn8tw]

Can i do subQ injection using testosterone?

[@daverogers9038]

@@Pluto-vn8tw He is demonstrating how to do SubQ testosterone injections. He was just using saline in his technique demonstration.

[@jacksonjackson6539]

Thanks! This is very informative and clearly professional. I've been doing injections for about a year but this taught me a thing or two still.

[@richardwhitson4898]

Best video I've seen.. I've been so nervous.. even after 2 injections. You've eased my mind. Thank you!

[@jeffgo8658]

Thank you. Your video helped me overcome my fears and help my brother who undergoes hemodialysis to inject his erythropietin alpha.

[@user-hv5ln3rm8f]

I know there are dozens of comments like mine, but thank you for this video. It was my first time with a subQ injection, and I've been searching for tips, pieces of training, and advice from everywhere to try and prepare myself for it. Your video, combined with what my provider told me about it, helped immensely with giving me the confidence to do it myself. Despite dedicating hours of research to it, I never saw the tip about using the cap to make a target for the injection; honestly, that made me feel much safer doing it myself. Thank you for making this so approachable and easy to understand, whether for veteran subQ injectors, or first-timers!

[@dickfitswell3437]

Damn what a well explained process and your bedside manner would probably be reflected upon this video and is likely top notch. No BS, just facts, what's wrong, what you're gonna do to help and some positive reinforcement. I wasn't expecting such professionalism to be honest nor did I expect to learn much. I knew a little about air in the needle but not how to perform some cool medical needle maneuvers. You did a really good job on this Doc

[@AnnabelleBot]

Thank you. Finally feel confident and safe doing my estrogen shots all by myself.

[@MissMeina]

I was never told by my prescriber how to use needles so thank you so much

[@aimlesslywanderinglife3808]

Wow hands up for the best freaking only thorough video on injections on the web…. Lol so long ago where was this last time I googled the same thing

[@kathaleenwood2426]

Still nervous, but better prepared. Thank You very much for taking the time to do this video.

[@JDWilliamsPD]

Before I administered my first shot, I feared it was going to be excruciatingly painful. I pushed the needle in expecting it to hurt, but instead I was shocked that I barely felt anything. My first thought was of the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain, all bark, no bite.

[@sarahdeason493]

Excellent .. I must begin B12 injections & this tutorial was much needed and helps with my fear of injections .

[@baileesucks69]

this is so informative! i start taking methotrexate by subcutaneous injection in 4 days and i needed a detailed explanation. loved the target trick, and not to put the needle all the way into the vial. overall great instructional video, much appreciated

[@christinaadams1235]

You broke this down in way that anyone could follow... good work!

[@TURTLEORIGINAL]

As perfect a technique as I've seen or been taught. Thank you, sir. My only critique: I never do anything with my other hand(Like opening up a bandaid) while you have an open needle in the other. I always place the spent needle syringe into the Sharps container first, before doing something, even as simple as peeling open a Bandaid. I do this to prevent accidentally sticking myself.

[@AnusRipper-2000]

No one asked

[@charlesp9681]

Did it tonight for the first time, following the instructions on this video. Thank you.

[@BANANANAME]

Oh man, this was so helpful, thank you so much!!

[@sneakybunny2165]

I'm going with my kid today to learn how to give them their T shot because they hate needles and haven't been able to work up the nerve to do it themselves lately. I'm nervous, but this was a very good introduction. Thank-you.

[@369DivineOne]

Thank you for this. My legs and my belly are sore and bruised from blood thinner injections. I’ve been doing it for 15 days and I still have 25 more to go. The last 2 bled and I wasn’t sure I was doing it right anymore. I’ll perfect my pinching technique with this video. ❤

[@awkaos]

Best video on this subject I've seen.

[@rikinshah2530]

Best detailed explanation of how and why this injection is done.

[@inmabika3638]

Thank you so much for the explanation. I was about to take my HCG shot and unfortunately, my sister who is a nurse is not around to do it for me. I have to do it at this hour and cant wait for someone to do it for me so I have to do it myself. I was able to do it with the help of this video. Thanks a lot.

[@LadyNoremon]

Thank-you for showing how to prep the needle! I've been given injectable Buscopan since the tablets are on shortage and I've been super anxious about air bubbles

[@cameronmoney7084]

Air bubbles is a myth. You would need about a needle full of air to do any harm. Damn i hate when people say that

[@libertasautmors8995]

@@cameronmoney7084 Too many movies. Hell, is there any positive stereotype in filmmaking?!

[@janalawinterwing8589]

@@libertasautmors8995 Movies always depict injecting air into a blood vein which can form an 'air embolism' which actually can be deadly or at least damage whatever has its blood supply cut off by the air bubble. Injecting a tiny amount of air into fat or muscle isn't generally a problem.

[@libertasautmors8995]

@@janalawinterwing8589 When did I say otherwise?

[@davidkellymitchell4747]

You would need a huge bubble going into a vein to be dangerous. This is injected into fat.

[@Tallinsafur]

Thank you Dr., Hat field! Excellent video

[@rickycarfan54]

what is the difference between subcutaneous or intramuscolar injections in terms of absorption of the substance?

[@OhighOSkater]

Thanks coach. Put me in the game. I’m ready

[@arleighdudar7592]

Thorough and informative. Thank you!!!

[@zoedeng]

very professional !

[@curtisanderson9731]

Great Video!!!! Can you go at 90 degree angle

[@tinakrepalina]

Very well explained from the start! Thank you doctor for this useful tutorial!

[@GurpreetSingh-dz9ui]

Ghds Lola

[@avesaoirsepraesens3537]

This is so perfect - thank you!

[@lisawinston9369]

This has helped me a lot. Thank you

[@LeafFreedom]

So as a TRT lifer and as someone who studies mycology, the drawing the air part bothers me because of random things floating in the air. I like to be working near a flow hood or a warm open oven in a pinch. I understand this is not feasible for most but I have done thousands of injections and have never had an infection, PIP, or any other discomfort using these methods.

[@brandonsaeger2936]

Mycology is 100x more complicated and cleanly than injecting compounds

[@JuiceMonger999]

What size needle was it

[@PTinvest]

Good practice, what's the booster supplement of the endocrine system

[@littlebeebs1]

Thank you so very much for this video! I am a female who is 46 years old and has low testosterone. The clinic I go to gave me subcutaneous injections the first couple of times. But they told me that when my testosterone arrives in the mail, I need to start doing it intramuscularly. They sent me home with four syringes to get through until mine arrives. They are the small 5/8 or less syringe. My boyfriend has given me the shots and he knows exactly the place to give the shot in the glue because I give him testosterone shots. For some reason, I have been getting very sore with the intramuscular injections. I already have sciatica and I don’t want to irritate those muscles anymore. Is there someway that I could obtain subcutaneous needles and do it subcutaneously instead? Mine will be testosterone cypionate in MCT oil. It is thinner than most, and that is exactly what they gave me subcutaneously in the clinic. So I am confused as why they are telling me I have to do it intramuscularly. I felt so much better when I did it subcutaneously. Sorry for the very long comment but I would appreciate a doctors opinion. the people at the clinic are difficult to reach now to ask any questions about it. I would actually choose another clinic if there were more places to go around here. They also gave me surprise charges that I wasn’t expecting. So now I have paid a fortune and I am about to receive something that I dread doing. I am prescribed a very small dose twice per week. thank you so very much!

[@ashleyknight2344]

That was very helpful. Thank you.

[@DanielHunterUSA]

I’m 52 and low energy and probably low T ,my question is do you have to inject every day ?

[@belen6603]

Great video and lots of information. Thanks you

[@kevinfite9292]

Dr Hatfield, very useful video that I'm actually referring patients to. By chance do you have a video demonstrating intramuscular injection of testosterone?

[@avalonhome913]

Yes, But I am still trying to get it done! My videographer has been occupied by other things lately.-Kevin (responding from my gmail account)

[@mattheww9656]

Avalon Home That would be helpful - thank you.

[@cjd5255]

Thank you so much for this video. I was on Aimovig which I posted for ppl. Now dr sd great promise in Anjovy for migraines and getting listed for fibromyalgia. I wanted to assure I understood subcutaneous since this one is an actual needle. I'm not even 90 wet and 41 this yr. So finding spots..usually top of thigh. I'm thinking the pinch on the belly will help the brain not recognize the 🤯🤯🤔😅😅 I know I don't have to do all u did. I'm just here for proper depth and angle. Thank you Doctor!!! Blessings to you, staff and family at this time also! 💖🙏

[@georgeguevara6233]

Thank you Doc… very informative🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jamesjdm]

That was a fancy way of saying, just the tip 😂 Seriously though, this video has helped me greatly, thank you!

[@Bejeweled0519]

What happens when you can't pinch an inch of skin? My skin is extremely... solid. It's not elastic at all, and every time I've attempted to do my shot, it hurts a lot no matter where I try to do it.

[@veganmocha]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@aAaAAA-ppgg]

I recently broke my ankle and after surgery I was prescribed 30 shots for blood clots. I've done 10 with increasing difficulty, but now I just can't do it. The needle won't go in and I'm crying and I'm alone. I'm trying to think about happy things or the nurse who showed me how to do it, but nothing helps. I don't know what to do.

[@GregoryKillian-uw8gc]

What is the gauge of the injection needle?

[@Terminator000]

Hi doctor, Very good explanation!! But explain to us what needle are you using to draw testosterone? And what needle are you using to inject it ? This will be very helpful for a lot of people . in advance.

[@stevealpe]

It’s in another video by the same guy mate. Here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqu6pGiCdrykhsU

[@lisawhitt2607]

I’ve had 2 injections and never had the dr use 3 alcohol wipes nor wait 5 seconds for the injections. I don’t understand why no one has mentioned the burning as it goes it and why I bruising and a knot at the injection site. It’s been 2 months and still feels really hard at injections site will they go away ?

[@thewhitematstudio]

This was super helpful!

[@maxwilder7306]

Thank you!! This was very helpful.

[@nathanielcohen9890]

yes, but when you only have one hand, what option do you have?

[@sweetpower56]

So is it best to go in from the side rather than direct towards your stomach?

[@GOLDEN-GRAMS]

How effective is subq in the stomach for testosterone cypionate injections???

[@hammedkolawole2806]

For those that have less fat on their belly how would they take such injections since they don’t have enough skin to grasp.

[@atomicapplegrrr]

Tysm

[@emberlite]

Quick question. If you switch to a smaller needle for the injection, doesn't that mean it holds less of the "extra" liquid and therefore you inject slightly more than the needed dose? Or is the needle just thinner and longer, but holds the same volume as the previous, larger needle?

[@steveazusa]

I just do it in glute i never feel it like 95% of the time once in great while I'll get a pinch and i use 1½ inch 25 gauge

[@johnj3943]

Did you ever say the angle of approach? 90? or 45?

[@brandonsaeger2936]

90 if you have fat, 45 if you don't . Angled is never recommended but can be easily done

[@KvartDGV]

Can someone please tell me how long is testosterone detectable in urine injected subq ?

[@AmitKumar-vx1hb]

My body is shaking after seeing that he is injecte himself

[@cfig81]

Great vid! 🔥 What is the size of the needles?

[@tigersoldier223]

ended up getting 5/16 needles instead of 5/8, would they still work?

[@dickfitswell3437]

Do some people really try the one handed un-capping of a hypodermic needle? If so, stay away from them.

[@loriegreen8840]

Wow, I have watched other videos regarding subq injections...but there were still details I didn't know. I never drew up the med & then backed the plunger down to draw the med from the tip/needle & I've also never pushed the plunger up to push out a drop. I give myself my T & E injections & no issue...I give my hubby his T injection & he always gets a little lump for about 2-3 days. Is an allergy to the compounding oil that's used - the typical reason for such a reaction? I use 18g for drawing & 27g for injection. I was told by other bhrt users that a 31 g needle would eliminate his lumps from occurring... could this be an issue?

[@GiGi-dd5cr]

Is this the same subq technique for laennec?

[@DeanHynd]

Been doing subq belly shots for a while now.. I done one as normal on Tuesday (2 days ago) and today there's a painful swollen area of injection site. There's no redness or warmth tho, but very painful. Do you recommend doing my next shot on the other side and see if the same thing happens? If so, what would be your recommendation? Thanks

[@stevezodiac6025]

Recently I began using DHE45 SubQ because I can't get midrin anymore and the DHE45 IM injections are more painful. The SubQ injections cause quite a bit of itching around my belly after 24 hours but with no redness. Using the DHE IM in my thighs causes only bruising. Any ideas or suggestions? Topical lidocaine or benadryl doesn't help. thnx

[@kirschmckinney5347]

Thank you so much for this ❤️

[@manny63432]

Extremely easy to understand video, thank you very much.

[@brianlee6768]

Can I use 3/8 needle I'm skinny

[@koroborok2719]

Can I do this even if my testosterone C say IM use only?

[@jeremiemoisan4413]

hi doctor...im at my third injection of dupixent..first one i was supervised by a pharmacist second on i did around my bellybutton and it made a litle bump that lasted for about 10 seconds...third on i redid it on my hip and did a litle bump again but for about 3sec...is it normal? i weigh only 120 pounds its hard to find fat on my body....is it because its not deep enough?

[@AZSilverbug]

Why go in at an angle... if you want to go deeper than the 5/8ths needle?

[@avalonhome913]

If you are skinny and you enter the skin at 90 degrees you might have the needle touch the belly muscle underneath and this may hurt more and could cause more bruising as well. If you have an easy time pinching up ample belly fat . . the angle of the needle entry is much less important. -Kevin Hatfield, MD

[@GeorgeKnew]

@@avalonhome913 thanks... are you a Sub-Q guy or a IM guy?

[@AZSilverbug]

@@avalonhome913 Thanks! I have some belly fat... not much... think I might go to a IM injection in my deltoids instead.

[@frankgell69]

So I've been doing the Sub-Q in the tummy area and I love it it works great with test. My question is can I also put tren & Deca in there or should I keep that intramuscular?

[@sticklebacketienne]

definitely keep that IM.

[@brandonsaeger2936]

I inject deca eq test masteron all subq or im. Makes no difference

[@kylewoodward7078]

For some reason the DOC reminds me of herb off of 2 and a half men..lol..great video

[@josephevans5785]

Thanks, just one question. I currently already get a monthly injection in the abdomen (Sublocade) which forms a small knot naturally, and releases the medication slowly. So I already alternate between areas. Is it ok to be injecting this in the abdomen as well?

[@jasonsmith2301]

I also get sublocade in my stomach and wondering the same. What did you find out? Thanks!

[@nandogomes3498]

How big is that nidle are you injecting? Looks tiny them the 25g 5/8

[@chasepatterson2036]

Thank you, this was incredibly helpful! ive had issues in the past where IM injections resulted in a fait bit of leakage. Is Z-tracking necessary for subQ injections or is that not common problem for this site and technique? Regards, Chase Patterson

[@blairmonkman7507]

No need to Z track if you don't want to.

[@drstefanis]

why do we count to five? to make sure the drug is fully disposed?

[@kevinhatfield8162]

Counting to 5 before withdrawing the needle allows the just injected medicine to disperse into the body and then less will leak back out from the puncture site. A little leakage is still normal.

[@juicer404]

what angle u going in? 45?

[@Pluto-vn8tw]

Please help! Can i inject testosterone in stomach? I really hate doing muscle injections. Can i switch to daily subQ pins!????

[@scottbaxter2682]

Yes

[@miamianz]

can this go into the butt area upper region ? got no fat in belly and im freaked out about injecting legs muscles. omg that needle is small the one i got was for an elephant.

[@brandonsaeger2936]

Yeah you can hit your tie in muscle. I prefer glute over all

[@rpdrpd4153]

Thanks Doc. I’ve been doing sub-Q injections into my belly, 1/2 cc a week for the last 4 months alternating sides. I e started to develop little lumps that i can feel under the skin where I injected. Any idea what they are ? Nervous to keep injecting in those spots. Thank you.

[@keianao6369]

Same thing is happening with my partner, we are going to try to rotate injection sites, I'm nervous as I administer his shots (tinzaparin). But the thigh seems like a good place to start as it's almost as fatty as the stomach as well. I would recommend that, as that is what his doctor had told us to do since he started developing the lumps in the stomach injection site. I believe you just do it at a 45° angle instead of 90° on the stomach area. I would maybe call your local health line as well if you need anymore advice, that's what I'm doing tomorrow for the first rotation!

[@finnneedshelp6653]

Thank you so much!!!

[@poposisa]

I am very skinny! it is really hard. First time even the nurse hit my muscle (my pressure went low; with cimzia) Now I have to do it myself

[@HotRoute7]

Same here, just did it myself first time today and passed out shortly after 🤯

[@freedomchannel3656]

I'm about the doctors size, I pinch an inch and inject with 1/2" Needle .5" works for me and gets into the fatty tissue

[@ENigma-es7td]

What are the name of these syringes? All of the insulin ones i am seeing have a fixed needle that cant be changed

[@avalonhome913]

BD brand 'Luer-Lock" syringe. Very good quality!

[@x8darkcatch]

Can you reuse the same syringe (not the needle) went to the chemist today and picked up 20 syringes not sure if I can use a syringe more than once ? Will be injecting testosterone

[@avalonhome913]

See above reply. Kevin Hatfield, MD

[@jameshilliard5483]

You said, "testosterone bottle" I don't think you can inject testosterone sub q--- it has to be IM. So what are you injecting?

[@brandonsaeger2936]

You can subq test deca eq masteron etc either Im or subq

[@sebastianmoradi4311]

THANK YOU