The lancets are only ever used once. Some types of “lancet holders” are designed to be used to test more than one person, while others are meant to be used to test only one person.
Many also reuse the lancets used to prick the skin and draw blood to measure blood sugar. You are right that the reuse of insulin syringes and lancets is dangerous. It can even be deadly, as it can cause a number of skin infections.
DO NOT puncture the skin more than once with the same lancet, or use a single puncture site more than once, because this can lead to bacterial contamination and infection.
Lancets are for single use only due to hygienic reasons and because the needle will become dull with repeated use.
The technical answer, according to manufacturers and most healthcare providers, is to change your lancet with each use. This is a precautionary recommendation meant to guard against painful fingersticks, changes in the skin, and infection.
A. Finger-stick blood samplers (lancet devices) are used to obtain blood for testing blood sugar (glucose). These devices consist of two parts: a “lancet holder” that looks like a small pen; and a lancet, which is the sharp point or needle that is placed in the holder. The lancets are only ever used once.
Some people with diabetes use their insulin syringes and lancets more than once to save money. But makers of syringes and lancets do not recommend using them more than once.
A risk of cross-infection can only occur when the blood of an infected patient remains on the device and contaminates the sharp lancet as it pierces the skin of the next patient.
Phlebotomy Guide
Do not reuse a needle, ever, even on same patient. Don't label bottles before taking blood. Never decant blood from one bottle to another. Don't use a needle and syringe to collect blood unless there is good reason to do so.
[1] Although the needles used are disposable and for one-time use, the financial constraints and other personal reasons often lead to reuse of these needles among people with T1D. [2] Reuse of needle deforms it which leads to local complications at the injection site like lipodystrophy, bleeding and infection.
Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and go to your doctor or nearest emergency department as soon as possible. The risk of disease transmission is low.
A blood sugar target is the range you try to reach as much as possible. These are typical targets: Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL. Two hours after the start of a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL.
If you place the lancing device on the side of your finger, you'll feel that poke much less than if you use the center of your finger. That's because there are fewer nerve endings in that part than in the middle of your fingertip.
The middle or ring finger is preferred as having the greatest depth of tissue beneath the skin and hence offering the least chances of injury. The thumb or index finger may be more likely to be calloused or scarred, as well as being much more sensitive, making the procedure more painful.
If blood sugar testing is always painful for you, it's possible that your lancet is set to hit too hard or too deep. Part of managing diabetes includes adjusting the depth and force of the lancet properly.
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.
Callous and black dots can be caused by blunt needles and not rotating your fingers enough when testing. Some important tips to prevent damage include: Wash your hands before testing. Change your lancet needle more frequently, if not every time you test try and change it at least once a day.
It is important to sterilize a needle before puncturing the skin to prevent the risk of infection. A needle should always be washed with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime prior to sterilization. There are various methods that can be used to sterilize a needle, such as using rubbing alcohol.
Finding the Best Lancet for You
In general, smaller needles and shallower penetration are said to be less painful. If you are experiencing pain during lancing, consider switching to a smaller lancet size.
If you had a fasting blood glucose test, a level between 70 and 100 mg/dL (3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L) is considered normal. If you had a random blood glucose test, a normal result depends on when you last ate. Most of the time, the blood glucose level will be 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L) or lower.
The expected values for normal fasting blood glucose concentration are between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). When fasting blood glucose is between 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) changes in lifestyle and monitoring glycemia are recommended.
For the safety of our patients, a patient should never be re-stuck with a needle. Once a needle has been used for a SINGLE venipuncture it should not be used again. (Example; if a venipuncture results in a miss, do not use that same needle to re-stick the patient.