Managing diabetes relies heavily on regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. This routine testing requires obtaining a small blood sample, made possible by the diabetic lancet. The lancet is a single-use implement that provides a quick, controlled method for drawing the capillary blood necessary for a blood glucose meter reading.
Defining the Lancet and Lancing Device
A lancet is a small, sterile, pointed needle, often made of surgical steel and encased in plastic, designed to puncture the skin. It is disposable and used only once to ensure sterility and sharpness. The lancet performs the actual puncture to produce a drop of capillary blood for testing.
The lancet is typically housed and operated within a reusable instrument known as a lancing device or finger pricker. This device is pen-shaped and contains a spring-loaded mechanism that controls the speed and depth of the needle’s penetration. The lancing device is designed to make the process more comfortable by driving the lancet into the skin and retracting it very quickly. Most lancing devices feature an adjustable depth setting, which allows the user to customize the puncture depth based on their skin thickness and sensitivity.
How Lancets are Used for Blood Glucose Monitoring
The procedure for using a lancet begins with preparation to ensure a clean and successful test. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water and dried completely to prevent contamination and promote blood flow to the fingertips. The lancing device is then prepared by inserting a fresh, unused lancet and twisting off its protective cap. The protective cap is often saved to safely cover the used lancet after the test.
Next, the user selects an appropriate depth setting on the lancing device. Aim for the side of the fingertip rather than the center, as this area has fewer nerve endings. The device is then “cocked” or primed by pulling back on the spring mechanism until it clicks. The lancing device is pressed firmly against the skin, and the release button is pushed, causing the lancet to quickly pierce the skin.
After the puncture, the device is removed. A gentle massage from the base of the finger toward the tip helps form a round drop of blood. If alcohol was used to clean the site, the first drop of blood should be wiped away because it may be diluted. The blood drop is then applied to the test strip, which is inserted into the blood glucose meter for analysis.
Understanding Lancet Gauges and Types
Lancets are manufactured in various sizes, with the thickness of the needle indicated by a measurement called the gauge (G). This system uses an inverse relationship: a higher gauge number signifies a thinner needle, while a lower number indicates a thicker needle. Common sizes range from 28G to 33G.
Thinner, higher-gauge lancets are preferred because they cause less pain and are suitable for frequent testing on sensitive skin. However, they may not always produce a sufficient blood sample. Thicker, lower-gauge lancets may be necessary for individuals with calloused or thicker skin to ensure an adequate blood drop is obtained.
Alternative Lancet Designs
Alternative designs exist beyond standard twist-off lancets. Safety lancets feature a retractable needle. These self-contained, single-use devices automatically retract the sharp point after use, eliminating the need to handle the used needle and reducing the risk of accidental needlestick injuries. Universal lancets are designed to be compatible with a wide range of lancing devices.
Safe Handling and Disposal
Used lancets are classified as “sharps” and must be handled with care because they are biohazardous waste that can transmit bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B or C. Lancets are strictly single-use only and should never be reused, as reuse dulls the needle, increases pain, and raises the risk of infection. Do not share lancets or lancing devices due to the high risk of cross-contamination.
Safe disposal requires placing the used lancet immediately into a designated sharps container. A proper sharps container is puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and features a secure lid. If a commercial container is unavailable, a heavy-duty, puncture-proof plastic container with a tightly sealing lid (such as a laundry detergent bottle) can be used.
Standard household trash cans and recycling bins are unacceptable disposal routes, as they pose a significant injury risk to waste handlers. The used lancet should never be recapped, bent, or broken before disposal, as this increases the chance of an accidental needlestick injury. Once the container is about three-quarters full, it must be sealed and disposed of according to local regulations.