Are all lancets the same?
No. But all lancets are intended for the same purpose - to draw a blood sample. Unfortunately, for most diabetics, this means pricking the tip of the finger multiple times each day. While this is one of the more physically uncomfortable parts of living with diabetes, new advancements are making the process far less irritating than in the past.
For example, thinner lancets are now available that can make those daily finger pricks far less painful. Additionally, there are now lancing devices. We highly recommend using these devices to eliminate some of the worries and difficulties of drawing a blood sugar sample.
What is a lancing device?
A lancing device is a tool into which lancets are inserted. This device allows for a quick “punch” of the needle into the skin at a precise depth, ensuring accuracy and alleviating the discomfort that can happen when using a lancet without a proper device.
All lancing devices are not the same. Some are only compatible with certain lancet brands and sizes. Some are disposable, while others are designed for multiple uses. Some devices allow you to set the exact depth of the lancet punch, and others will enable you to draw a blood sample from other parts of the body besides the fingertip.
What are the best lancets?
There is no “best” lancet or best lancing device. What matters is which ones work best for you regarding cost, comfort, and ease of use. Some popular brands worth exploring are Accu-Chek, OneTouch, and FreeStyle.
That being said, if you want a tip, here’s one. Try a thinner needle for maximum comfort. This means a higher gauge needle – the higher the gauge, the thinner the needle. However, if you work with your hands or are a musician and have calluses on your fingertips, you may need a wider (lower gauge) needle to penetrate the skin effectively.
