new syringe plungers are never all the way up

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

I noticed there is always a gap at the top of a new syringe (plunger is not fully in) and I have been pushing plunger all the way forward before putting it into the pen to pull insulin. I figure there is less of a chance of getting air trapped. Should I be doing this? Maybe there is a reason they leave that gap? I noticed the gap size is different with each brand, but there is always a gap. Thanks!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I think the gap is there to prevent the plunger top from adhering to the end of the inside of the barrel.

 

[Barbara & Uncle (GA)]

I have been pushing plunger all the way forward before putting it into the pen to pull insulin.

That is what I always told for the same reason you've given. I believe someone on the board taught me about it when I first started out.

 

[MiCo]

So pushing the plunger forward before putting the syringe in the insulin is correct? I started doing this because I was getting air bubbles. Just want to make sure this is ok? (Sorry, a little sleep deprived over here...)

 

[Dyana]

Yes, push the plunger all the way to the top before drawing your dose of insulin, otherwise, you'll get air in there that you don't want.

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

Yes it's not only Ok, it's ideal. Definitely keeps the air bubbles to a bare minimum.

 

[StephG]

Mine are like that too but I draw up an empty syringe to the line of the dose I'm pulling out. Then insert the needle and gently tip it over push the air into the vial and then draw up my dose...
I thought I was suppose to be doing it that way to prevent a vacuum in the vial... Am I wrong? Maybe I've been doing it wrong the whole time! oops!

 

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

Mine are like that too but I draw up an empty syringe to the line of the dose I'm pulling out. Then insert the needle and gently tip it over push the air into the vial and then draw up my dose...
I thought I was suppose to be doing it that way to prevent a vacuum in the vial... Am I wrong? Maybe I've been doing it wrong the whole time! oops!

Maybe that is the way to do it in a vial? I am using a pen and have no experience with a vial.

 

[Critter Mom]

Air should not be injected into the pen cartridges.

 

[StephG]

Maybe that is the way to do it in a vial? I am using a pen and have no experience with a vial.

I'm glad I wasn't doing it wrong!! I thought I had lost my mind for a minute! I may have realized the difference if I knew more about how other insulin comes packaged! I thought maybe I was running my insulin all along. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Mine are like that too but I draw up an empty syringe to the line of the dose I'm pulling out. Then insert the needle and gently tip it over push the air into the vial and then draw up my dose...
I thought I was suppose to be doing it that way to prevent a vacuum in the vial... Am I wrong? Maybe I've been doing it wrong the whole time! oops!

This is correct for the ProZinc vials, Steph. The L pen cartridges have a piston/plunger that follows the insulin level down as it's withdrawn dose by dose.