How to check insulin delivery from pen

[borderter]

Read several years back that to check pen is giving correct amount dialed up that you can squirt so much insulin into needle cap up to line but I cannot recall how much it should be ,can anyone help please

 

[sgm14]

I was told 2 units but into the air rather than into the needle cap.

That seems to agree with https://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/how-to-inject-insulin.html

Hold the pen upright and perform an ‘air shot’. This requires dialling up at least 2 units and pressing the plunger to expel a test shot of insulin. This helps to clear any bubbles out of the needle. If you do not get a steady stream, repeat the air shot until you do get a steady stream of insulin coming out.

 

[Rokaab]

I was told 2 units but into the air rather than into the needle cap.

That seems to agree with https://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/how-to-inject-insulin.html

borderter was asking how to check to see if its dispensing the amount correctly - which I know you can do using a needlecap (though I cant remember the exact details), rather than checking for air bubbles

 

[satindoll]

You need to do the 2 unit air shot then dial up 20 units and squirt slowly into the outer needle lid.....the liquid should reach upto the top of the lid to the collar between the lid and its shank.

 

[chrisbug]

Hi,
Pretty sure it's the outer plastic needle cap up to line where it funnels out, and it's 20 units, don't forget the air shot first.

If anyone thinks this is wrong, I am happy to be corrected.

 

[EllieM]

Pretty sure it's the outer plastic needle cap up to line where it funnels out, and it's 20 units, don't forget the air shot first.

Last time this came up we compared a number of different pen needles, and this was true of most (but not all) of them. But @borderter , if you post the brand of the needles you use, I am sure that someone can confirm that this works for your brand.

And @Jaylee is very knowledgeable on this subject.

 

[borderter]

Hi,
Pretty sure it's the outer plastic needle cap up to line where it funnels out, and it's 20 units, don't forget the air shot first.

If anyone thinks this is wrong, I am happy to be corrected. View attachment 54752

Thanks and 20 units was what I had at back of my mind so will make a note in case I need it again

 

[Antje77]

Last time this came up we compared a number of different pen needles, and this was true of most (but not all) of them. But @borderter , if you post the brand of the needles you use, I am sure that someone can confirm that this works for your brand.

We tried all the different needles we had between us moderators, and they all filled up to the point @chrisbug drew, except mine!
I use Klinion needles so as long as you use a different brand you're likely good with that method.

If you have 2 pens you can also just give it a try with both of them and see if they come to the same point. If they do they should be fine, and then you'll know for sure how far it should fill with your brand of needles in case you ever doubt a pen again.

 

[borderter]

We tried all the different needles we had between us moderators, and they all filled up to the point @chrisbug drew, except mine!
I use Klinion needles so as long as you use a different brand you're likely good with that method.

If you have 2 pens you can also just give it a try with both of them and see if they come to the same point. If they do they should be fine, and then you'll know for sure how far it should fill with your brand of needles in case you ever doubt a pen again.

Hi the needles I use are insupen 4mm and they are really fine so thats what made me want to check as have a new insulin pen which may not work well with the needles so thanks all

 

[Fenn]

Hi,
Pretty sure it's the outer plastic needle cap up to line where it funnels out, and it's 20 units, don't forget the air shot first.

If anyone thinks this is wrong, I am happy to be corrected. View attachment 54752

Did you draw this for this thread? It’s a brilliant drawing if so… just saying

 

[chrisbug]

Did you draw this for this thread? It’s a brilliant drawing if so… just saying

Yes I did, and thank you.