title: Evidence of non-inert material in needles and cartridges following a single insulin injection with a pen.
abstract: Preliminary results of an observational study are described in 50 unselected diabetic patients treated with insulin pens. The study was conducted to detect the presence of unexpected material in needles and cartridges after a single insulin injection. The injection was done by a trained nurse with the patient's usual pen and insulin cartridge. Cytopathological examination was performed on the material obtained from the needles and found in cartridges after centrifugation. Non-inert material was found in 28% of needles and 58% of cartridges, including squama (18 and 50% respectively) and epithelial cells (20 and 42% respectively). These data, which suggest a non-passive capture of biological material into the delivery system after injection, emphasise the rule of strictly individual use of insulin delivery systems, including cartridges. The precise impact of self-injection of this non-inert material on individuals during repeated pen injections remains uncertain.
authors.affiliation: Services de Diabétologie, C.H.U. Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Le Floch
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herbreteau
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Perlemuter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000295:instrumentation; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012646:Self Administration / Q000295:instrumentation; D013594:Syringes
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin