Air bubbles.

[Rob43]

My insulin pen has a air bubble in it and I cann't seam to get it out and another question is does air bubbles cause harm if injected into the fat or is it dangerous to inject a air bubble into a vein?

Thanks, Rob

[Twisted]

Mine always have bubbles in them and I haven't had any trouble. Really the only time you have to worry about air is intravenous injections and even then it takes more than the tiny bubbles in your pen. Don't sweat it.:)

[Emm]

The pens always have bubbles. Not a problem. Because you hold them upright (you do, don't you?) the bubble rests at the top and it should be pretty tricky to inject it into you.

A few times I've noticed the bubble 'stick' to the needle end - probably because I forget to give my insulins a gentle shake these days (tut tut). I've ended up stabbing air into myself a few times, and no harm was done other than having no idea how much actual insulin I've dosed.

My Diabetes Nurse says it's totally safe - not like other injections that put air bubbles into your blood - but even they aren't as bad as we're led to believe, apparently!

[Cyborg]

I agree... Air bubbles are nothing to worry about. I don't even check my pump tubing anymore.

[DCaplinger]

I can assure you that these guys are correct. Air embolisms are rare, and usually take quite a bit of air or gas to cause problems. To read more about them, visit Air embolism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_embolism).

Regards,

Darian

[pdxdennisj]

I was told in my injection instruction that a bit of air in the syringe would not cause any harm. It is not like an IM injection.

[DCaplinger]

I think you meant it's not like an IV injection. Introducing air into an IM injection would not be hazardous (although, it can be painful). Introducing the same air or gas into an IV injection could be hazardous, depending on the quantity.

Regards,

Darian