Air bubbles in the reservoir/ tubing

siteexperts · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 06:35 PM

I am new to the pump (< 1 month) and have a question.

The pump is a minimed 722

The past two sets, when I was under 40 units remaining, I discovered air bubbles both in the reservoir and in the tube. When I filled the reservoir I was careful both times to make sure no bubbles were present so I don't know how they got introduced into the system. These bubbles caused my sugar to go >300 with corrections not working since I was not really getting the correct dosage (I started a new set immediately when I noticed this).

Since this occurred twice in a row, I am curious if anyone else experiences this - I assume there should be no issue with running the pump down to the last 20 units or so?

egi · #2 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 06:46 PM

Cold insulin has a tendency to create bubbles.

We ran the pump down to somewhere between 2-5 units with no
problem other than low reservoir alert.

Keezheekoni · #3 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 08:12 PM

Make sure that your insulin is room temp before filling up the res and priming the tubing. That should make the bubbles go away.

I run my res down to the very end...a lot of times to the point where it tells me that only basal is running, no bolusing allowed. You shouldn't have a problem running it down to 2-5 units at all.

poodlebone · #4 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 09:34 PM

I always keep my current vial of insulin in my small kit, which I keep in my bag. I still somehow always end up with some air in the reservoir despite using room temp insulin. It usually appears after I've had a rservoir in the pump for a day or two. Someone once told me that the insulin will warm up a little more once the reservoir is put into the pump, and air bubbles can still form. They're rarely enough to cause a problem and they don't even seem to move once they form. I just check it a couple of times a day and if a bubble works its way to the top, near the tubing, I'll prime it out. I'm near the end of my current 300 unit reservoir and I have had a smallish-medium bubble in the reservoir for days now but it's just been hanging out, not floating to the top. I plan on putting a new one in tomorrow so I'm ignoring it.

siteexperts · #5 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 09:51 PM

I keep my insulin at room temperature once its opened. However, I did go skiing the following day and noticed the bubbles the following day.

I will watch the current set and see if it happens. I had air trapped in the tube when I removed the last set (much more than just a few bubbles)

JanTx · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 10:10 AM

Poodlebone - finally an explanation that makes sense. My insulin is also at room temp - never put it in cold. I tap, tap, tap to get those bubbles out - and they're GONE, but towards the end of the reservoir - day 4 out of 6 maybe? - tiny bubbles are in there. Drives me CRAZY since I'm doing exactly what I've read and been taught to do. I'm wondering if I'll have this problem in the summer when the room temp will be closer to my body temp? (S. Texas here!) Perhaps it's happening more now because it's cooler overall?

sbigelow · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 10:35 AM

I had this problem a few times too. When I looked into it I was told the little O rings on the plunger can cause it. You can get some special lubricant to help seal it better. I would just use K-Y or something.

JanTx · #8 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 01:29 PM

Another explanation I can live with - I really extend the plunger - trying to get as close to that 300 units as possible. I also move the plunger up and down a few times before filling. Perhaps I'm doing that too many times?

theblondebee · #9 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 02:02 PM

Jan you are from south tx?? Me too! I just started on my pump friday and I am having the same problem. Like right now I am fixing to have to change this one but when I filled it there were no bubbles at all.

xMenace · #10 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 02:15 PM

Some will disagree, but I was taught 31.3 years ago to inject extra air into my vials to reduce bubbles. I still do it with my pump. I also flick a lot and try to expel any air several times. I usually push the plunger in all the way at least once. If it's particularly bubbly, I let the reservoir sit on end after filling it for a few minutes and flick it some more. I've only had bubble trouble once since June.

David · #11 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 03:04 PM

Sometimes bubbles appear no matter what you do. One way to deal with them is have your pump oriented so the tubing comes out the lowest point of the pump. That way, any bubbles that form will float up to the plunger and away from the tubing.

David

JanTx · #12 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 09:45 AM

David - I got all excited about your idea, until I tried to put my pump on that direction - and given the clip I use - doesn't work. Oh well.

I also inject air in my vial.

South Texas - 1/2 way between Houston and Victoria. We're starting to build arks around here. We've had rain or drizzle almost daily for 3 weeks.