Ginnym1981, that's exactly how I was taught too in school. However when I first started out, I too freaked when even after "priming" the flush, I seen a large air bubble/pocket in the solution itself. My preceptor told me at the time it was harmless. Even after 23 yrs, I'm still extremely cautious and diligent about air bubbles. If I can get 99.9% of them out, I will try without any significant waste. And guess what? My patients are always happy too because they all seem to have horror stories to share about knowing someone who has been harmed by air bubbles (whether factual or exaggerated).