Safer injection guide: Difference between revisions

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==Materials==

*'''[[Dosage#Milligram scales|Milligram scale]]''' - it is important to weigh out the substance you are going to inject

*'''Insulin syringe with needle''' - used for IV injection, this has a short needle meant to penetrate surface veins

*'''Insulin syringe with IV needle''' - used for IV injection, this has a short needle meant to penetrate surface veins

*'''Syringe with IM Needle''' - used for the less common Intra-Muscular (IM) injection. The needle will be longer than the traditional insulin needles seen for IV use because it is designed to penetrate deep into the muscular tissue and deposit the solution there, instead of in the vein itself.

[[File:IM needle diagram.jpg|400px|thumb|right|An IM needle differs from an IV needle in length.]]

*''' Alcohol swabs" - for sterilization before and after injection

* '''Sterile water''' - it is important to use de-ionized water or distilled water to inject with. Tap water may contain harmful impurities. It is also important to change the water at a regular interval to prevent bacteria growth within the water. Placing a small amount (10ml max) in a shot glass and using this for IV/IM purposes is a good way to ensure a fresh water supply.

* '''A buddy!''' - If possible, try not to IV/IM alone. Things can go wrong. Overdose risk is highly increased when injecting and having someone there to call 911 or give you medical aid can be the difference between life and death.

* '''Micron filters''' - these are used to filter out physical impurities in the drug solution. A cotton filter is better than nothing, but a micron filter is the best.

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 ==Materials==
 *'''[[Dosage#Milligram scales|Milligram scale]]''' - it is important to weigh out the substance you are going to inject
-*'''Insulin syringe with needle''' - used for IV injection, this has a short needle meant to penetrate surface veins
+*'''Insulin syringe with IV needle''' - used for IV injection, this has a short needle meant to penetrate surface veins
 *'''Syringe with IM Needle''' - used for the less common Intra-Muscular (IM) injection. The needle will be longer than the traditional insulin needles seen for IV use because it is designed to penetrate deep into the muscular tissue and deposit the solution there, instead of in the vein itself.
+[[File:IM needle diagram.jpg|400px|thumb|right|An IM needle differs from an IV needle in length.]]
 *''' Alcohol swabs" - for sterilization before and after injection
 * '''Sterile water''' - it is important to use de-ionized water or distilled water to inject with. Tap water may contain harmful impurities. It is also important to change the water at a regular interval to prevent bacteria growth within the water. Placing a small amount (10ml max) in a shot glass and using this for IV/IM purposes is a good way to ensure a fresh water supply.
 * '''A buddy!''' - If possible, try not to IV/IM alone. Things can go wrong. Overdose risk is highly increased when injecting and having someone there to call 911 or give you medical aid can be the difference between life and death.
 * '''Micron filters''' - these are used to filter out physical impurities in the drug solution. A cotton filter is better than nothing, but a micron filter is the best.