Air Bubbles in the syringe? Here's a tip!

Hi Everyone,
It has been suggested that I post my technique for eliminating (or significantly cutting down on) air bubbles in the syringe. Here goes:

Work the plunger back and forth a couple of times, then push it all the way in and hold it there forcefully while sticking the needle into the gasket of the insulin cartridge or vial. Then draw up more insulin than you need. If there is a bubble, it flicks out easily or is pushed out easily when you twist the plunger to get the dose down to the correct unit marking. But it is possible to avoid bubbles almost entirely by using this technique. The key is holding the plunger all the way in--putting pressure on it--while inserting the needle into the cartridge. This eliminates any air that might still be hiding in the syringe!

Ella
(with thanks to Jan and Sara, for whom this technique proved successful)

I agree, I do this too and it does help.

Also try a different brand, we have a box of Publix own-brand whole-unit syringes at the moment and they are MUCH worse than the BD's. Yes I can flick the bubble and get it to rise to the top, but then sometimes the bubble just gets trapped in there and try as I might, I can't get rid of it! Squeezing out the excess slowly, the insulin just goes right past the bubble and I'm left with the bubble still stuck fast and now, not enough insulin! I dunno who makes them, they are Mfg in Korea... but will avoid these next time...
Only thing that seems to improve this situation and actually waste less insulin in the long run, is to deliberately waste a couple of units by drawing it, then empty it all out completely onto kitchen paper, THEN start over. The wetting of the inside of the syringe thus seems to help... the next draw will be MUCH better.

Edited: BD, not BG !

With regards to the syringes, the best ones that I've found, and am currently using are the ones made by Great Neighborhood Pharmacy. They're very easy to get rid of bubbles with. You can get them at Hocks.com .

Thank you for the tip. I'll have to try that next time.

love the syringe tips, ella...but the technique i want to learn from you is the grace, style, and humor you invariably show in your posts!

celi

Been doing this since you first told us and--It Works- Thanks Ella-HUGS!

Thanks Ella, any ideas that help to eliminate air bubbles are greatly appreciated! I do most of those things already, except keeping pressure on the plunger..I'll try it!

Thanks Ella I am always having bubble issues and sometimes get annoyed and squirt in all in the sink and start over I will :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: try this first thing tomorrow