Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body’s cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood for energy. For individuals whose bodies do not produce enough insulin or do not use it effectively, administering insulin via a syringe is often necessary to regulate blood sugar levels.
Preparing Your Materials
Gather all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and sterile preparation. You will need an insulin vial, an insulin syringe, alcohol wipes, and a sharps container. Check the insulin vial for its expiration date and inspect its appearance; most insulins are clear, but some types, like intermediate-acting insulin, appear cloudy and require gentle mixing by rolling the vial between your hands. If clear insulin appears cloudy or contains particles, do not use it.
Ensure you have the correct insulin syringe for your prescribed dose, as syringes come in different sizes and unit markings. For example, a 0.3 mL syringe is typically for doses under 30 units, while a 1 mL syringe can accommodate up to 100 units.
Drawing Insulin into the Syringe
Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of contamination. Next, wipe the rubber stopper of the insulin vial with an alcohol wipe and allow it to air dry completely. This step helps to disinfect the surface before piercing it with the needle.
With the alcohol-wiped vial ready, uncap your new, sterile insulin syringe, being careful not to touch the needle. Pull the plunger back to draw air into the syringe, matching the amount of air to your prescribed insulin dose. This equalizes the pressure inside the vial, making it easier to withdraw the liquid and preventing a vacuum from forming. Insert the needle directly through the center of the vial’s rubber stopper, then push the plunger to inject all the air into the vial.
After injecting the air, keep the syringe needle inserted into the vial and carefully invert both so the vial is upside down. Position the tip of the needle within the liquid insulin, ensuring it remains submerged throughout the drawing process. Slowly pull back the plunger to draw the insulin into the syringe, stopping precisely at the line that corresponds to your prescribed dose.
If air bubbles appear in the syringe, gently tap the barrel of the syringe with your finger while holding it upright with the needle pointing towards the ceiling. This action encourages any trapped air bubbles to rise to the top of the syringe, near the needle. Once the bubbles have collected, gently push the plunger to expel the air back into the vial, then readjust the plunger to the correct insulin dose.
Confirming Your Dose and Final Steps
Before removing the syringe from the vial, visually confirm that the top edge of the plunger’s rubber stopper aligns precisely with the marking for your prescribed insulin dose. Ensure no visible air bubbles remain, as large air bubbles can affect the accuracy of the dose. Small, pin-prick size bubbles are generally not a concern, but larger ones should be removed.
Once the correct dose is confirmed, carefully withdraw the needle from the insulin vial. Avoid touching the needle to any surfaces to maintain its sterility. Immediately after injection, do not attempt to recap the used needle, as this increases the risk of an accidental needle stick injury. Instead, promptly dispose of the entire used syringe, with the needle attached, into a designated sharps container.
Sharps containers are designed to be puncture-resistant and leak-proof, preventing injuries and the spread of potential contaminants. Fill the container only to the designated fill line, typically three-quarters full, to prevent overfilling and ensure safe disposal. Proper disposal of sharps helps protect individuals and the community from accidental pokes and potential infections.