Question about lancettes

[jgr789]

This is probably a stupid question and I hesitate to ask, but recently I've been wondering if anyone thinks it's okay to use a lancette more than once. Of course, I would NEVER re-use a needle but the lancette seems different to me.

I read through the whole needles and lancettes section but didn't see that question answered.

Thanks.

Judy (and Sadie)

[jim maceri]

Re: Question about lancettes

I personally don't. The fact that diabetes can make dogs much more susceptible to infection was reason enough. I just don't like to take any chances. I do use my old lancet to puncture his fish oil pill in the morning but then I throw it away.

[Soaphie & Sydney's Mom]

Re: Question about lancettes

I will use the same lancet on the same blood draw - meaning, if I don't get enough blood the first time, I'll use it again to "try again" to get blood....I won't use it, for example, two hours later.

[Judi]

Re: Question about lancettes

I'm the same as Tami. I'll use it more than once during THAT blood test but then ditch it

[CarolW]

Re: Question about lancettes

And I'm the same as Jim, Tami and Judi! (Well, i use a used lancet to puncture a fish-oil capsule.)

And with Kumbi, I'd use the same lancet for more than one prick in a single test session, and then discard the lancet. Too much risk of infection otherwise.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:18:49 (PDT)

[Cebe]

Re: Question about lancettes

I gotta admit, on curve days, I used to use the same lancet all day, but now I only use one lancet per test.

[CraigM]

Re: Question about lancettes

OK, looks like I'm the bad parent . I generally use the lancet for the entire day. I've got some lancets whose protective covers / caps seem to be designed to be put back in place. I'll try to break this cheapskate practice and use for only one session.

[Sadie's Mom]

Re: Question about lancettes

I use it again if I don't get enough blood. I usually will use it twice, three times the most and then switch to a new one. Always use a new one when testing at a different time. The relion ones I use do not have a cap to put back on.

Debbie

[Shellie]

Re: Question about lancettes

I only use it more than once if it's the same draw...one stick didn't work well so I have to stick in same spot twice. I'd be too afraid of infection to use one again later in the day. A friend did tell me that I could use the syringes again but I decided not to for same reasons.

[jgr789]

Re: Question about lancettes

Thanks everyone. Looks like the majority opinion is not to use the same lancette for more than one reading, but possibly could use the same one until you get some blood. Makes sense. Especially given the fact that multiple uses could cause an infection.

Thanks.

Judy (and Sadie)

[eileen]

Re: Question about lancettes

As with the needles on our syringes the lancets get dull too so with reusing one will not only be risking infection but stabbing with a dull point.

[CraigM]

Re: Question about lancettes

Here is another thought / observation. I think I get a better blood droplet from a fresh / sharp lancet. I'm thinking that when I reuse the lancet it dulls the point and "crushes" instead of making a clean hole. Just a guess, but I think I've noticed a difference, but could just be my imagination.