Lancets are small medical devices used to obtain blood samples, commonly for blood glucose monitoring in individuals managing conditions like diabetes. They create a tiny puncture, typically on a fingertip. Proper use and disposal of lancets are important for health and accurate results. This article discusses lancet design, the dangers of improper handling, and best practices for safety.
Understanding Single-Use Devices
Lancets are designed as single-use medical instruments. They are pre-sterilized, often through gamma irradiation, to ensure cleanliness and safety for an initial puncture. This sterility is compromised immediately upon first use, as the lancet contacts skin and blood. Devices that penetrate the skin barrier are intended for single use to prevent contamination.
Manufacturers engineer lancets for optimal performance and safety during one puncture. Their fine, precisely formed tip ensures a gentle lancing experience. This design minimizes discomfort and maximizes the likelihood of obtaining a sufficient blood sample with a single prick. The single-use nature maintains hygienic standards and reduces contamination.
Risks of Repetitive Use
Reusing lancets, even for the same individual, significantly increases infection risk. After the initial puncture, microscopic bacteria and viruses from the skin transfer to the lancet. When reused, these microorganisms can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing localized infections like abscesses or boils, or more serious systemic infections such as sepsis. Studies have found bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus on lancets after just one reuse.
Beyond infection, reusing lancets causes physical damage and increased pain. The fine tip dulls and can bend microscopically after just one use, with some studies showing a 52% drop in pierce force efficiency by the second puncture. A dull lancet requires more force to penetrate the skin, leading to more painful punctures, increased tissue trauma, bruising, and potential scarring. This can make regular testing uncomfortable, discouraging consistent monitoring.
Repeated punctures with a dull lancet can also impact the accuracy of blood glucose readings. Tissue fluid may be squeezed into the blood sample, diluting glucose values and affecting results by up to 8 mg/dL. Inaccurate readings can lead to inappropriate management decisions for conditions like diabetes.
Safe Handling and Disposal
Proper lancet usage begins with hygiene. Use a new, sterile lancet for each blood test. Before testing, thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water, then dry them completely. This reduces contaminants on the skin that could interfere with the test or increase infection risk.
After use, immediately place lancets into an approved sharps container. This rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent spills. Sharps containers prevent accidental needlesticks and protect others from contact with used medical sharps. Do not overfill the container; most have a line indicating when they are three-fourths full and ready for disposal.
Disposal methods for full sharps containers vary by location; check local guidelines. Common options include community drop-off sites at hospitals, pharmacies, or health departments, and some areas offer mail-back programs or household hazardous waste collection. Proper disposal ensures safety for waste handlers and the community.