Air bubbles in syringe

[Nancy Lynne]

I started Grandma on insulin on 6 June and she's been a champ. When I picked up the insulin and syringes from the vet they said it's OK to draw more than I need and then adjust to 1 unit in the U-40 syringes. I recently was reading about correct technique in this forum and it said not to do that for risk of contamination. I have also been getting air bubbles in the syringe that I can't get out no matter what I do. So now I'm concerned that I have contaminated the insulin, and that Grandma possibly isn't getting the correct dose because of it. Appreciate any advice.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Before you start, pull the plunger in/out several times to distribute the lubricant.

After you pull the dose out (plus a tiny bit more) remove the syringe from the vial and try adding MORE air into the syringe and then thwap it hard several times. The air bubbles will usually go up into the new air pocket easier.....then just expel all the air (and any extra insulin you might have pulled out until you're at the correct dose)

Your insulin is most likely perfectly fine. One thing you can do is home test often and if the numbers start to creep up without any other logical explanation, it's time to suspect your insulin is starting to lose efficacy and it's time for new.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Before you start, pull the plunger in/out several times to distribute the lubricant.

After you pull the dose out (plus a tiny bit more) remove the syringe from the vial and try adding MORE air into the syringe and then thwap it hard several times. The air bubbles will usually go up into the new air pocket easier.....then just expel all the air (and any extra insulin you might have pulled out until you're at the correct dose)

Your insulin is most likely perfectly fine. One thing you can do is home test often and if the numbers start to creep up without any other logical explanation, it's time to suspect your insulin is starting to lose efficacy and it's time for new.

I’ve heard the bubbles in the syringe are only an issue because you’re getting less insulin than you should be getting at that dose given the space the bubbles take up. Is that right? Meaning the bubbles are not harmful to your cat. I try to get as much out as possible but I still get some here and there. I like your suggestion to let air in and then expel it so the bubbles can be pushed out. I’ll try that too!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Is that right?

Yes...a few bubbles isn't going to hurt the cat but you want the dose to be as close as you can get it

 

[Nancy Lynne]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, my main concern is that the dose isn't accurate along with contamination given the current draw method. I have been priming the syringe all along. I did try Chris' suggestion about adding more air and thwacking it, but that was a disaster so I've gone back to adding more than I need and pushing the extra amount back into the vial, although I still have concerns about contamination.

 

[Deb & Wink]

so I've gone back to adding more than I need and pushing the extra amount back into the vial, although I still have concerns about contamination.

If you are concerned with contamination of the insulin in your vial, draw out extra and DO NOT SQUIRT IT BACK into the vial.
Squirt the excess into a paper towel or something, after you have withdrawn the syringe from the vial.

One key to doing that "finger flick" or "thwack" technique, is to keep your hands away from the plunger, needle pointed up towards the ceiling as you do the "finger flick". Then you can give the plunger a very slow twist, to push out those air bubbles. Practice with a used syringe, drawing up some colored liquid and purposely drawing up air bubbles into the syringe. After you have practiced, then try it for real with your actual insulin vial.

If there are air bubbles in your syringe, then maybe you are mixing the insulin too hard? Gently rolling the vial to mix, cuts down on the air bubbles.

Another idea is to verify your drawing technique. Are you drawing air into your syringe, before inserting it into the vial? Amount of air should equal your dose. Holding the vial with the rubber seal side up as you insert the insulin needle? Then pushing out the air into the vial? Then turning the vial upside down and drawing out the dose, making sure the tip of the needle is within the liquid, and not above the level of the liquid?