A lancet is a small, sharp, sterile needle used to obtain a tiny blood sample for blood glucose monitoring in diabetes care. It allows individuals with diabetes to regularly check their blood sugar levels, a practice important for managing the condition and preventing complications. This tool works with a lancing device and a blood glucose meter to provide immediate readings.
Understanding the Lancet and Its Function
A lancet is a fine needle designed to create a quick, shallow skin puncture. This controlled puncture produces a small drop of capillary blood, which is then applied to a test strip for analysis by a blood glucose meter. Its design minimizes discomfort while providing an adequate blood sample.
Lancets are used within a lancing device, a pen-like instrument that holds the lancet and controls the speed and depth of the puncture. The lancing device uses a spring-loaded mechanism to rapidly insert and withdraw the lancet, making the process swift and less painful. Many lancing devices offer adjustable depth settings, allowing users to customize how deeply the lancet penetrates the skin. This adjustment is important because skin thickness varies across different testing sites, ensuring enough blood is collected without excessive pain.
Types of Lancets and Lancing Devices
Lancets are available in various sizes, known as gauges, indicating needle thickness. A higher gauge number signifies a finer, thinner needle. For example, lancets commonly range from 28G to 33G, with thinner needles (e.g., 30G or 33G) resulting in less pain. These single-use lancets must be disposed of after each test to maintain sterility and sharpness.
Lancing devices come in several forms. Pen-style devices are common, offering adjustable depth settings and a release button. Some systems integrate the lancing mechanism directly into the blood glucose meter for an all-in-one solution. Safety lancets are single-use, self-contained devices with a pre-set depth and a retractable needle that automatically withdraws after use, minimizing accidental needle sticks.
Safe Use and Disposal
Proper hygiene is important for blood glucose tests. Individuals should wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before each test to prevent infection and avoid inaccurate readings from skin residue. Hands must be completely dry, as dampness can dilute the blood sample.
A new, sterile lancet should be used for every test. Reusing lancets dulls the tip, leading to increased pain and potential infection. Lancets and lancing devices should never be shared to prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission.
After use, lancets are considered sharps and require proper disposal. Place used lancets immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps container. If an FDA-cleared container is not available, a heavy-duty plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, can serve as a temporary alternative. Seal sharps containers when about three-quarters full and dispose of them according to local community guidelines for medical waste.