This is a patient education video for patients who are prescribed insulin and will be using a vial and syringe. It provides important information so that patients can understand how to correctly administer insulin.
This video will walk you through the steps necessary to give insulin using a vial and syringe you may be using any of the insulin vials pictured here insulin vials come in several different styles depending on the type of insulin you are prescribed the information in this video applies to all vials and syringes first let’s review the rules for storing your insulin
When you fill your prescription at the pharmacy you will receive an insulin vial and a supply of syringes if you receive more than one vial at once keep the remaining vials in the refrigerator until you need them unused insulin files that are stored in the refrigerator are good until the expiration date listed on the box it is important to make sure that the vials
Do not freeze when you are ready to inject your insulin take the vial out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for your everyday use keep your insulin in a place that is as cool as possible and away from direct heat or light it is important not to store your vials in warm places such as the car or in direct sunlight although you may store your insulin in
The refrigerator this will not make it last longer once your insulin is opened an insulin vial can be used for 28 to 42 days depending on the type of insulin you are using this chart shows how long the different types of insulin vials may be used after they are opened and stored at room temperature you should throw away an opened insulin vial once it is empty or
After it has been opened for longer than what is recommended whichever comes first if you are unsure about how long you can use your insulin before it should be discarded please check the instructions that came with your prescription now that you know how to store your insulin let’s review the parts of your insulin syringe pictured here is the sample syringe this
Is the plunger which will be used withdraw insulin from the vial at the top of the plunger is a black cap which marks the beginning of the syringe chamber the side of the syringe is labeled with numbers which you will use the selector remove the cap at the end of the syringe to see the needle you will need a new insulin syringe every time you give insulin do not
Reuse the syringe to ensure a sterile injection now we will review the steps that you should complete for each insulin injection we will go through five main steps the first step is getting everything ready before each injection you should wash your hands with warm water and soap to ensure that they are clean obtain everything that you will need for the injection
You will need your insulin vial and alcohol swab or cotton ball moistened with alcohol a new syringe your prescription so you know how much insulin to inject and a hard plastic or metal container with a lid to dispose of your syringe after you give your insulin next look at your insulin vial check the label to make sure that this is the type of insulin that was
Prescribed to you also check the expiration date on the side of the vial before you give your injection for most types of insulin such as those seen here insulin should be clear and not discolored there are some insulin products such as the mixed insulins that are supposed to be cloudy and white and appearance make sure you talk with your doctor or pharmacist
And check your prescription instructions so that you know what your insulin should look like no matter what type of insulin you are using you should not see any solid particles in your insulin cloudy types of insulin should be mixed before use to do this gently roll the file between your palms ten times do not shake your insulin because this may cause bubbles to
Form then check the insulin again to make sure it is evenly mixed without any clumps remember this step is only necessary if you are using a cloudy looking insulin the second step is to prepare your syringe take a new syringe out of the package the third step is drawing up your insulin dose to draw up your dose pop the cap off the top of the aisle and throw the
Cap away then use the alcohol swab to wipe the top rubber stopper on the vial now using your insulin syringe pull the plunger back so that it contains a small amount of air about as much air as insulin you are going to inject insert the syringe at 90 degrees into the vial push the plunger down to move air into the vial we do this to the pressure equal between the
Syringe and the vial which makes the insulin easier to draw turn the vial upside down and then withdraw the plunger to remove insulin from the vial pull past the amount that you will be injecting this is the amount of units listed on your prescription gently flick the side of the syringe to force any air bubbles to float to the top our bubbles won’t harm you but
If there is there in your syringe that is taking up space that should be your insulin gently push the extra insulin you withdrew back into the vial make sure that the syringe contains no air bubbles and that the top of the black plunger cap is pulled to the number corresponding to your dose flip the vial right-side up and remove the needle from the vial to inject
Your insulin you must first select your injection site you may choose from your upper arm abdomen hip or upper thigh insulin is given in two subcutaneous tissue not muscles or veins you may use the same general area for each injection but you should say at least one inch away from your last injection site any scars and your bellybutton once you have selected your
Injection site wipe the area with an alcohol swab make sure to allow the area to dry completely so the alcohol does not cause your injection to burn gently pinch the area of skin unless your doctor or diabetes educator gave you different instructions and insert the needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle depending on the instructions provided by your doctor to deliver
Your dose push the plunger in the whole way after injecting your dose remove the needle from your skin if you bleed a little at the site of injection press down gently using an alcohol swab or a piece of gauze do not rub the area bleeding or bruising at the injection site means you have nipped a small blood vessel as you removed the needle from your skin the fifth
Step is disposing of the syringe after injection do not recap this arrange throw your syringe directly into of the plastic or metal container you are using use your dispose of your insulin syringe in a proper manner after each injection syringes and needles should not be reused you may dispose of your syringe in a sharps container like the one pictured here you may
Purchase a sharps container from your local pharmacy you can also make your own sharps container by using an empty metal coffee can with a lid or an old laundry detergent bottle label the container with the word sharps and do not recycle when this container is full tape the lid down and throw it in the regular trash now let’s review the five main steps that are
Involved with giving yourself an insulin injection first wash your hands and obtain everything you will need to make your injection if you have a cloudy insulin you will need to gently mix it second open a new syringe and remove the cap to uncover the needle third wave the top of the vial with an alcohol swab inject air into the vial and then draw up the appropriate
Dose into your insulin syringe 4 wipe your skin with an alcohol pad and inject your insulin lastly dispose of your insulin syringe and a proper container by following these steps for each insulin injection you will be successful and confident in your ability to administer subcutaneous insulin if you have any questions about insulin administration you can always
Ask your nurse your pharmacist or schedule an appointment with your diabetes educator
Transcribed from video
Insulin Vial Instruction – 2015 By PittPharmacy