Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease that causes disruption of the endocrine system. In this case, glucose ceases to be processed by the body and remains in the blood. This negatively affects the work of all organs and systems. People with this problem need to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. For these purposes, a special apparatus is used that allows you to determine the indicators of sugar – a glucometer. It is necessary not only for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, but also for those who have impaired carbohydrate tolerance (prediabetes). The number of measurements depends on the individual characteristics of the person and his state of health. On average, it is recommended to take measurements 3 times a day: on an empty stomach in the morning, 2 hours after breakfast and in the evening or at night (about three hours).
A lancet for a glucometer is a special device designed to puncture the skin in order to take blood for analysis. Most often it is disposable. In this case, the needles should be of a minimum diameter so that the injection is less painful.
The diameter of the needle determines the width and depth of the skin piercing, and therefore the speed and volume of blood flowing out. Used needles should be sterilized with gamma rays and stored in special protective caps, individual packages, or be disposable.
Lancets are used for more than just measuring blood sugar levels. They are used to take blood for the determination of cholesterol, hemoglobin, clotting time. The model of the device is selected depending on the purpose of the analysis, the puncture site and the condition of the human skin. If the choice of instrument is correct, then this eliminates the formation of calluses. Calluses are sites of active cell growth and scarring.
In the production of lancets, the thickness and type of skin are taken into account. Therefore, such needles can be used both for blood sampling in newborns and in adults.
In addition, there are reusable instruments that must be sterilized with alcohol after each use. This model is convenient to use, subject to all safety and disinfection rules.
Types of lancet
The modern medical equipment market provides a wide range of lancets. The most popular models are:
- compatible with automatic puncture pen;
- disposable tools;
- devices in individual packaging for each component.
There are 2 types of lancets: automatic and universal.
Automatic devices have an innovative thin needle that allows you to make the puncture almost invisible. After using it, a person does not feel pain. It does not require any additional tools or a pen to use. It is enough to press the head of such a lancet – and the job is done. There are special children’s devices with the most sharp needle. This is done so that a small child does not feel discomfort during blood sampling. Their cost is quite high, so most often doctors use universal devices.
The advantage of universal lancets is that they are suitable for any glucometer. Basically, each device has its own specific lancets with markings. Universal eliminates this problem. Among the devices there is one glucometer, which does not fit the universal lancet, but it is very expensive, so it is extremely rare to use. The universal lancet causes minimal trauma to the skin. The needle is inserted into the handle, which is adjusted to the characteristics of the patient’s skin by choosing the thickness of the puncture.
How often should the tool be changed?
If you carefully study the recommendations of lancet manufacturers, you can see that each instrument should be used only once for one puncture. In this case, the procedure is as safe as possible: the risk of blood poisoning and discomfort is minimized.
Unfortunately, many people do not adhere to the general rules and use the lancet several times. This allows you to significantly save on the purchase of an instrument, but also significantly increases the likelihood of both blood infections and pain during skin punctures.
If, nevertheless, a person decides to use the lancet more than once, it is important to follow some recommendations in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Keep this tool out of the reach of small children and pets. It is strictly forbidden to give your lancet to other people, as this is an individual remedy. If pain occurs, the instrument should be changed. In addition, you can not pierce the same place. You need to try to make punctures in various places on both hands. Dispose of the instrument after use. It is important to remember that the lancet should be stored in closed cases and packages in dry places. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before performing the procedure.
These recommendations apply to the use of the lancet at home. It is important to understand that its reusable use in medical institutions, hospitals and private clinics is strictly prohibited.