Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for managing diabetes. A small, sharp tool called a lancet is used to obtain a tiny blood sample, which is then analyzed by a glucose meter.
Understanding Lancets and Lancing Devices
A lancet is a small, sterile needle designed to prick the skin to draw a blood sample. These needles are very thin; higher gauge numbers indicate a thinner needle, resulting in less discomfort. Lancets are single-use items; reuse dulls the needle, increasing pain and infection risk.
A lancing device holds the lancet and facilitates skin puncture. This device controls the depth of the lancet’s penetration, which can be adjusted based on skin thickness to ensure an adequate blood sample while minimizing discomfort. Lancing devices feature an adjustable depth setting, a release button to trigger the lancet, and a holder for the disposable lancet. Using a lancing device provides a quick and controlled prick, which is less painful than manually pricking the skin.
Using a Lancet for Blood Glucose Testing
Preparing for a blood glucose test involves gathering a lancing device, a fresh lancet, a test strip, and a blood glucose meter. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them completely; warm water can improve blood flow, and proper hand hygiene prevents contamination. Alcohol swabs are not recommended as they can dry out the skin or leave residues that alter readings.
Insert a new, sterile lancet into the lancing device and remove its protective cap. Adjust the depth setting on the lancing device according to your skin type; a shallower setting suits sensitive skin, while a deeper setting may be needed for thicker skin. Select a puncture site on the side of a fingertip, avoiding the very center, as the sides have fewer nerve endings. Rotate among different fingers and sides for each test.
Firmly press the lancing device against the chosen fingertip and press the release button to activate the lancet. After the prick, gently massage the finger from the base towards the tip to form a small drop of blood. Avoid excessive squeezing, as this can dilute the sample with interstitial fluid and affect the accuracy of the reading. Touch the blood drop to the test strip, allowing the strip to draw in the blood. The meter will then process the sample and display the blood glucose reading within seconds.
Safe Practices and Disposal
Never share lancets or lancing devices with anyone else, even family members.
Rotating puncture sites is important for skin health, preventing the development of calluses, scarring, and nerve damage that can result from repeated pricks in the same spot. Varying the testing location across all fingers, and even using alternate sites like the palm or forearm if your meter allows, can improve comfort over time. However, alternate site testing may not reflect rapid changes in blood glucose as quickly as fingertip testing.
Proper disposal of used lancets prevents accidental needle-stick injuries and the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Used lancets, along with other sharp diabetes supplies, should be immediately placed into a puncture-resistant container. Specialized sharps containers are available, but a sturdy plastic container with a tight-fitting, screw-on lid, such as a laundry detergent bottle, can also be used. Once the container is about three-quarters full, seal it securely with heavy-duty tape and label it “SHARPS – DO NOT RECYCLE”. Disposal regulations for sharps vary by community and state, so consult local waste management services or health departments for guidance on how to safely discard filled sharps containers.