Comparison of angle of<unk>  of a needle with other<unk>  types.<unk> s are performed by cleaning the area to be injected followed by an<unk> , usually at a 45 -degree angle to the skin when using a syringe and needle, or at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular) if using an injector pen. The appropriate<unk>  angle is based on the length of needle used, and the depth of the subcutaneous fat in the skin of the specific person. A 90-degree angle is always used for medications such as heparin. If administered at an angle, the skin and underlying tissue may be pinched upwards prior to<unk> . The<unk>  is administered slowly, lasting about 10 seconds per milliliter of fluid injected, and the needle may be left in place for 10 seconds following<unk>  to ensure the medicine is fully injected. Equipment The gauge of the needle used can range from 25 gauge to 27 gauge, while the length can vary between -inch to -inch for<unk> s using a syringe and needle. For<unk> s delivered using devices such as injector pens, the needle used may be as thin as 34 gauge (commonly 30-32 gauge), and as short as 3.5mm (commonly 3.5mm to 5mm).<unk> s can also be delivered via a pump system which uses a cannula inserted under the skin. The specific needle size/length, as well as appropriateness of a device such as a pen or pump, is based on the characteristics of a person's skin layers. Locations<unk>  sites Commonly used<unk>  sites include: * The outer area of the upper arm. * The abdomen, avoiding a 2-inch circle around the navel. * The front of the thigh, between 4 inches from the top of the thigh and 4 inches above the knee. * The upper back. * The upper area of the buttock, just behind the hip bone. The choice of specific<unk>  site is based on the medication being administered, with heparin almost always being administered in the abdomen, as well as preference.<unk> s administered frequently or repeatedly should be administered in a different location each time, either within the same general site or a different site, but at least one inch away from recent<unk> s. Self-administration As opposed to intramuscular or intravenous<unk> s,<unk> s can be easily performed by people with minor skill and training required. The<unk>  sites for self-injection of medication are the same as for<unk>  by a healthcare professional, and the skill can be taught to patients using pictures, videos, or models of the subcutaneous tissue for practice. People who are to self-inject medicine subcutaneously should be trained how to evaluate and rotate the<unk>  site if complications or contraindications arise. Self-administration by<unk>  generally does not require disinfection of the skin outside of a hospital setting as the risk of<unk>  is extremely low, but instead it is recommended to ensure that the site and person's hands are simply clean prior to administration.
Subcutaneous injection
Subcutaneous infusion
Intramuscular injection
Intradermal injection
Transdermal spray
Intraperitoneal injection
Oral administration
Subcutaneous implant