Needle sizes for sub cutaneous injecting.

[StaffsLass]

Hi all, I apologise in advance, as this has probably been asked many times before. Can anyone recommend the best needle size for sub cutaneous injecting? And how far apart should injections be? I know everyone is different so just an average would be great. Thank you in advance

[fbirder]

Most people use orange 25G 1" needles - medisave.co.uk/b-d-microlan...

The correct frequency of injection is - often enough to keep symptoms at bay. That can vary from once a day to thrice a year. The only way to tell is to try it.

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to fbirder]

Just a note for anyone doing sub q that apparently 1 inch is too big. Suggestions are 27-30g used. 5/8 or 1/2".

[Dollery]

Alternatively, you might obtain U-100 Insulin syringes eg BD Micro-Fine Plus (manufacturer Becton, Dickinson, France and USA). They hold 1mL and have a needle length of 8mm.

[StaffsLass in reply to Dollery]

Hi Dollery, thanks for your answer.

Can these needles be used to extract the B12 from the ampoules as well as injecting? Thanks

[Dollery in reply to StaffsLass]

Good question! You can deal with the 1mL ampoules with a little dexterity.

With part of my hand touching the table, to steady it, I lower the needle fully into the upright vial (on the table), Then, gently holding the vial against a side of the plastic base of the syringe, with a finger, I lift the vial as one with the syringe - same hand holing both. Now (keeping in place the finger holding the two together, of course), with the other hand, I begin to draw up the contents, gradually tilting the whole, such that the vial’s reducing contents continue to be accessible to the needle tip - eventually I have the vial horizontal. I’m content to recover 80-90 %.

You could try it first with juice in a used vial. If you do, let et me know how you get on.

Best wishes.