Choosing the Best

Lancets & Lancing Devices

Controlling diabetes means controlling blood sugar and for many people that means regularly testing blood with a glucose monitor. The most distressing part of testing is usually getting the blood sample. Though most monitors need just the slightest amount of blood to test finger pricking can still be painful. Having the right tools needed for the blood sample&mdasha lancing device and lancets&mdashwill help make the process easier.

The lancet is the actual needle-like steel used to prick the skin the lancing device holds the lancet in place to make it easier and less painful to get the finger prick. Think of the lancing device as a ballpoint pen that you apply to a fingertip. When you click it again your finger the lancet moves into place and pierces the skin.

The OneTouch® Delica&trade Lancing Device allows for more comfortable testing with the inclusion of Advanced Glide&trade Control a technology that offers more precise lancing and reduced vibration for overall smoother lancing. Note that when you need to exert more and more pressure its time to replace your lancing device.

Some monitors are also designed to work with specific lancing devices and lancets. This not only ensures your comfort but also the most accurate results. Usually both items will need to be not only from the same manufacturer but also from the same system so that they will work perfectly together. For instance the easy-to-use OneTouch® UltraSoft® Lancets is meant for One Touch meters and lancets. Like many lancing devices it allows you to select the most comfortable depth setting to obtain a drop of blood and offers hands-free lancet removal. The OneTouch Delica Lancing Device with Advanced Glide&trade Control for reduced vibration for smoother lancing and the thinnest needle available from OneTouch works only with OneTouch Delica lancets. Be sure to find a system you like and that meets your needs.

Another great product is the Invacare 30 Gauge Lancet - Twist off. A 30-gauge twist off top lancet with a precision cut tip that allows skin penetration virtually pain-free yet allows the user to get the proper amount of blood needed to test the first time. Its two-piece construction ensures that the lancet is free from any plastic debris and provides for an easier and safer disposal after each use.

Whether you use a one-step or two-step lancing system each lancet can only be used once. These are thin needles that wear out easily and the needle tip can easily become contaminated. Thats why its important to never share your diabetes items with anyone else.