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Path B: Preparation & Use – Drawing a Single-Dose Vial

Work slowly, use sterile supplies, and measure accurately.

  1. Set up

    • Wash hands with soap and water.
    • Lay out the vial, a new sterile U-100 insulin syringe (with needle), two alcohol swabs, and a sharps container.
    • If the vial came from the refrigerator, let it rest at room temperature for 15 – 30 minutes.

  2. Disinfect the vial

    • Flip off the plastic cap.
    • Leave the rubber stopper in place.
    • Scrub the stopper with an alcohol swab for at least 10 seconds; let it air-dry. Do not touch it afterward.

  3. Ready the syringe

    • Open the sterile package. If the needle is separate, attach it firmly.
    • Remove the needle cap without touching the needle.

  4. Draw in air

    • Pull the plunger back to the exact volume you plan to inject (for example 0.5 mL).

  5. Pressurise the vial

    • Insert the needle straight through the centre of the stopper.
    • Inject the air into the vial; keep the needle in place.

  6. Withdraw the medication

    • Invert the vial and syringe together. Make sure the needle tip stays below the liquid surface.
    • Slowly pull the plunger past your target line to take a little extra fluid.

  7. Clear bubbles & set the dose

    • Still inverted, flick the syringe barrel so bubbles rise to the needle end.
    • Gently push the plunger until the top of the rubber stopper sits exactly on your dose line (e.g., 0.50 mL).

  8. Remove the syringe

    • Pull the needle straight out of the stopper.
    • Set the syringe on a clean surface; do not let the needle touch anything.

You are now ready to inject. See Injection Technique & Site Rotation for the next steps.