A lancing device is a handheld tool used to obtain a small blood sample, typically for blood glucose monitoring, by quickly inserting and retracting a tiny needle called a lancet. Changing this single-use needle after every test is standard practice to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. A lancet dulls rapidly after piercing the skin, meaning subsequent uses can cause increased pain and tissue damage. Using a fresh, sterile lancet ensures the quickest, least painful, and most reliable blood collection.
Preparing the Lancing Device
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them completely. This minimizes the transfer of microorganisms to the device or the new lancet, reducing the chance of infection. Gather the new lancet alongside a designated sharps container for immediate disposal of the old one. Prepare the lancing device by carefully twisting or pulling off the cap to expose the used lancet inside.
Removing the Used Lancet
Remove the used lancet without making direct contact with the needle to prevent accidental puncture. Many modern lancing devices include an ejection mechanism, such as a slider or button, designed to safely disengage the lancet. Push or slide this ejector firmly over a sharps container, allowing the contaminated needle to fall directly into the receptacle. If the device lacks an ejector, manually pull the lancet out by grasping the plastic base, avoiding the exposed needle point entirely.
Inserting the New Lancet and Resetting the Device
Once the old lancet is clear, insert a new, unused lancet into the holder until it is seated firmly, often indicated by a distinct click. Remove the protective cap by twisting it off to expose the needle tip. Save this cap, as it will be used later to safely cover the used needle for disposal. Replace the lancing device cap, ensuring it is secure and properly aligned with the device body.
Set the desired depth of needle penetration using the rotating wheel or dial on the cap. Depth settings are numbered, with lower numbers for shallower pricks on thinner skin, and higher numbers for calloused skin to ensure an adequate blood sample. Finally, the lancing device must be primed or “cocked” by pulling back on the setting mechanism, which loads the internal spring. This action prepares the device for immediate use, often displaying a colored indicator when ready.
Safe Disposal of Sharps
Used lancets must never be thrown directly into regular household trash, as this poses a risk of accidental injury. The safest disposal method is to place the used lancet into a puncture-proof, heavy-duty plastic container with a tight-fitting, screw-on lid. The protective cap saved earlier should be placed back onto the used lancet before disposal for added protection. When the container is approximately three-quarters full, seal it tightly and dispose of it according to local guidelines for medical waste, such as drop-off sites or collection programs.