Trouble drawing the insulin

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sehjak (Susan & Lanky)

sehjak (Susan & Lanky)

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I am using Lantus SoloStar pen. When I go to draw insulin, often I get a little air pocket right at the plunger/insulin interface against the wall of the syringe. I have not messed with the pen at all, just take the cap off and insert the syringe into the little round rubber-like tip where a needed is supposed to go if I were injecting from the pen. I've tried tapping the syringe lightly-bubble persists; I've ejected the does & started over with the same syringe but that does not always work; & I've tossed that stuff & used a new syringe. Is there something I could be doing to prevent this? The pen has a dose dial at the opposite end of the cap & I have not touched that at all. If I have to deal with the waste, well OK, but just wanted to check on my technique. I've read over the board notes which is why I tried tapping & why I did not push the insulin back into the pen.

Any tips or advice?
 
Susan - I always drew up a litle extra in the syringe (1 unit or so extra) so that after I flicked the syringe I could squirt out a little to get that bubble out. Also it helps not to squirt out too much if you turn the plunger when removing the extra instead of pushing.
 
Sounds like you've done a good job reading up on the techniques so you might already know this but here is what I do.

I draw up a little more insulin than I need, withdraw the needle from the pen and flick the bubble fairly hard (hopefully it will float up). Pull the plunger down, allowing air into the syringe and then slowly eject the air, the bubble and the extra insulin out of the syringe until you have the correct dose. I often twist the plunger as I push out the air. Bubbles are a fairly common problem but you'll improve with practice. :-D

You're right about not injecting back into the pen/cartridge. That's important.
 
Hi Susan! I have this problem sometimes, too. Try drawing out the insulin very slowly. Then tap the syringe before you take it out of the pen. If there is still a bubble on the wall of the syringe, draw out more insulin than you need. Remove the syringe, tap it again to try to get the bubble to the top (the end where the needle is). Once it is at the top, gently twist the plunger to expel the excess insulin into a paper towel until you reach your dose mark. You need to twist (rather than push) the plunger, because otherwise you could squeeze out too much insulin and then have to start over again. What kind of syringes are you using? I find that this problem is more frequent with the "Monoject" syringe (but the Monoject has really good markings and a thin plunger, so I stick with it; but sometimes I get frustrated and switch to a different brand, whose name escapes me at the moment!)
Good luck!

Ella
 
I do similar stuff as to what was suggested.. just wanted to mention.. if you are talking about the itty bitty bubble that happens sometimes that seems stuck right on the plunger.. that simply just happens.. they drive me nuts.. and it's such a pain in the butt to get rid of them!

I always say I've hypo'd my sink a million times over by how much insulin I give it..
 
Hi Susan, sounds like you're doing well. Do you fully push the plunger down before inserting it into the pen? That expels the little bit of air that can be in the barrel between the plunger and the end when the plunger is relaxed.

I just noticed you are in El Dorado. Iused to go up there several times a year for classes. Gorgeous area, I love the mountains.
 
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