A lancet is a small, disposable needle used with a lancing device to obtain a tiny blood sample, most commonly for blood glucose monitoring. These devices are designed for single use, and manufacturers print an expiration date on the packaging. While the lancet is a metal needle, its safety and performance are guaranteed only until that printed date. Understanding this date involves considering both the sterile environment and the physical integrity of the product. Medical professionals recommend following the manufacturer’s date for safe and accurate testing.
Why Expiration Dates Matter
The primary reason lancets have an expiration date is maintaining a guaranteed state of sterility. Lancets are sterilized, often through methods like gamma irradiation, and then sealed in a protective cap and packaging. Over time, the materials of the cap and the seal can degrade or experience microscopic changes. This degradation can potentially compromise the sterile barrier protecting the needle tip. If the seal is weakened, the lancet is no longer guaranteed to be free of contaminants, raising the risk of introducing bacteria into the puncture site.
The physical quality of the needle is another factor influencing the expiration date. A fresh lancet is manufactured with a microscopically sharp tip, sometimes coated with a lubricant to ensure a smooth and less painful puncture. The integrity of this sharpness and any specialized coating can diminish over an extended period. Using a lancet whose physical properties have degraded can result in a duller point, requiring more force to penetrate the skin. This can lead to a more painful experience, an insufficient blood sample, or the need for multiple attempts to draw blood.
Safe Disposal and Storage
Expired and used lancets must be handled with care as they are classified as medical sharps, posing a risk of accidental injury and infection. Never dispose of any sharp directly into the household trash or recycling bin, as this can injure sanitation workers or family members.
Sharps Disposal
Place them immediately into a designated sharps disposal container or a sturdy, puncture-proof plastic container, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Ensure this container has a tight-fitting, screw-on lid and is clearly labeled “USED SHARPS. DO NOT RECYCLE.” When the container is about three-quarters full, seal it and dispose of it according to local guidelines, which may involve drop-off sites, mail-back programs, or special waste collection.
For the lancets currently in use, proper storage helps preserve their quality until the expiration date. Keep the supply in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and humidity. These conditions can compromise the packaging and the integrity of the needle’s seal.