Intravenous insulin: controversy on the adsorption process of infusion kits.

Abstract

Insulin adsorption is a non-specific surface phenomenon that interferes with the patient’s insulin demand. This literature review aimed at identifying the causes of insulin adsorption in intravenous solutions and the strategies used to reduce adsorption. Articles from Medical Literature and Retrieval System On Line (MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Co-ordination and Improvement of Graduate People (CAPES) databases were used. Polypropylene flasks and in-line equipment without filter presented less adsorption, adsorption was maximum when the first 100ml of the solution were infused. Strategies used to minimize insulin adsorption pre-exposure of 50 to 100ml solution flasks for 30-60 minutes, use of flasks with smaller internal surface, and short in-lines.