Bubbles

Air bubbles in the reservoir are not a problem unless they are large and enter the infusion line to replace insulin. If air bubbles are seen in the infusion line, an inch of air in the line is equal to half a unit of insulin. In most cases, up to an inch of air in the line is not of concern. Requires visual inspection.

Solution

The small bubble to the left in the picture can be ignored.

The larger bubble on the right could create problems and should be removed. Get rid of air bubbles in the reservoir by holding the reservoir in the palm of your hand and pointing the needle up with the air bubble toward you. Tip the reservoir so the bottom or plunger end is slightly farther away than the needle end. Flick the reservoir with a fingernail or pen until the air bubble enters the neck of the reservoir. Then squirt insulin into the insulin bottle to get rid of the air bubble.

Always try to fill the reservoir with insulin which is at room temperature to avoid the later appearance of champaign bubbles in the reservoir.


Read Pumping Insulin for easy steps on how to succeed with your insulin pump.

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