Use of pre-injection isopropyl 70% wipes before injecting or before applying Libre sensor

[Lilly]

Does anyone use pre-injection isopropyl 70% wipes before injecting or before applying Libre sensor,
Now Abbots stopped putting them in box with sensor.
Asked surgery for some and reply from CCG (NECS) pharmacist they say not needed as not intravenous, and said are not used for covid jabs,
Bearing in mind I'm using 40+ needles each week, and with increased frequency comes increased risk. I noticed they were used by the practice for covid jabs, but her logic seemed to me to be incorrect, and not good clinical practice as water doesn't cut it as an anti bac. What do you people think? Where to go from here?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I don't think the possibility of infection is relevant is it?

The issue's adhesion I thought, and I've stopped using them and find the sensors are still sticking fine. I am careful to wash and dry my skin, and skin varies between individuals so YMMV.

 

[Lucyr]

Just wash with soap and water, or shower gel but nothing moisturising, your arms should be clean through normal hygiene.

 

[helli]

I have been injecting over 40 times a week for decades. Each injection is with a fresh sterile needle and needs no alcohol wipe. Using the wipes will harden your skin and make injection difficult.
Regarding using wipes for Libre insertion, i understand the purpose of the wipes is to remove any grease which make the glue less effective. Through washing with soap and water with no moisturiser has the same affect.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

When I switched to pump therapy I had been reading ‘Pumping Insulin’ for a bit of preparation, which is written by US authors. There were mentions of using alcohol wipes to prepare sites and I asked my DSN whether it was worth it.

Her opinion was that it was not necessary provided a person had a ‘normal’ cleanliness and hygiene routine, and for example, doesn’t work wading through sewage 8 hours a day. Added to that there were concerns about the effect of repeatedly using alcohol wipes because they can impact the skin and cause hardening, she said.

I did use the wipes when they were supplied - mostly as others have said to help with adhesion.

However if would feel happier using wipes, I believe they are relatively affordable from online retailers.

 

[nonethewiser]

Didn't bother with wipes on injections, since changing to pump always prepare area by using alcohol wipe, not only cleans skin also helps with adhesion. Same with libre, 100 wipes on Amazon is £3.

 

[trophywench]

I have never yet had either a cannula nor a Libre sensor, not adhere.