Small bubble in the needle

[goldenear]

I've used both, and it seems that there is less tissue trauma (i.e., discomfort) with the airlock method. Z-track may be more advantageous, however, with large injection volumes (>3cc's).

[twosocks40]

If an air bubble enters the blood stream it is treated as an infection by your body. This causes a build up of blood cells to combat the infection, only there is no infection so the blood cells keep coming. Often times, even after the air bubble has dissapated the clot of blood cells is still there. This is what happens when divers get decompression sickness or, the "bends". In diving, when treated quickly the air bubble shrinks and absorbs into the body. If not treated quickly enough it can lead to permanent damage. I.E. paralysis, brain damage, numbness in extremeties.

Bottom line: Aspirate and DO NOT inject air into a vein(not that anyone would do that on purpose). Even at a low amount it is a bad idea.

-B

[halifaxsteve]

If an air bubble enters the blood stream it is treated as an infection by your body. This causes a build up of blood cells to combat the infection, only there is no infection so the blood cells keep coming. Often times, even after the air bubble has dissapated the clot of blood cells is still there. This is what happens when divers get decompression sickness or, the "bends". In diving, when treated quickly the air bubble shrinks and absorbs into the body. If not treated quickly enough it can lead to permanent damage. I.E. paralysis, brain damage, numbness in extremeties.

Bottom line: Aspirate and DO NOT inject air into a vein(not that anyone would do that on purpose). Even at a low amount it is a bad idea.

-B

this is precisely why i would never recommend airlock to anyone, esp a newbie, or anyone who neglects to aspirate. if there is leakage, z-track.