Pip & Rupert
Member Since 2012
Ok. I sort of accidently figured this method out! and it might not work with all types, but I use the BD ultra fines and they were always sucking up huge bubbles. I noticed that when I finally got annoyed with trying to 'flick' the bubbles out and just ditched the whole shot in the sink and then RE drew the insulin.. usually NO bubbles.
hmmmm...so.. the past few days I've been doing this:
I have a bit of insulin left over in last month's vial, so I've left that vial in the fridge next to the new one (I keep them in papertowel lined little tupperware tub). I draw a little bit from the OLD syringe (it's probably still good insulin but I am switching at around the 31 day mark each time) , not a huge amount, maybe 1u?.... flick it once or twice and then fire the whole lot in the sink. keep your finger on the plunger.. THEN insert in the NEW currently being USED vial and draw for your actual amount. So far, I have had NO bubbles doing it this way. I'm not sure if the slight dampness left over from the first 'draw' makes the rubber stopper just a little more tight or how it works but it seems to really eliminate the bubbles. I was doing this before with my 'real' insulin and felt like i was wasting the 'good stuff'. probably a good method for those who are using much higher doses. if you are using teensy doses then it probably wouldn't matter that you are chucking out a squirt every time, I just like that I am 'wasting' the old stuff and saving the new!
your mileage may vary but thought I'd share and see if helps anyone having 'bubble issues'.
hmmmm...so.. the past few days I've been doing this:
I have a bit of insulin left over in last month's vial, so I've left that vial in the fridge next to the new one (I keep them in papertowel lined little tupperware tub). I draw a little bit from the OLD syringe (it's probably still good insulin but I am switching at around the 31 day mark each time) , not a huge amount, maybe 1u?.... flick it once or twice and then fire the whole lot in the sink. keep your finger on the plunger.. THEN insert in the NEW currently being USED vial and draw for your actual amount. So far, I have had NO bubbles doing it this way. I'm not sure if the slight dampness left over from the first 'draw' makes the rubber stopper just a little more tight or how it works but it seems to really eliminate the bubbles. I was doing this before with my 'real' insulin and felt like i was wasting the 'good stuff'. probably a good method for those who are using much higher doses. if you are using teensy doses then it probably wouldn't matter that you are chucking out a squirt every time, I just like that I am 'wasting' the old stuff and saving the new!
your mileage may vary but thought I'd share and see if helps anyone having 'bubble issues'.