Some of the questions you may be having with your pump have already been asked about. See for yourself.
What type of battery can be used in my pump?*
Your pump is designed to achieve optimum performance and battery life with an AA lithium battery (1.5V). Rechargeable batteries and carbon-zinc batteries do not have the necessary characteristics to power the pump and should not be used. Some AA lithium batteries are available with other voltages such as 3.6V or 4.0V. Do not use these batteries. Use of anything other than a 1.5V battery could permanently damage the pump and voids its warranty.
How often does the battery cap need to be changed?*
It is recommended that you change the battery cap/vent once a year. If you work in a dusty environment such as a construction site, mill, cement factory, etc., or if you are a frequent swimmer, you should change your battery cap every 6 months. Battery caps can be ordered by visiting our eStore at https://estore.animascorp.com.
I just replaced the battery in my pump for the first time, and now it shows 0 U on the screen but I know I have insulin in my cartridge. Why?
Whenever the battery is removed and reinserted, the volume of remaining insulin on the wake up screen will read zero. A full rewind, load, and prime will need to be completed to resume insulin delivery after a battery change.
The word “Locked” is on my pump screen. What does this mean?
The Animas pump has a tamper-resistant feature allowing you to lock the pump to prevent accidental button pressing. The pump will continue to deliver the basal rates if this feature is activated. To lock the pump, simply wake up the pump and press and hold the Up and Down arrow buttons at the same time until the screen reads “Locked.” To unlock the pump, wake up the pump so the screen reads “Locked” and then press and hold the Up and Down buttons at the same time until the screen display wakes up. It is highly recommended that young children and those wearing the pump in their pocket use this feature.
Can I go through the metal detector at the airport with my pump?
Yes, the walk-through and the wand are OK. However, the pump cannot be exposed to X-rays. For more information about traveling with the pump, go to our articles section.
Can I swim with my pump?
Yes, the pump is waterproof in up to 12 feet of water for up to 24 hours. Before swimming, it is always recommended to do a visual inspection of the pump and battery cap. Deep scratches, cracks, a loose keypad, and/or seeing the O-ring on the battery cap could indicate that your pump is no longer waterproof. If you see any damage or have a concern, do not expose the pump to water. Call Pump Support immediately. Make sure the battery cap is seated properly and that the battery cap has been changed as instructed by the user guide.
What precautions do I need to follow at an amusement park ride with my pump?
Very powerful electromagnets are sometimes used on “free-fall” amusement park rides. Insulin pumps should be removed and not taken on these “free-fall” types of rides.
High gravity forces can be experienced when riding on some roller coasters. It is recommended that you disconnect (NOT suspend) the pump while on roller-coaster rides.
My pump was lost/stolen. What do I do to get another pump?
A lost or stolen pump is not covered under the Animas technical warranty. Please contact your homeowner’s insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of a replacement pump. Some insurance companies will allow you to put a rider on the pump.
I am having problems with bubbles in my cartridge. How can I keep so many bubbles from forming?
Bubbles can form in the cartridge for a number of reasons. These include drawing the insulin into the cartridge too fast, not having the cartridge needle tightly secured when drawing insulin from the vial, and not having the insulin at room temperature. To help avoid bubbles, check to make sure the needle is tightly secured to the cartridge before drawing the insulin, draw the insulin slowly from the vial into the cartridge, and be sure to use insulin that is at room temperature. Also, when removing the blue plunger handle take special care not to pull on the plunger itself as this will draw air into the cartridge.
How can I keep my infusion sets attached during hot weather or exercise?
Using skin prep such as I.V. Prep Antiseptic Wipe or Skin-Tac™ will help keep your infusion sets attached during hot weather or exercise. The infusion set can also be reinforced with the use of a transparent dressing such as IV3000™ Dressing. If perspiration is a problem, you can also try using an antiperspirant (not a deodorant) under the infusion set adhesive. It is important to always check your infusion site following exercise or perspiration. It is important to contact your healthcare provider to determine what may work best for you or if you have allergies or skin sensitivities.
* For Animas® IR 1200 series and Animas® 2020 insulin pumps only.