Subcutaneous Injections

What is subcutaneous Injection (SC)?

The term 'subcutaneous' refers to the area just below the skin (fatty tissue), also called Hypodermis, the third or the bottom layer of the skin. 

SC injections are also known as ‘subcut’ or ‘SQ’ injections, are the injections which are injected into this innermost layer of the skin called the subcutis or hypodermis. These injections work more slowly than an IV or IM injection because the area does not have such a rich blood supply. 

It is a specialised support provided by trained support workers and carers. There are clear standards and guidelines for administering the SC injections in both the health and disability sectors.

Examples: Insulin and other medications for diabetes, certain hormone medications such as testosterone, blood thinners, allergy medications, analgesics and arthritis medications.

Supports available for managing and administering SC

The Subcutaneous Injections Care Plan is developed in partnership with the participant, their family, carer or advocate, and appropriate health practitioners (e.g. general practitioner, registered nurse).

The Subcutaneous Injections Care Plan is reviewed annually, or as required, to ensure there are appropriate strategies in place to act on information received from the participant, their carer or advocate, our staff and health professionals (e.g. general practitioner, registered nurse).

A medication plan must include detailed instructions on medication requirements, dose calculation (where required), injecting procedure and incident and emergency management.

If the health plan allows the support workers to calculate and draw up the required dose, it must identify the health practitioner, usually a nurse, responsible for overseeing the injecting process and describe the checking procedure to be followed so that the worker confirms calculations and dose measurement prior to administering injection. 

This oversight by health practitioners does not apply if the support workers are using pens or pumps because there is generally no need to calculate and draw up the required dose by the support workers. 

With your consent, your doctor may wish to give a copy of your management plan to those who may help administer the SC injections such as family or support workers.

Your doctor and carers may need to discuss your management plan so that everyone understands what is needed. 

Subcutaneous Injections and the NDIS

If you have a permanent and significant disability, you might be able to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS funds many disability-related health supports such as the training and ongoing assistance of a support worker. 

Find out who to contact about the NDIS where you live for more information about accessing the Scheme.

If you’re already an NDIS participant and want to know how to access supports in relation to SC injections, talk to us. We are an NDIS registered provider and our knowledgeable staff are experienced in navigating the NDIS and can ensure you make the most of your plan.

You should be involved in the assessment and development of medication plan for the SC Injections, including how any risks and emergencies will be managed. Anyone administering SC Injections to you should be suitably skilled and trained.