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.