Diabetes Lancet: Complete User Manual
How often should you change a lancet?
Losing track of when you last changed your lancet? You’re not alone. Read on to find out how often you need to change your lancet, and why.
What the manufacturers say
Lancet manufacturers recommend changing the lancet with each use. You’re probably thinking: of course, that’s what they will say because they want us to use more and buy more. In reality, though, most diabetics use the same lancet for an average of 1-2 weeks. AS LONG AS YOU’RE NOT SHARING THE LANCET.
Accu-Check, India’s most commonly used manufacturer of Glucometers, has this to say: The use of an expired lancet (drum) may cause an infection at the puncture site as the lancet may have lost its sterility. The company guarantees four years of sterility (from the date of sterilization), giving you have plenty of time to use up your lancets. (ref: https://www.accu-chek.com.au/faq/)
How much of a pain is it?
Nobody wants to go pricking their fingers with a dull lancet, so it makes sense to change regularly. However, it would take some time to get dull, and since it’s a quick prick with very little blood drawn out, most diabetics are content to change it every couple of weeks, if that.
If you’re checking your BSL five-six times a day, changing the lancet every time may be a bit of a bother. But those many pricks will blunt the lancet faster too. So, you might want to change up a little more frequently.
In conclusion
As long as you’re the only person using the glucometer, it should be quite safe to use for a couple of weeks at a time, depending, of course, on the frequency of usage. Bear in mind though, that lancets lose their sterility over time. Using an infected one can lead to infections at the puncture site.
Read FAQs below:
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How do I use a diabetes lancet for blood sugar testing?
To use a diabetes lancet, insert a lancet into the device, adjust the depth, place it on the fingertip, and press the button to obtain a blood sample for testing. -
How often should I change the lancet?
It's recommended to change the lancet after every use to avoid infection, ensure accuracy, and minimize pain from a dull needle. -
What are the different types of diabetes lancets?
There are various types of lancets, including spring-loaded, automatic, and manual devices, designed for different skin types and preferences. -
How do I clean and maintain my diabetes lancet device?
Clean your lancet device regularly with alcohol wipes, store it in a dry, cool place, and ensure the lancets are replaced as needed to maintain hygiene and functionality.
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