Lancing Device

Diabetics will need to use a lancing device in order to draw blood. This is the unfortunate part of being diabetic, but it is necessary to use a lancing device in order to have samples of blood to test. There are many lancing devices on the market and diabetics can choose whatever lancing device makes them feel the most comfortable.

Automatic Lancing Device

There is no one standard style of automatic lancing device. However in general it is a pencil shaped tube that has a lancet that is spring loaded. To use the lancing device you simply place it on your finger, or other location, and press a button. By pressing the button the lancet engages and pricks the skin to obtain a blood sample. The lancing device will most likely have several different settings to allow for different amounts of penetration. The lancing device must be cleaned after each use and reset.

Lancets for the Lancing Device

Every lancing device uses lancets. There are many different types of lancets, but in general they are needles or blades that have thin and sharp points to make getting a blood sample easy. Diabetics may want to try various types of lancets in their lancing device to find the best one for them.

Lancing Device versus Lasers

Another option diabetics have other than a lancing device is the use of a laser skin perforator. These medical devices are similar to lancets, but s single laser pulse creates a tiny hole in the skin for a blood sample. The laser device is only available by prescription and may be used by both adults and children.

Disposal of Lancing Device Lancets

Diabetics must take care to dispose of their lancing device lancets properly. A sharps container is an appropriate disposal container or a metal container with a lid that fits on it tightly. These must be kept out of the reach of children and when the container is full it must be disposed of properly.

Type of Lancing Device Sharps Container

The type of container that should be used for the landing device lancets is, according to the FDA, upright, closable, resistant to punctures, leak proof, and labeled as a biohazard. Diabetics don't have to have a container for their lancing device lancets in their home that meets all of these requirements, but it is recommended for the safety of others.