I have issues with exact dosing when I inject. I always have some left in the syringe so I try to draw a little more but I assume I’m not getting my exact dose. If I’m off a few lines here and there, or not exact same dose every time, will I have issues?
Issues? Probably not. But there’s no point in wasting it if you can help it
Some being left in the syringe doesn’t need you need to draw more. When the needle and initial empty space of the syringe is being filled, it doesn’t register on the lines on the side of the syringe. Meaning that already is the “extra” you need to make your injection match what the syringe is saying it is. You inadvertently draw a little extra and you leave a little behind, the two cancel out.
If you use 1 piece (fixed needle) insulin syringes or the like you won’t have that issue. They waste next to nothing
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Okay, I’m doing subq so I need a bigger needle to draw then inject with a smaller one. I’ll ask my pharmacist if there is one that I can draw and inject with an attached needle
That isn’t true. I draw and inject with a 30g insulin syringe. It takes a while to draw but works fine. Lots of people use 27-28g which should be a little quicker.
Your pharmacist will probably tell you I’m wrong, but I’m not. You can order your own syringes online. Amazon even has them.
Agree with what ncsugrad said in both posts.
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The syringes are manufactured and calibrated to deliver exact doses. The (minimal) dead space in the needle is already factored in.
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You can easily draw up and inject with a single piece insulin syringe. It take a little practice, but it is not difficult. I’ve been using a single piece 28G insulin syringe for about 8 years. It takes me about 1 minute (I’ve timed it several times) to draw up and about 10 seconds to inject.
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There are lots of sources for a huge variety of insulin syringes available on the internet delivered to your door. Some states have restrictions, but they will tell you at check out if you live in one of these (few) states. Amazon is one source. I usually purchase mine through totaldiabetessupply.com. It’s much less expensive than purchasing from a pharmacy and you don’t get that funny look from the pharmacist wondering what you are doing with these syringes.
Can you link the exact syringe you get on amazon please?
Amazon does not carry the brand I use in 28G insulin syringes (Easy Touch). I get them from the web site I linked above. Here’s a link to an alternate brand of the same type and volume (0.5 mL) that I found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Prove-Insulin-Syringes-Single-use-Syringe/dp/B07YLTYDH9/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=insulin+syringes+28G&qid=1584891914&sr=8-3
I use these. I’d probably try the 28g ones and make sure it draws ok first. Then try the 30’s later on if you want to go smaller. I’ve never had any issues but I’ve heard there are thicker oils in some areas/brands
BD Ultra-Fine Insulin Syringes 30G 1/2 cc 1/2 inch 90/bx https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNRQJWH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YR4DEbFBQHXDK
I haven’t noticed much difference in pain between 25g and 28g. The 25 look a little more intimidating though. But it always freaks me out when the 28g flexes a little, like it’s going to snap in half if I move too much during the injection.
You can bend them right over and back actually, surprisungly resilient.
Just go to any pharmacy and ask for a bag of insulin syringes. 30g 1/2". I like the 5/16" but I order them online
They are all calibrated to deliver the amount at the edge of plunger whether or not it’s a rounded or a flat end (black) piece in the plunger. One needs to line the edge of the black to the number.
Right, it’s not about the dose, it’s about the small amount unused in the nose of the needle. Depending, of course, on the type of needle.
The 1ml syringes with the pockets keep up to .1 of a ml. The measurements are pretty accurate, but you will waste T out of your bottle.
Do NOT do what I did and use the 3ml syringes that my doctor prescribed. The ones I was using had this stupid rounded ball in it, and matching ball shaped end, and due to the fact that the T is suspended in oil, it held way more back than was being measured.
I checked the measurements against water - water dispensed out of these syringes with pinpoint accuracy, but the T oil did not. What I thought was 0.2 or more of a ml was actually much closer to 0.1. Like I said, this type of thing will not likely happen with 1ml syringes.
There’s nothing at all wrong with drawing a little bit of air into the syringe. Then you just make sure to inject “vertically” so the air bubble is at the top. When you inject, you’ll push the oil out of the syringe. Perhaps a little bit of the air too, but that’s not a problem with SQ or IM. Injecting air into a blood vessel is potentially bad news, but…so is injecting T oils. Oil (or air) embolisms will have you hating life for a bit when they hit your lungs, but neither is likely to kill you unless you deliberately go way beyond “a little bit”.
Some refer to this as “the airlock method”.
I use 27g needles and it takes about 2 min to fill. I want to try shorter needles my doc keeps giving me 1.5 inch which I feel is to long. With the excess couple drops left over I usually just apply to my forearms and rub it in.
How’s that workin for ya?
I don’t notice any difference from not doing it. Just feels like a waste if I dont.
You can purchase on piece insulin syringes via the internet very easily. My 28G syringes cast about $0.24 each delivered to my door.