Pre-filled carts: Worth the risk?

After using typical insulin needles for a bit, I switched to injection pens for more accurate dosing and less discomfort. Now, I transfer my peptides into 3ml pen vials after mixing. I follow peptidecritic's guide, but it does waste some supplies. It involves a needle to draw out the mixed peptides, a needle for venting the new vial, and another to put the fluid in. Once filled, I purge the air until a few drops appear. Today, I saw these pre-purged vials that are steam sterilized: https://www.pen-depot.com/products/...d-3-ml-long-stopper-pen-cartridges-single-use. It seems convenient, but I worry about contamination from the open space that fills with liquid as the plunger moves. Peptidecritic mentions this risk in his DIY pre-purge video, but these vials are supposedly sterilized after the pre-purge. So, regarding these sterilized, pre-purged vials, is the contamination risk higher, lower, or the same as my current method of using multiple clean needles to vent and transfer into non-purged vials? What are your thoughts?

I experimented with pre-purging before filling, which some people here seem to like. It was nice not having to vent, and slightly less of a pain, but I stopped and went back to venting. I'm already filtering and being super careful about sterility, it seems pointless to potentially ruin that by filling into a cart that's been exposed to the air. So I personally avoid it.

Thanks @randompersonrandom, I just ordered some new v4 pens that should be here soon, and was kind of thinking through the process. It does appear to waste a lot of stuff: 1 luer lock for mixing, 1 filter, 1 luer lock, 1 syringe for venting to transfer to a fresh vial. Then, like you said, a pen needle for purging air. If you were filling a couple new pen vials, you can't really reuse any of that stuff, right?

I feel the same way. I always filter after mixing, and I'm very careful about cleanliness. My only reservation with dismissing these cartridges is the sterilization process. I'm wondering if using them is any riskier than using multiple needles that have briefly been exposed to air for venting and transfer when using non-purged vials.

I reuse if it's the identical peptide in the same session. It's going from an alcohol-wiped sterile cart to another alcohol-wiped sterile cart. When I'm doing a 12ml batch, that's 4 carts, so one vent needle handles all four, and I use a 13mm filter big enough for the whole amount.

I'm about to order some needles and syringes for filling cartridges. What sizes do you folks usually get?

For typical insulin needles, I prefer 1ml 31G 5/16" ones. They're easy to get from most online suppliers. They are the best in my opinion. For the 3ml pen cartridges, you could really use any size needle for venting. I usually use a 20 gauge. For drawing out the solution and transferring, I use an 18 gauge. And don't forget your 13mm filters!

I initially got a kit and was pleased with it. Now that I know what I need, I'm just ordering everything in bulk online. Also got some sterile water along with it.

Has anyone noticed a difference injecting in the leg versus the stomach?

I always stick to my lower abdomen since I had surgery there years ago and it's numb, haha.

To MicrodoseMami: Some say they feel a difference depending on the injection spot, others don't. Some people find it suppresses their hunger more in the stomach, or have a 'smoother' week in the thigh. The key is rotating sites. I've started keeping track because I can't remember where I injected last.

That's a really clever idea Reese, tracking the site of injection. I think I'll start doing that as well!

About peptide storage during power outages... it depends on the peptide. Simple ones like GHRP-6 can be okay at room temp for quite a while, maybe even years if not reconstituted. More complex ones like IGF-1 and hGH degrade faster. After mixing, they're usually good in the fridge for about two weeks. If you can get ice, keeping them in an insulated bag with ice packs is the best solution.

On_Deck said:

After mixing, they're usually good in the fridge for about two weeks. If you can get ice, keeping them in an insulated bag with ice packs is the best solution.

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Good to know! I was thinking more about what to do if the power went out for like, days. Ice packs, got it!

Insulin syringes are over the counter in most US states without a prescription - the OTC rules vary by state but the majority don't require one. The Amazon syringe option for reconstitution is fine. Sounds like you have what you need.