QMA Insulin QMA Insulin Storage and Handling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what temperature range should unopened insulin vials be stored to maintain potency?
- 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the refrigerator (Correct answer)
- Below 32°F (0°C) in the freezer
- 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) at room temperature
- Above 85°F (29°C) in a warm cabinet
Correct answer: 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the refrigerator
Unopened insulin vials should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F to maintain potency until the expiration date.
Question 2: How long can an opened insulin vial typically be kept at room temperature before it must be discarded?
- 28 days (Correct answer)
- 7 days
- 90 days
- 6 months
Correct answer: 28 days
Most opened insulin vials can be kept at room temperature (below 77°F/25°C) for up to 28 days, after which they should be discarded.
Question 3: What should a QMA do if insulin appears cloudy, discolored, or has visible particles (for a type that should be clear)?
- Discard the insulin and obtain a new vial (Correct answer)
- Shake the vial vigorously to dissolve particles
- Warm the vial under hot water
- Use the insulin but document the appearance
Correct answer: Discard the insulin and obtain a new vial
Insulin that appears abnormal — cloudy, discolored, or with particles when it should be clear — must be discarded as it may be contaminated or degraded.
Question 4: Why should insulin never be frozen?
- Freezing destroys the protein structure, making it ineffective (Correct answer)
- Freezing causes insulin to become too concentrated
- Freezing makes insulin unsafe to inject due to ice crystals
- Freezing changes the color of insulin permanently
Correct answer: Freezing destroys the protein structure, making it ineffective
Freezing damages the protein structure of insulin, rendering it ineffective and potentially harmful if administered.
Question 5: When rolling (not shaking) an insulin vial before use, what type of insulin requires this step?
- NPH (intermediate-acting cloudy insulin) (Correct answer)
- Regular (short-acting clear insulin)
- Glargine (long-acting clear insulin)
- Aspart (rapid-acting clear insulin)
Correct answer: NPH (intermediate-acting cloudy insulin)
NPH insulin is a suspension that settles and must be gently rolled between the palms to re-suspend the particles before drawing the dose.
Question 6: What is the correct action when an insulin pen is exposed to temperatures above 77°F (25°C) for an extended period?
- Discard the pen and use a new one (Correct answer)
- Place it in the freezer immediately to restore potency
- Shake the pen to re-activate the insulin
- Continue to use it but administer a larger dose
Correct answer: Discard the pen and use a new one
Insulin exposed to excessive heat for prolonged periods loses potency and should be discarded to ensure accurate dosing.
QMA Insulin QMA Insulin Storage and Handling 1
At what temperature range should unopened insulin vials be stored to maintain potency?