Overview of Testosterone Injection Therapy
Testosterone injections are a key component of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), given either subcutaneously (beneath the skin) or intramuscularly (directly into the muscle). This guide provides step-by-step instructions for administering injections correctly and outlines the distinctions between these methods.
Types of Injectable Testosterone
There are various testosterone esters used in TRT, each differing in how the body absorbs them and the frequency of administration. Here are a few different types of injectable testosterone used in TRT:
Testosterone Cypionate – A long-lasting ester, usually injected once per week.
Testosterone Enanthate – Has a slightly shorter half-life than cypionate and is commonly injected one or two times weekly.
Testosterone Propionate – A short-acting ester that requires injections every 2-3 days and may cause more irritation at the injection site.
Understanding Needles and Syringes
Needles
A needle is a slender, hollow instrument used to introduce medication into the body. It is classified by gauge (G), which indicates thickness, and length (in inches). A higher gauge number means a thinner needle. Commonly used sizes for testosterone administration include:
Drawing needle: 18G–21G (1–1.5 inches) for efficiently extracting testosterone from the vial.
Injection needle: 23G–27G (1–1.5 inches) to reduce discomfort during administration.
Syringes
Syringes have three key components:
Barrel: Holds the fluid.
Plunger: Controls the movement of the liquid.
Tip: Connects to the needle.
Syringe sizes range from 0.3mL to 60mL. For testosterone doses under 1cc, a 1mL syringe provides precise measurement and easier control.
Insulin Syringes These range from 0.3mL to 1mL and are commonly recognized by their orange caps. Unlike standard syringes, their scale is measured in insulin units rather than milliliters. They are often used for medications like hCG and GLP-1 weight loss drugs treatments.
Steps for Safe Injection
Step 1: Assemble Required Supplies
Ensure you have the following:
Your prescribed testosterone vial
Alcohol wipes for cleaning
A new syringe (1mL for smaller doses)
A fresh drawing needle (18G-21G)
A fresh injection needle (23G-27G)
A Sharps container for proper disposal
Step 2: Clean and Prepare
Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
Sanitize the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol wipe.
Use new needles and syringes for every injection—never reuse them.
Step 3: Drawing the Testosterone
Secure the drawing needle onto the syringe.
Pull the plunger to match the prescribed dose.
Insert the needle into the vial and inject air to create pressure for easier extraction.
Invert the vial and withdraw the appropriate dose.
Remove the needle from the vial and draw in a small amount of air to clear residual testosterone.
Step 4: Switching to the Injection Needle
Replace the drawing needle with a fresh injection needle.
Ensure it is attached securely to prevent leaks.
Step 5: Remove Air Bubbles
Lightly tap the syringe to release trapped air bubbles.
Push the plunger until a small droplet appears at the needle tip.
Step 6: Performing the Injection
Sanitize the chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe. Choose the appropriate method:
Subcutaneous Injection (SubQ)
Pinch a section of skin to create a fold.
Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle if pinching one inch of skin, or at 90 degrees for two inches.
Inject slowly and remove the needle at the same angle.
Intramuscular Injection (IM)
For Intramuscular Sites for Injection, select a muscle such as the deltoid, thigh, or ventrogluteal area for. Click below for more detailed location
Stretch the skin tight and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
Inject at a steady pace and withdraw the needle carefully.
Step 7: Safe Disposal
Dispose of used needles and syringes in a Sharps container.
If unavailable, use a sturdy, puncture-proof container with a secure lid and follow local disposal guidelines.
Choosing the Best Injection Site
Subcutaneous Injection Locations
Upper Arm: Pinch the back of the arm midway down.
Abdomen: Avoid injecting near the navel and instead use the waistline area.
Thigh: Use the outer middle portion for accessibility.
Gluteal Region: Inject in the upper quadrant of the buttock.
Intramuscular Injection Locations
Deltoid Muscle: Inject two finger-widths below the shoulder bone.
Vastus Lateralis (Thigh): Use the top outer part of the thigh for easier access.
Ventrogluteal Muscle: This site, located on the side of the hip, is recommended as it avoids major nerves and blood vessels.
Finding the Ventrogluteal Injection Site
V Method:
Use the opposite hand (left hand for the right hip, and vice versa).
Place your thumb on the groin and your index finger on the iliac crest.
Spread the middle finger to form a "V"; inject at the base of this V.
G Method:
Visualize a triangle connecting key bone landmarks of the hip and thigh.
Draw imaginary lines from the triangle’s corners.
The intersection of these lines marks the injection site.
Additional Resources and Support
For more detailed instructions on subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@novagenix.org or call 561-277-8260.
No comments:
Post a Comment