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How to Give a B12 Injection

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Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that maintains nerve cells and red blood cells, in addition to being a necessary factor in creating DNA. It is naturally found in meats, shellfish, eggs and dairy products. While B12 deficiency is rare, the elderly, strict vegetarians and those with the inability to properly absorb B12 in the digestive tract may benefit from B12 injections. Injecting B12 can be accomplished with a few steps.

Steps

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
2. Wear rubber gloves.
3. Determine the injection site.
   • Vitamin B12 needs to be injected into muscle. A large muscle area such as the upper arm, thigh or upper buttocks are common sites.
4. Swab the site you are injecting with an alcohol wipe.
5. Remove the protective cap from the needle.
6. Grasp the syringe between your thumb and middle finger.
7. Place your index finger at the top of the plunger. This provides you with greater control.
8. Pinch the skin at the injection site so it is nipped upward.
9. Insert the entire needle at a 45 degree angle.
10. Let the pinched skin go.
11. Plunge the syringe to inject the B12. Go slowly to avoid any burning sensation.
12. Remove the needle when the B12 is entirely dispensed.
13. Apply pressure with a clean cotton ball to any bleeding and then apply a bandage.
14. Place syringe in sharps container.
15. Discard the products in a seal-tight plastic container.

Video

Tips

• Speak with a doctor about the most appropriate site for the injection.
• Never reuse needles.
• Prescribed B12 syringes come prefilled to the appropriate dose and with the appropriate needle.

Things You'll Need

• Prescribed B12 syringe and needle
• Rubber gloves
• Alcohol wipe
• Cotton ball
• Bandage
• Sealed plastic container

Sources and Citations

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12
• http://www.blurtit.com/q550384.html
• http://healthfitness.frs.com/give-yourself-vitamin-b12-shot-6004.html

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