How do I take care of my veins?

Things to remember:
• Start as low as possible.
• Use tourniquet which is elasticised. Do not use a lace or belt as this can twist veins.
• Use small needle as this will cause less damage to vein.
• Where possible use new needle and syringe and sterile water every time.
• If you have to reuse a syringe, only reuse your own.
• Inject slowly.
• Remove needle slowly to prevent vein collapse.
• Learn to inject with both hands.
• Always inject yourself.
• Use only a small amount of citric acid.

Things to avoid:
• Repeated use of the same area/site.
• Using old needles or blunt needles.
• Using wrong tourniquet.
• Flushing veins which can cause clots and block veins. You do not get an extra buzz from flushing.
• Using lemon or vinegar.
• Missed hits which occur when you miss the vein and inject into the tissue surrounding the area. This can cause an infection and abscesses.
• Injecting tablets will seriously damage your veins.