Filling an insulin cartridge involves specific steps to ensure accurate dosage and prevent air bubbles, which can interfere with insulin delivery. While the provided reference specifically mentions the t:slim X2™ insulin pump, the general principle of filling a cartridge applies to other insulin pumps as well.
Here's how to fill an insulin cartridge, based on best practices and incorporating insights from the provided reference:
- Prepare Your Supplies: Gather your insulin vial, a new insulin cartridge, a syringe (if needed, depending on the cartridge type), and alcohol swabs.
- Clean the Insulin Vial: Use an alcohol swab to clean the top of the insulin vial to prevent contamination.
- Draw Air into the Syringe (If applicable): If using a syringe, draw air into the syringe equal to the amount of insulin you plan to withdraw. This helps equalize pressure in the vial.
- Inject Air into the Vial (If applicable): Insert the syringe needle into the vial and inject the air.
- Withdraw Insulin: Turn the vial upside down and withdraw the correct amount of insulin. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the syringe. If there are, gently tap the syringe to move the bubbles to the top and push them back into the vial before withdrawing the correct dose.
- Fill the Cartridge:
- Connect the syringe to the insulin cartridge, if applicable. Some cartridges have a specific mechanism for filling.
- Slowly inject the insulin into the cartridge.
- Check for Air Bubbles: Inspect the cartridge for air bubbles. Gently tap the cartridge to encourage any bubbles to rise to the top. If bubbles are present, carefully expel them.
- Final Check: According to the YouTube video on filling a cartridge on your t:slim X2™ Insulin Pump, "It's normal to feel some resistance towards the end after you filled your cartridge." Maintain pressure on the plunger. As you remove the needle, check for leaks.
- Load Cartridge: After ensuring everything looks good and there are no leaks, load the cartridge into your insulin pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Important Considerations:
- Resistance: It is normal to feel some resistance as the cartridge fills.
- Leaks: After filling, double-check for any insulin leaks from the cartridge.
