There are a few tests that can be done using a small drop of blood that the lancet provides. For people with diabetes, they can easily check their blood sugar levels. Using a glucose meter, which is the machine that tests the blood sugar, they can quickly find out if their sugar is at a good number or not.
How do the lancet and the lancing device work together?
Although lancets can be used alone to get a sample, it's much easier and recommended to use the lancing device along with it. The device provides a quick “punch” of the needle into the skin to make an effective and less painful prick. OneTouch, which is a popular brand of diabetic supplies, offers one of the easiest devices to use. Each brand’s device will be a little different than the other, but the general idea is the same.
Are all lancing devices the same?
All lancing devices are not the same. However, the overall purpose of their use is the same. They use lancets to prick the skin to collect a blood sample.
The ways in which they vary include:
- The brand of lancets that they take
- The gauge of the lancet needle
- The size of the device
- The ability to check your blood sugar on body parts other than the fingertips
The diverse selection is great for consumers because it offers a variety of options, but it can also cause some confusion because it can make it difficult to know which one to choose as well as how to use each different type. Make sure to read the instructions for each lancing device. Also, as previously stated, different devices may only work with certain lancets. Make sure you know which lancets fit with your lancing device.
Here are a few lancet devices and reasons to use them:
If you have a difficult time changing the lancets, then you should give the Accu-Chek FastClix Lancing Device a try because it can hold 6 lancets at one time, which decreases the number of times you have to change it.
If you want a small and compact one, try LifeScan’s OneTouch Delica Plus Lancing Device. This device is just over 3 inches long and can be operated with just a single hand.
If you are having a lot of pain with pricking your finger, then try the Autolet Impression Lancing Device. It has a total of 21 different lancing options so that you can find the least painful option that gives you a good blood sample.
If you want a larger device, then choose the TRUEdraw Lancing Device. It is longer and easier for patients to hold onto if gripping small things is a problem.
What are the best lancet devices on the market?
Some of the most popular brands of lancing devices include:
Each brand has different devices that they offer.
Check out each brand’s website to see the different options and benefits.
How do I know which lancing device is best for me?
The ideal lancing device will get a great blood sample without causing tons of pain. Finding the device that works for you may take a little while, but it will make it much easier for you to manage your diabetes. If checking your blood sugar levels becomes a hassle, you are more likely to avoid checking it. That can lead to blood sugar levels that are out of control which can lead to complications that come with having diabetes.
Educate yourself on the different devices that are available on the market, and talk to people that you know about what they use. Just like when buying a new car you want advice from other people about what their experiences and the pros and cons are. This can give you a good idea of what you could choose for yourself.
Things to look out for when getting a lancet or lancet device
When you are choosing a device, it is important to make sure that your lancets and your lancing device work together. A good amount of devices and lancets are universal, but some are made specifically for each other. It's also important to look at the price of the lancets that are required and if they are covered by your insurance.
You should look for lancets and devices that work with small needle gauge sizes. The larger the number of the gauge, the smaller the needle. Unless you have extremely thick or calloused skin, smaller needles should work best for you. This will decrease your pain level with finger pricks.
Diabetic Warehouse is a trusted supplier of diabetes care products and accessories. For more information and to explore a complete range of products, including test strips, syringes and needles, glucose monitoring systems, and more, visit www.diabeticwarehouse.org.
My 79 year old father, average wt, life career as an auto mechanic, has developed tough calluses on his hands. I am an RN and have tried all types of techniques to obtain Blood from his fingers. He has tried different lancets and pens. I do not know the types Of pens/lancets at this time. Do you have any suggestions for tough tissue?