Learning how to insert a single-use lancet is a must for people diagnosed with diabetes. It is a necessary tool if you need to take blood samples to monitor blood sugar and manage your condition.
Lancets are tiny needles used to test daily blood sugar by pricking the finger or the skin. Lancets are usable on their own or when inserted into a device that makes puncturing the skin easier.
What are the Different Types of Lancets?
There are different types of lancets that you can choose from. They may differ in needle size, depth, and thickness, but they share the same function — to test a person’s blood sugar level in the comfort of their own homes.
Single-Use Lancets
Single-use lancets, also known as disposable lancets, are sterile needles used to get a couple of drops of blood. As the name suggests, a disposable lancet should only be used once to avoid any chance of infection and guarantee an accurate reading from the test.
A single-use lancet can be difficult to handle since it is small and thin, so it’s essential to pair it with a lancing device. A lancing device includes a trigger or button that deploys the lancet to the skin when pressed. Many people resort to using a lancing device because it helps avoid accidental pricks.
Pip Lancets
Pip lancets or safety lancets provide a quicker pricking process because they do not need a reusable device to function. Each needle comes already loaded into a disposable device. Since the pip lancet already has a needle loaded, it can be a more expensive type of lancet, and it’s also disposable, just like the single-use lancet.
Tips For Using a Lancet
Lancets could be a bit tricky to use. These tips can help you when the time comes.
- Make sure that both of your hands are clean.
- Using an alcohol pad, swab the fingertip where you will obtain the blood sample to ensure it is clean and sterile. This can reduce the risk of infection.
- If you’re using the more traditional single-use lancet, insert it into the lancing device first. Then adjust the depth on the device, and press the button to deploy the lancet to prick your fingertip.
- If you’re using a safety lancet, there’s no need to use a lancing device. You simply twist off the cap of the pip lancet and gently apply pressure against your fingertip to produce some drops of blood.
- After pricking your fingertip with either a single-use lancet or pip lancet, the final step is to place the blood sample on the test strip, which is used to read your blood sugar level.
You then insert the test strip with the blood sample into your blood sugar monitor to get your reading. You should use a fresh lancet with each blood test. Do not reuse them.
If you are struggling to manage your blood sugar or to measure it regularly, talk to your doctor. Lancets are only for people with diagnosed diabetes. If you suspect you might have diabetes, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and care plan.
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