Aim. To study different insulin pens regarding leakage from the tip of the needle after injection.Patients and method. Six pens were tested; Saline Pen 3.0 ml (Lilly), B-D Pen 3.0 ml, NovoLet 1.5 and 3.0 ml,NovoPen 1.5 and 3.0 ml. Twenty volunteers were injected with sterile saline and the needle was withdrawn after 1, 3,5, or 7 s respectively. Any dribble was collected on a filter paper and weighed. The procedure was videotaped.Results. There was a minimum of dribbling from the 1.5 ml pens. Eight out of 20 NovoPen 3.0 ml and B-D Pen3.0 ml, 16 out of 20 NovoLet 3.0 ml, and 19 out of 20 Saline Pen (Lilly) dribbled after a 7 s hold-in time. The 8 B-DPen 3.0 ml had leaked 4.0 mg (2.4±18.8), the 8 NovoPen 3.0 ml 4.7 mg (3.8±6.7), the 16 NovoLet 3.0 ml 5.0 mg(3.1±16.6) and the 19 Saline Pen 3.0 ml had leaked 9.2 mg (4.9±19.1).Conclusion. There is a clinically significant leakage of fluid from the needle tip even after 7 s hold-in time. Patientsshould be taught to hold the needle in for at least 10 s to be assured they get the intended dose.
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