If you have diabetes or need to monitor your blood glucose levels for any other reason, you may have heard of a lancing device or lancet. A lancing device, also known as a lancet device, punctures the skin and draws blood for diagnostic purposes. People with diabetes commonly use it to obtain a small blood sample for glucose monitoring, but people can use it for other medical tests that require a small blood sample. These devices are small, handheld instruments used to prick the skin and draw a small amount of blood for testing. In this blog, we’ll explore what a lancing device is, how it works, and how to use it safely and effectively.
What is a Lancing Device?
A lancing device is a small handheld device used to prick the skin and draw a small amount of blood for testing. Lancing devices come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same basic components: a lancet, a trigger mechanism, and a depth-adjustment feature. The device also contains a spring-loaded mechanism that pierces the skin with a tiny needle, usually called a lancet. The needle is typically very thin, about the size of human hair, and causes minimal pain or discomfort. People with diabetes use lancing devices that need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly.
The Taiwan Lancing device is a small, sharp needle used to puncture the skin. It is typically housed inside a small, disposable cartridge that can be easily loaded into the lancing device. The trigger mechanism activates the lancet and punctures the skin. While the depth-adjustment feature allows the user to adjust the depth of the puncture depending on their skin thickness.
How Does a Lancing Device Work?
A lancing device uses a spring-loaded mechanism to pierce the skin with a lancet rapidly. The lancet is typically housed inside a disposable cartridge or drum, loaded into the device. When you activate the device, the spring-loaded mechanism rapidly advances the lancet, causing it to pierce the skin and draw a small amount of blood. You can adjust the depth of the lancet’s penetration based on the thickness of the skin and the individual’s level of comfort.
Then place the blood you have collected on a test strip or insert it into a blood glucose meter for analysis. Some lancing devices have specific test strips or meters, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using them.
How to Use a Lancing Device
Using a lancing device is relatively simple, but it does require a bit of practice to get it right. So, here are the basic steps for using a lancing device:
Step 1: Wash your hands
Before using a lancing device, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This helps remove any dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants that could affect your blood glucose test accuracy.
Step 2: Load the lancet
Most lancing devices use disposable lancet cartridges that can be easily loaded into the device. Follow the instructions for your specific device to load the lancet.
Step 3: Choose a size
Choose a site on your fingertip that is clean and dry. Avoid areas that are calloused, scarred, or have poor circulation, as these areas may not provide an accurate blood sample.
Step 4: Adjust the depth
Use the depth-adjustment feature on your lancing device to adjust the depth of the puncture based on the thickness of your skin. Also, if you need help adjusting the depth, consult the instructions for your specific device.
Step 5: Prepare the device
Hold the lancing device against your chosen site and press the trigger button to activate the lancet. Some lancing devices require you to prime the device before using it. Follow the instructions for your specific device to prime the device, if necessary.
Step 6: Collect the blood sample
Gently massage the area around the puncture site to encourage blood flow. Once you see a drop of blood, touch the end of the test strip to the blood and wait for the meter to display your blood glucose level.
Step 7: Dispose of the lancet
Dispose of the lancet and other used materials in a sharps container or other appropriate disposal method. Never reuse a lancet, as this can increase the risk of infection.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use of a Lancing Device
- Always wash your hands before using a lancing device to help prevent infection.
- Choose a clean, dry surface for testing, and avoid touching anything with the part of your fingertip that has been pricked.
- Rotate the location of your finger pricks to avoid causing calluses or skin irritation.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for loading the lancet, adjusting the penetration depth, and disposing of used materials.
- Be gentle when squeezing your fingertip to avoid altering the glucose levels in the sample.
- Check your blood glucose levels regularly, as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Don’t share your lancing device with others, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Use a fresh lancet for each test to ensure accurate results and minimize the risk of infection.
- Dispose of used lancets and other materials in a sharps container or other appropriate disposal method.
Bottom line
In conclusion, a lancing device is a simple but essential tool for people with diabetes and others who need to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels or other medical conditions that require blood tests. Following the steps outlined above and taking proper precautions, you can use a lancing device safely and effectively to obtain a small blood sample for testing. Here at Medifuncorp, we believe obtaining diabetes supplies should be convenient. Therefore, we deliver high-end medifun lancing devices for our customers right to your door. Also, For more information or to begin your order, visit our online store today.
