FAQ

Is there any hidden needle in the J-Tip Injector?

J-Tip is a NEEDLE-FREE device without any needles. There is no possibility of getting a needle stick injury while using a J-Tip Injector.
How does J-Tip work?

J-Tip uses pressurized gas to send medication into the subcutaneous portion of the skin. When the device is activated, pressurized gas is used to create an ultra-fine stream of medication which will then penetrate the skin. All of this is done within a fraction of a second without the use of a needle.
What medications is J-Tip approved for?

The .50 ml J-Tip Injector is approved for general purpose use of Medications Appropriate for Jet Injections. The .25 ml J-Tip Injector is approved for the use with Xylocaine (commonly referred to as Lidocaine).
What is the coverage I can expect from the injected medication?

The area of coverage can vary for each individual person. Typically most of the medication is likely to spread to the size of the front diameter of the device. Medication can spread further, but may not be uniform as the medication will take the path of least resistance.
Who should avoid the use of J-Tip?

We do not recommend the use of J-Tip on patients who are receiving chemotherapeutic agents, patients on blood thinners, patients with blood disorders, or preterm infants or neonates. Please consult your doctor.
Can the J-Tip Injector be reused?

No, J-Tip is a sterile, single-use, disposable device. Once the device has been activated there is no possibility of reuse.
How do you fill J-Tip with medication?

J-Tip can be filled using a standard luer or luer lock syringe in 4 easy steps. Please refer to the videos on ‘How to Fill’ for further details.
Can I change the dose of medication in the J-Tip?

No. The user must be careful to fill J-Tip with the proper dosage as once it is filled, the dosage cannot be changed. All adjustments of medication and removal of air bubbles should be done in the transfer syringe prior to filling the J-tip. (1 mL syringe recommended)
What four (4) parts I am supposed to look when I first grab a J-Tip for use? Why?

Make sure that four colored parts are present prior to the use of J-Tip. Note that there are TWO WHITE and TWO ORANGE parts.

White Activation Lever
White End Cap
Orange Cap
Orange Safety

It is very important that all four components are intact for two reasons. First, not to compromise any sterility associated with the fluid path of the product. Secondly, to ensure that the J-Tip is in proper working order.
Which part do I remove prior to using?

Prior to use it is important that all orange pieces should be removed. These orange pieces include the Safety and the Cap (Luer Adapter or Sterility). J-Tip should not be used unless both orange pieces are removed prior to injection.
Why is it so important to let the disinfectant dry completely?

Any residual alcohol may be carried into the skin causing a stinging sensation upon injection. This negates the experience we are trying to achieve.
We use ChloraPrep/Hibiclens/etc. instead of alcohol preps. Do I still need to let is completely dry prior to J-Tip injection?

Yes. It is important to remember that any residual disinfectant left on the surface of the skin can be injected along with the medication, causing a stinging sensation, negating the experience we are looking for when using J-Tip.
I heard that J-Tip makes a noise. What does it sound like?

When a J-Tip device is activated, it makes a ‘pop’ followed by a ‘hiss’, similar to opening a can of soda. This is just the sound of the gas traveling through the unit. It is a good idea to make the patient and patient’s family aware of this prior to injection.
Why do I need to hold the device at a 90⁰ angle to the skin?

By holding J-Tip at 90⁰ to the skin we are able to get the maximum absorption of medication from the injection while reducing any potential for a skin abrasion. Keep in mind we are using pressurized gas to deliver medication. The medication leaves J-Tip in a fraction of a second, so an angle less than 90⁰ could cause medication to travel along the skin causing an abrasion and discomfort to the patient.
Why should I avoid injecting over the vein?

Injection should not occur over the vein in order to prevent any vein rupture/trauma. Furthermore, this prevents medication from directly entering the blood stream.
How hard do I have to push on the skin?

Apply light pressure between the J-Tip and the skin, creating no more than a little dimple. This way no skin compression occurs and the medication can disperse properly and efficiently.
How is the device activated?

Once the two orange pieces are removed, J-Tip is activated by the depression of the Activation Lever toward the back end of the device. The Activation Lever will break the seal on the gas cartridge, and consequently force the medication out of J-Tip and into the subcutaneous area. It is important that J-tip is not moved during injection.
Does the pressurized gas mix with the medication?

The gas used to propel the medication does not come into contact with the medication- the gas and medication sections are separated. There is small exit port for the gas to escape in the middle of the device and located opposite the activation lever. Most of the hissing noise associated from the device is due to the gas escaping from this port.
Where does the gas go?

There is a tiny port, opposite the activation lever, in the middle of the device. This port allows the gas to escape during activation. A small amount of CO₂ is released, be sure to direct the port away from the patient and yourself. The device is depressurized in several seconds. Please allow for all the gas to escape prior to disposal.
Should I use Buffered Lidocaine?

Some experts prefer to buffer Lidocaine to lessen the stinging/ burning sensation. Please consult with your institution if Buffered Lidocaine is used. Please be aware that in most cases Buffered Lidocaine does have a shorter shelf life.
How long do I hold the J-Tip against the skin after injection?

Even though it only takes a fraction of a second for the injection to occur, hold the J-Tip in place for at least 2-3 seconds or until the “hissing” ends prior to disposal of the unit.
What should I expect after a J-Tip injection?

Two common responses one would expect to see post injection:
1) a little blood reflux at the injection point; or
2) a skin wheal at the injection site