Insulin administration - Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

9.5 Always ensure the injection is given into a “pinch up” skin fold (If the patient is
using 5 or 6mm needles this is not necessary).
9.6 A new syringe or pen needle must be used for each injection.
9.7 If using an insulin pen the needle should be removed after each injection.
10. Storage of insulin
10.1 For those patients who are self administering their insulin, the insulin and device
must be clearly labelled with the patient’s name and hospital number. On discharge
they should be taken home by the patient or returned to pharmacy.
10.2 Stock insulin must be stored in a locked refrigerator. Patients spare insulin
cartridges or disposable pens should be stored as above with the patients name
recorded on the box.
10.3 Disposable and reusable insulin pens in use must not be stored in the refrigerator.
10.4 Insulin may be kept for 28 days not above 25 C and away from direct heat and light.
The date from which it is first used should be noted, after 28 days it must be
discarded.
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