INTRAMUSCULAR SELF-INJECTIONS

THE INJECTION PROCESS

1. Organise the equipment in a well lit, clean area.
2. Wash and dry your hands.
3. Check the expiration date on the ampoule of testosterone. Do not use any medication that is past its expiration date, is discoloured or has any visible particles in it.
4. Check the packaging of the needle and syringe. Do not use a needle or syringe if the packaging appears damaged.
5. Check there is no oil in the top of the ampoule. If there is, then warm the ampoule in your hand and turn it back and forth until the oil runs into the main part of the ampoule.
6. Snap the lid off the ampoule by taking a firm hold of the body of the ampoule with the dot on the neck of the ampoule facing towards you. Then snap the top off the ampoule by snapping it away from you. Dispose of the glass top in the sharps bin. NOTE: if you are using a vial then steps 5 and 6 do not apply but you should wipe the rubber top of the vial with an alcohol wipe and allow this to dry.
7. Stand the ampoule on a flat surface. Take a needle and syringe out of their packaging and attach the needle to the syringe. Remove the needle cover without touching the needle with your fingers, or allowing it to touch any other surface.
8. Fill the syringe by putting the needle straight into the centre of the ampoule and gently pulling back on the plunger. If you are using a vial then put the needle through the rubber top of the vial, turn the vial upside down and slowly draw the plunger back.
9. Turn the syringe upside down (needle pointing upwards) and check for air bubbles. If there are any air bubbles, tap the syringe so that the air rises to the end of the syringe and then gently push the plunger in to expel the air.
10. Change the needle for a clean, blue needle. 
11. Identify your injection site. We generally recommend the middle part of the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh which is on the outside of the thigh. See diagram below.
12. Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow to dry.
13. Gently stretch the skin at the site with your fingers so that the skin is slightly taught.
14. See diagram below. Insert the needle at a 90 degree angle into the muscle. This is less painful if done with a firm, swift motion. You can now let go of the skin with your other hand.
15. Gently pull back on the plunger. If blood comes into the syringe then you have entered a blood vessel. DO NOT INJECT. Withdraw the needle and discard the medication and start the process afresh.
16. If there is no blood, then you can slowly push the plunger which will deliver the testosterone into the muscle.
17. Once all the medication has been delivered, withdraw the needle and dispose of it in the sharps bin. There may be a small drop of visible blood, this is nothing to worry about, simply apply some pressure to it for a few moments with a piece of tissue or cotton wool.