Bubble Blocking Incuilin?!

[wolf 06488]

Morning, everyone! Just wanted to throw something out there that I was curious about since I've experienced it a few times. And see what others think?! Using a Humalog Pen... While injecting, seeing a bubble float from the location of the needle to the plunger. And this bubble didn't start to float until after the majority of the shot was almost over. Looking like it was coming from the needle area. Now when dealing with a pen, I'm assuming the insuilin only has one place to go... Thus if the dial is going down, as well as the plunger then the insulin has been delievered, correct? Because if their was lets says a blockage from a bubble, etc. Then the dial/plunger would cease to function?! And then to verify looking at the pen to see if the correct amount was despenced (there are numbers on the side).

[DCaplinger]

I'm actually surprised no one responded to this. I actually completely concur with your suspicions. I have oft thought that when bubbles were present, I wasn't getting the correct dose I was supposed to receive. Remember, liquid cannot be compressed, however, air can. Having an air bubble present inside the chamber can definitely cause a difference. It's one of the reasons I'm strongly considering going off the pens and going to hand drawn insulin.

Regards,

D

[CountYourselfIn]

I dunno if this is helpful, but I've always noticed an air bubble in Humalog 3ml vials. It doesn't seem to get bigger, and I can't get it out.

It's there in every single one.

May wish to contact Lilly and ask?

[morrisma]

Certainly air compresses more than fluid but the size of the bubble is small and the amount of compression is also fairly low. Also, when I used pens, I remember waiting a few seconds after plunging to be sure all the insulin was in before removing the needle. That wait should allow most of the pressure to equalize. If it didn't, pulling the needle out would allow it to do so and result in a drip and I don't remember that happening.

If the bubble is bothersome, waste some insulin and push it out by 'injecting' a small amount up into the air.
Mike

[Olidus]

I'm using the NovaNordisk pens and I always see AIR bubbles. Its going to happen. I do the following;
Before I inject ((Every Time)) I point the needle down, and click with my finger a few times to make the air bubble move to the top of the pen. I then air Pump, dial 2 unites and inject into a napkin, or the empty needle case for the replacement needle. I then proceed to dial the unites I am going to take and presto - no concerns about getting less than desired about of insulin due to air.