A lancing device, also known as a lancing needle, lancet pen, or lancing instrument is an object used to make incisions in the skin. Lancets are typically used with blood glucose meters and other medical devices that require small amounts of blood.
It has many uses such as measuring blood glucose levels for diabetes patients or obtaining samples of cells from the skin for testing purposes.
In this Diabetic & Me article you will learn about:
- What is a lancet device?
- Why are lancet devices important for diabetics?
- How to use lancet devices with a glucose meter?
The #1 Best Lancing Device for Diabetics
Accu-Chek FastClix Lancing Device
The Accu-Chek FastClix Lancing Device ensures that you don't have to worry about the pain of the needle prick when it is time for your next blood glucose measurements.
What Is A Lancet Device?
A lancet device, also known as a lancing needle, lancing pen, or lancing instrument, is an object used to make incisions in the skin to draw a blood sample. It has many uses such as measuring blood glucose levels for diabetes patients or obtaining samples of cells from the skin for testing purposes.
A lancet device for diabetes is primarily used for pricking the skin to draw blood. Lancing devices can be disposable or reusable depending on their design and purpose. A lancet is a sharp tool with a handle attached. Lancet needles are typically used with medical devices such as lancing meters that require small amounts of blood from patients who suffer from diabetes.
Lancets work by puncturing an opening in the top layer of your skin so it draws out some amount of blood which you then test using a glucose meter.
Why Lancet Devices Are Important to Have for Diabetics?
Lancet devices are key for people who suffer from diabetes to draw a blood sample to use on their blood glucose meters for testing their glucose levels. By knowing their sugar levels at any given point, such patients can adjust their insulin doses accordingly and better manage their diabetes.
Managing your diabetes, and therefore taking a daily blood glucose testing, is important to prevent serious diabetes complications such as neuropathy, foot problems, heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), lancing devices are an important part of measuring blood glucose levels since they allow for more frequent testing.
One reason why lancet devices for diabetes are popular among those with this condition is that it makes them feel more independent when managing their health conditions. Having a lancing device means not having to rely on others like family members or medical professionals all the time just so you can check your blood glucose level at different points throughout the day.
Nevertheless, since the invention of the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) you have more freedom to check your blood sugar level anytime and anywhere you want. This means that lancing devices are currently being used less often for diabetic patients on insulin pump therapy who can use a CGM to check their glucose levels in real-time.
What Are The Best Lancing Devices?
At the moment I'm not using a lancing device myself. I am using the Freestyle Libre CGM. I used to prick my finger before so I know what is important when using a lancing device and that not all lancing devices are the same.
Trust me, I've used good lancing devices but I also stumbled upon bad ones. There are various types available on the market and therefore I listed my top 10 below. Most lancing devices do a good job but getting a new lancing device is even more fun.
1. Accu-Chek FastClix Lancing Device
The Accu-Chek FastClix Lancing Device ensures that you don't have to worry about the pain of the needle prick when it is time for your next blood glucose measurements. These glucose measurements are important for people who live with diabetes, and now they won't feel as much discomfort when they test their levels!
The lancet's small size reduces skin tearing so there will be less pain. It also has eleven customizable depth settings so no matter how tender or tough your skin might be, this device can help you out every time. With every new lancing session, a new lancet automatically advances with just one press of the lever. And if that weren't enough, its counter will keep track of all your remaining needles!
2. Accu-Chek SoftClix Lancing Device
Accu-Chek's SoftClix lancing device is the perfect companion to Accu-Chek Softclix Lancets. The ultra-small, beveled needle helps you minimize pain by reducing skin tearing, and with 11 customizable depth settings, there will be no more need for guesswork!
3. Care Touch CTLDA Adjustable Lancing Device with Ejector
With the Care Touch CTLDA Adjustable Lancing Device with Ejector, pricking your finger every day to get that accurate blood sugar reading is a thing of the past.
This device gives you 10 different adjustable depths, which means no more pain or guesswork when trying to find out how healthy (or not-so-healthy) you really are.
Every single lancet will fit snugly inside this super cool design? The ejector button helps give you that satisfying "pow" on command.
4. McKesson Fixed Depth Lancet Device
The McKesson Fixed Depth Lancet Device is a necessary piece of equipment for diabetics that requires the use of a lancing device to measure glucose levels. These types of lancets are available in purple. This sturdy device can be used on any finger to obtain a sample. Designed with safety in mind, it also has a needle guard and 28 gauge needle, making it safe for any diabetic.
5. AUVON Lancing Device with Less Pain Design
The AUVON Lancing Device is designed to minimize pain and provide long-term comfort, while still delivering precision blood samples. Like other lancing devices, it has a precision depth adjustment before the needle punctures the skin for an adjustable amount of insertion, but with triple sharpened needles that minimize skin trauma and discomfort.
My favorite feature is the simple clicker button used to eject the used lancet with minimal effort.
6. Genteel Lancing Device Plus Painless
Are you tired of being squeezed painfully by the old-fashioned lancing device? The Genteel Lancing Device is a painless lancing device. This innovative product uses vacuum technology to draw blood instead of using force to squeeze the skin.
No more sensitivity and no more pain are just some of its features. It also has 6 levels for controlling depth, so it won't hurt your finger while trying to get blood from other areas of your body.
7. NEXT Microlet Next Lancing Device Kit
Microlet Next has everything you're looking for in a lancing device. With the lockable end cap, it's sure to be one less thing on your mind while testing blood glucose levels.
Plus, its smooth-gliding mechanism makes every prick as pleasant for both of us. Don't worry about accidental lancet ejections either - that won't happen with the Microlet Next!
8. Owen Mumford Advanced Lancing Device
The Owen Mumford Advanced Lancing Device has been designed with a wide range of features that makes this lancing device compatible with most commonly used lancets while ensuring comfort.
A simple twist on the base will easily release a fresh, sharp lancet and 9 adjustable depth settings means you can find the level that's right for your skin type. If there's anything we know about needle pricks it is that they can be painful, but by making sure your fingers never have to come in contact with the point of insertion, Comfort Zone Technology takes away some of that pain.
You'll be able to get just as fine a prick from this device as any other - perfect if you prefer ultra-thin needles over larger ones.
9. O’Well Painless Design Lancing Device
Don't let the name fool you- this lancing device is more painless than ever! With 40 lancets in different sizes to choose from, you'll be able to customize your experience anyways.
Give yourself a break with 10 depth adjustments and wait until you see how safe this product is - there's no cause for concern when it comes to needle disposal. Add some weight relief with the virtually painless design today!
10. LK Gold Plated Painless Lancing Device
If you're looking for a gold plated lanced device that is painless and easy to use, look no further than the LK Gold Plated Painless Lancing Device.
This little gadget won't bore you with complicated instructions. It's so compact you can tuck it in your pocket or hidden away anywhere else on your person until needed- all without giving up any of its innovative features!
How To Use Lancets With Glucose Meters?
Lancet devices and glucose meters work together for diabetes patients to measure blood glucose levels. When a person has diabetes, they measure their blood sugar on a daily basis – every day before breakfast and every evening before going to bed. The lancet device punctures the skin or other body parts so it draws out some amount of blood which will be then tested via the lancing device in order to know what your sugar level is at any given time.
Here is a step by step guide on how to use your lancet device:
- Ensure that the lancet device and glucose meter are compatible.
- Put a new needle on your lancing device to make sure it is ready for use.
- Position yourself in such a way so you can easily prick your finger, arm, or leg - wherever blood needs to be drawn out from.
- Before pricking your finger put your test strip into your glucose meter.
- Keep the skin taut by pressing gently with one hand while using your other hand to keep holding the lancing device firmly against your body part being tested until you get enough blood flow onto its tip.
- Once enough blood has been collected onto the test strip from your glucose meter wait for results to appear within about five seconds.
- Apply pressure around the puncture site after pricking using an alcohol swab or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol for at least 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Lancets Different From Lancet Devices?
Lancets are the needle that is used inside of a lancet device. The lancet device triggers the lancet to puncture the skin or other body parts and draw a small amount of blood.
Conclusion
When it comes to diabetes, lancing devices are a must. They help people with this condition take control of their health by allowing them to test their glucose levels on any given day- before breakfast and every evening before bedtime. Lancing devices also make it easier for those who suffer from diabetes because they don't have to rely as much on others like family members or medical professionals just so that they can check blood sugar levels at different points throughout the day.
One thing that you need to be aware of is whether your lancet device is compatible with your glucose meter since not all products work perfectly together. If you use an insulin pump and want more freedom in terms of checking what your blood sugar level is without having to prick yourself repeatedly, consider getting a continuous glucose monitor so you can check your sugar levels whenever and wherever you want.
Last update on 2023-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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