Insulin Infusion Priming Guidelines

Introduction to Priming

• The American College of Critical Care Medicine recommends priming IV tubing with insulin solution before starting the infusion, using a 20-mL flush volume to minimize insulin adsorption to the plastic tubing 1, 2

Optimal Priming Protocol

• The Critical Care Medicine guidelines specifically recommend initiating continuous insulin infusion therapy after priming new tubing with a 20-mL waste volume 1, 2

Practical Implementation

• Prepare insulin infusion at standard concentration and prime the IV tubing with 20 mL of the insulin solution, then start the infusion immediately without dwell time, and begin hourly glucose monitoring and titrate according to the institution's protocol 1, 2