Index
They are small, sharp objects that are used to puncture the skin. The diameter it contains is known as the gauge.
They are used for blood glucose monitoring . This is a diabetes management tool that allows the patient to control their own blood glucose levels.
Regular testing and recording of blood glucose levels can help monitor the effects and understand the link between blood glucose, food, exercise, and insulin.
Your GP or endocrinologist will provide a plan for monitoring your blood glucose levels and information on interpreting the results.
Puncture, that is, the lancet procedure is an essential part of successful diabetes management.
These devices are used with a lancet to prick the skin and obtain the blood sample necessary to monitor blood glucose levels.
This allows people to draw a small drop of blood to the surface to test blood glucose levels using a meter and blood glucose strips.
Most lancing devices have a depth gauge of some kind.
Correcting the puncture on the side of the finger should not hurt. If this happens, the depth setting should be set to a lower number.
Alternatively, if the patient is having difficulty obtaining a blood sample, it may be helpful to change the depth to a higher number on the lancing device.
Lancets vary considerably in size, some are smaller and more suitable for children, as they may not draw an adequate amount of blood for adults.
Using a lancet more than once will make it blunt, therefore more painful to use. Lancets are designed for one-time use and then safely disposed of.
Although some diabetics prick themselves with a lancet, most prefer to use a special lancing device.
Lancing devices are designed to firmly grasp the lancet and are operated with the simple click of a button.
Depending on how thick the patient’s skin is, different settings may be required.
There are a variety of different lancets and lancing devices on the market, which do not fit all patients.
Some companies make universal lancing devices, but this is not the case for all manufacturers.
What is a lancing device?
The lancing device is a spring-loaded mechanism that can lose its strength over time, which could affect the operation of the device.
So it is necessary to replace them from time to time.
What is a safety lancet?
Single-use safety lancets are safe and hygienic, reducing the risk of infection by using a sterile lancet all the time.
The lancet does not need to be loaded, and it can never be observed because it remains hidden within the package.
There is also little chance of accidental injury before or after the test.
The larger the gauge, the thinner the lancet will be. Using a thinner lancet, for example a 33 gauge, can help reduce pain.
How to use it?
Before testing their blood sugar level, the patient should wash their hands and forearm (if applicable) with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry.
Consequently, you must follow the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the cover
Step 2: Insert the lancet into the lancing device
The lancet should be inserted into the holder and pressed firmly. The protective disk is rotated until it separates from the lancet and the disk is saved for later use. The lancet should not be twisted.
Step 3: Replace the cap by putting it back
Step 4: Adjust the desired depth setting
Lancing devices generally have nine puncture depth settings, numbered 1 through 9.
The smaller numbers are for a shallower puncture, and the larger numbers are for a deeper puncture.
Shallow piercings work for children and most adults. Deeper punctures work well for people with thick or callused skin.
The cap should be rotated until the correct setting appears. A more superficial puncture may be less painful.
Try first with a shallower configuration and increase the depth until you find the one that is adequate to obtain a sample of adequate size.
Step 5: Prepare the lancing device
This process depends on the model used. However, you generally slide the control button back until it clicks.
If it does not click, the control button may already be locked and ready to jump to puncture the site when you insert the lancet.
Step 6: prick your finger
Hold the lancing device firmly against the side of the finger. Press the release button. Remove the lancing device from your finger.
Step 7: Get a round drop of blood
Gently squeeze or massage the fingertip until a round drop of blood appears.
If the blood is stained or runs, that sample should not be used. The area should be dried and another drop of blood gently squeezed out or a new site pierced.
There are many different lancing devices, it may be worth trying a few until you find the best option for the patient’s needs.
Disposal way
All sharps must be disposed of in an approved sharps container.
There are a variety of ways to safely dispose of used lancets, as they can transmit an infection.
Some companies sell sharps boxes, and doctors can even prescribe sharps containers to safely dispose of lancets.
