====== Gear & Aseptic Technique ======

Proper aseptic technique and sterile injection gear are essential when using injectable anabolic steroids. Inadequate practices can lead to serious complications including:

  * Infections and abscesses
  * Cross-contamination
  * Scarring and tissue damage
  * Compromised compound potency

A successful and safe injection begins with **the right equipment** and **strict sterile technique**.

===== Required Injection Supplies =====

^ Item ^ Purpose ^ Notes ^
| **Steroid vial** | Contains the compound | Use multi-dose vials carefully; check for cloudiness or particles |
| **Syringe (3mL)** | Holds and delivers compound | Luer-lock preferred for secure needle attachment |
| **Drawing needle (18–20G)** | Pulls oil from vial | Never use to inject—too large |
| **Injection needle (23–25G)** | Intramuscular delivery | Choose gauge and length based on site |
| **Alcohol swabs** | Disinfect vial and skin | Use 70% isopropyl; allow to dry |
| **Gloves (optional)** | Reduce contamination risk | Not required if hands are properly washed |
| **Sharps container** | Safe needle disposal | Do not reuse needles—EVER |

===== Needle Gauge & Length Guide =====

^ Site ^ Gauge ^ Length ^
| Glute (ventro/dorso) | 23G | 1.5” |
| Deltoid | 25G | 1” |
| Vastus lateralis (thigh) | 23–25G | 1”–1.5” |
| SubQ (e.g., hCG) | 27–30G insulin pin | ½” |

**Tips:**

  * Draw with a thick needle (18–20G), inject with a thin one (23–25G)
  * Change to a fresh needle after drawing to maintain sharpness and sterility
  * Never inject with a needle that touched anything unsterile—not even clothing

===== Aseptic Injection Protocol =====

1. **Wash hands** thoroughly with soap and water (or wear gloves)\\
2. **Clean vial stopper** with an alcohol swab (let dry)\\
3. **Draw with drawing needle**, then swap to fresh needle for injection\\
4. **Clean injection site** with alcohol; allow to air dry (don’t blow or touch!)\\
5. **Insert needle quickly** at a 90° angle (IM); steady, controlled push\\
6. **Aspirate** (optional): pull plunger back slightly to check for blood\\
7. **Inject slowly** to reduce post-injection pain\\
8. **Withdraw needle**, apply light pressure with sterile pad or swab\\
9. **Dispose of syringe/needle** in proper sharps container\\

**Note:** Never reuse needles or syringes, even on yourself. Always use **new sterile equipment** per injection.

===== Multi-Dose Vial Safety =====

  * Limit repeated punctures of vials
  * Store in a clean, dark place at room temperature (unless otherwise stated)
  * Do not use if oil is cloudy, discolored, or has floating particles
  * Use **sterile, bacteriostatic oil** if filtering homebrewed gear

===== Common Contamination Mistakes =====

  * Touching the needle cap after uncapping
  * Reusing drawing/injection needles
  * Setting gear on non-sterile surfaces
  * Not letting alcohol dry fully
  * Using the same needle to draw and inject (dulls the tip)

**Reminder:** Poor aseptic technique can lead to **sterile or infectious abscesses**, **cellulitis**, and **sepsis**. Treat injections with the same respect as a medical procedure.

===== Community Advice (r/steroids PDF) =====

  * “I thought I could skip alcohol wipes. Got a lump the size of a golf ball.”
  * “Always change the pin after drawing. It’s sharper and safer.”
  * “One bad injection taught me more than any forum post ever could—don’t be lazy.”
  * “Use gloves if you’re prone to touching stuff mid-injection. It helps.”

===== Summary =====

  * Always use **new, sterile equipment** for each injection
  * Follow **aseptic technique**: clean hands, skin, and vial stoppers
  * Choose the correct **needle size and depth** for each site
  * Swap drawing and injecting needles to reduce pain and contamination
  * Dispose of sharps properly—never recap used needles

Safe injections are low-risk when done correctly—but risky when rushed. Your health is worth the 2 extra minutes of caution.