Frequently Asked Questions
How to Take a Blood Sample:
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Wash your hands with warm, soapy water. Dry your hands thoroughly.
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Load the new lancet into the lancing device. Remove the plastic end.
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Replace the diabetes lancet's cover, and pick a depth from the device dial settings. Most glucose lancet devices offer at least 2-3 settings, with some offering up to 10 various settings. The higher the depth setting, the deeper and more forceful the stick. Most people don't require a high setting unless they work with their hands and have tough, thick skin.
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Prick the side of the finger to draw a droplet of blood. The side of the finger is preferable because fingertips have more nerve endings.
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Place the drop of blood directly onto the strip.
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Remove the used lancet from the lancing device. Dispose of diabetes lancets properly in a red container or heavy plastic container used for needles. Check with your state on how to dispose of lancets properly in your area. Don't share lancet needles.
Other Tips When Taking Blood Samples for Glucose Monitoring
Change Fingers: Alternating fingers can help prevent scarring or skin calluses. Don't use the same finger every time you take a blood sample.
Alternate Site Testing: Some lancing devices allow you to take samples from other areas of the body besides the side of the fingers. For example, some diabetes lancets can be used on the palm of the hand or forearm. Check with your health care professional before using alternate testing sites. Alternate sites may not be as accurate, especially when rapid changes are happening to your blood sugar levels, which could be due to meal time, sickness, infection, sleep or exercise.
What size lancet do I need?
Diabetes lancets come in multiple sizes and brands that often match the diabetes glucose meter they are being used with. Usually, the blood glucose meter you are using will have the size of the lancet needed within its instructions to use with the meter. However, if you're unsure, the most standard lancet size is 30 gauge. For those with thicker skin, the smaller number gauge (25-28 gauge) may be more effective as this is a thicker needle and will work better with your skin. On the other hand, if you tend to have thin skin, you may prefer a 32- or 33-gauge lancet, as thinner needles cause less pain. If you are unsure what size to use, it is best to consult with your diabetes care team.
Find the Lancet Thats Right for You
Using glucose lancet devices can be a simple way to monitor your health and avoid potential complications related to diabetes throughout the day. Some lancets are universal; some are not. Some include the glucose meter kit, and others may require a different lancet feature. At ADW Diabetes, we make it easy to purchase diabetes lancets with the features you prefer and require.
We stock the brands you know and trust, like Accu-Chek and One Touch. Our wide range of lancet needle gauge sizes will help you find the perfect fit for your skin's thickness so you can test regularly with limited pain and discomfort. With the support of high-quality lancets from ADW Diabetes, your health is in your hands!
Shop Lancets and Other Affordable Supplies
ADW Diabetes is your go-to online superstore for discount diabetic supplies, health and wellness supplies, and other essentials that enhance your overall quality of life. We're known for our superior customer service, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about diabetes lancets or any of our other products. With easy returns and speedy shipping (free on orders over $89), there's no better place to buy your supplies! Join the Diabetic Coverage® Auto-Ship Program for scheduled deliveries and 5% off all orders. Download the ADW Diabetes App for easy, secure shopping on your mobile device.