Lancing Devices

1. Read Specific Instructions: Since each lance device is slightly different, it’s important to read the specific instructions included with your device for complete accuracy.
2. Wash Hands: Before using diabetes lancing devices, always begin by washing your hands with warm, soapy water, rinsing carefully and drying completely. Only use alcohol gel or an alcohol pad if soap and water are not available, as alcohol can dry out your skin.
3. Insert Lancet: Remember, there are many different lancing devices, and the lancet may be specific to the lancet device. Remove the top of the lancet device and insert the lancet until it clicks or until fully loaded into the opening. Always use a new lancet.
4. Twist Off Safety Cap: Do not remove the safety cap on the lancet until this point; this will help you avoid injury and keep the lancet tip sterile.
5. Replace Lance Device Top: You can now replace the diabetes lancing devices’ top by either twisting or pushing until it clicks into place.
6. Adjust Depth Setting: Depending on the skin on your fingers and hands, you will decide which setting works for you. The goal is to find a setting that’s as comfortable as possible while still providing an adequate sample. It may take a few times to find the perfect setting for your lance device. The number range will be between 1-9. The lower the number, the shallower the depth. Children and those with thin skin should use a lower depth setting. If you work with your hands often and have thick, callused skin, use a higher setting.
7. Engage the Lancet: The functionality of diabetes lancing devices can vary, but most will require you to engage the lancet by pulling back and locking the spring; this loads the lancet into place.
8. Stick Your Finger: Hold the opening on the lancet top firmly against your finger (do not use your thumb) and press the release button. Change fingers with each stick to prevent infections or calluses. If you’re not getting a large enough sample, you may need to milk the finger slightly above the stick. You may wish to discuss alternative site testing with your physician before using your forearm or palm due to the possibility of diabetes lancing devices producing inaccurate results.
9. Obtain Blood Droplet: You should now have a blood droplet that goes directly on the pad of the strip already placed into the meter. Doing all these steps will help you avoid "error" on the meter and wasting another strip. You may need to blot the finger with white gauze if you’re still bleeding, especially if you take aspirin or blood thinners.
10. Remove the Used Lancet: Some lancet devices have an easy release for the used lancet; others will require you to pull the lancet straight out. Avoid poking yourself with the used lancet. Dispose of the used lancet and strip properly in a sharps disposal container.

Diabetes lancet devices have several settings with multiple depths available. The higher the number, the deeper the stick, which may cause more discomfort. Most people will require and tolerate a setting of 1-3 on the device unless you use your hands for work. Calloused, thick, and rough skin may require increasing the depth setting on diabetes lancing devices to 4-5 to get a clean stick and an adequate sample. Trial and error may be needed to pick a depth setting for a first-time result without discomfort and wasting of additional strips.