Prepare for a B12 Shot at Home

When I learned how to self administer a B12 shot from a nurse at my doctor's office, I was surprised to find out how much preparation took place before the shot itself. If you plan to give yourself B12 shots at home, these tips will help keep you safe from a skin infection, or contamination of your vial of B12, or Cyanocobalamin.

Step 1: Preparing for a B12 Shot

Gather all the supplies you will need. On a piece of clean, new paper towel, place your vial of B12 or Cyanocobalamin, one sealed syringe, three sealed alcohol pads, one sealed bandage and a container for your used syringe. Keep the area clean, and free of food, house plants or other potential contaminants.

Step 2: Preparing for a B12 Shot

Go to a sink and wash your hands. Use warm soapy water, and wash for at least 30 seconds. Concentrate on getting dirt out from under your fingernails.

Step 3: Preparing for a B12 Shot

Open the prescription bottle, and remove the vial of B12. Use one of the alcohol pads to thoroughly wipe and sanitize the top of the vial. When you push the needle into the vial, you can accidentally push bacteria into the medicine if the top is not cleaned.

Step 4: Preparing for a B12 Shot

Open the sealed syringe. Carefully remove the cover over the needle, with a slow movement. You don't want the cap to come off suddenly, causing the needle to bounce back and prick your hand. Fill the syringe as instructed by your doctor. Double check for any air bubbles, and tap out the bubbles or re-fill the syringe if needed. Double check the dosage, and make sure it is accurate after removing air bubbles.

Step 5: Preparing for a B12 Shot

Prepare the injection site. Use the second sealed alcohol pad to cleanse and sanitize the area where the injection will take place. Use the last sealed alcohol pad to sanitize your hands one last time, before touching your freshly cleaned skin at the injection site.

Step 6: Preparing for a B12 Shot

Open the sealed bandage, and peel off the paper tabs so it is ready to apply as soon as you are done giving yourself the B12 shot. Administer the B12 shot as instructed by your doctor. Dispose of the used syringe in a sealed container. Ask your doctor about drop off sites for used syringes. Their office may offer that service.

The first time you give yourself a B12 shot at home, have your doctor's phone number handy in the case of a last minute question. The process really is simple, and after you have done it a few times it will become second nature.