A disposable lancet is a small, sterile medical device designed to prick the skin and obtain a small blood sample. These devices are commonly used for capillary blood sampling, most frequently for monitoring blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Lancets provide a quick method for collecting a small amount of capillary blood for diagnostic procedures like cholesterol or hemoglobin tests. Disposable lancets are pre-sterilized and intended for single use to prevent contamination and infection.
Getting Ready to Use
Before using a disposable lancet, prepare the testing area and gather all necessary items to ensure accuracy and minimize infection risk. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them completely. Proper hand hygiene prevents germ spread and interference with blood sugar readings.
Assemble all required supplies: the disposable lancet, a lancing device (if using one), a blood glucose meter, test strips, and a clean cotton ball or tissue.
Select an appropriate puncture site, ideally on the side of a fingertip. The third and fourth fingers of the non-dominant hand are often preferred, as they are less painful and have sufficient tissue. Avoid the very tip or center of the fingertip, the thumb, or the index finger to reduce discomfort and the risk of hitting bone or calloused skin. If using an alcohol swab to clean the chosen site, allow the area to air dry completely. Residual alcohol can affect test results or dilute the blood sample.
Step-by-Step Guide
If your lancet requires a lancing device, insert the new, sterile lancet into the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring the protective cap is removed. Many lancing devices offer adjustable depth settings; start with a medium setting and adjust as needed for skin thickness to optimize comfort and blood flow. Place the lancing device or the lancet itself firmly against the chosen puncture site, typically the side of the fingertip.
Activate the lancet by pressing the button or mechanism to prick the skin. A quick, clean puncture is usually deep enough for adequate blood flow. Gently squeeze the finger near the puncture site to encourage a blood drop to form, but avoid excessive pressure, which can dilute the sample with tissue fluid.
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue or gauze. This initial drop may contain tissue fluid, skin cells, or residual alcohol, which can lead to inaccurate readings. After wiping the first drop, collect the subsequent blood sample onto your test strip or into your collection device as instructed by your specific product.
Safe Handling and Disposal
After collecting the blood sample, proper handling and disposal of the lancet prevent injury and infection. Immediately apply gentle pressure to the puncture site with a clean cotton ball or tissue until any bleeding stops. Never reuse a disposable lancet.
Reusing lancets dulls the needle, causing more painful pricks and potential tissue damage. A used lancet is also no longer sterile, posing an infection risk.
Once used, immediately place the lancet into a designated sharps disposal container. An FDA-cleared sharps container is recommended. If unavailable, a heavy-duty, puncture-resistant plastic household container with a tight-fitting, screw-on lid can serve as an alternative, such as empty laundry detergent or bleach bottles.
Never dispose of used lancets in regular trash, recycling bins, or flush them down the toilet, as this poses a risk to waste handlers and others. Once the container is about three-quarters full, seal it tightly with tape. Follow local regulations for disposal, which may include drop-off locations, mail-back programs, or special waste pick-up services.