Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases that have taken over humanity in recent times. According to a report, nearly 34 million Americans will have diabetes in 2020, an alarming number. According to the same report, 88 million American adults had prediabetes, meaning they were on the fringe and prone to higher stages of diabetes.
Personal healthcare for diabetics can be tricky, as they need to keep a regular check on their blood sugar levels at all times. Those dependent on Insulin shots need to have an extremely regulated diet and medical supervision. Disposable lancet and lancet machines have really helped millions of people over the years to keep a check on their blood sugar levels.
What is a Disposable Lancet?
A disposable lancet is a small sharp needle that is attached to a lancing device. The needle is inserted in the tip of the finger to draw out a small amount of blood to run a quick blood sugar level test. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) is an effective way to keep the sugar levels in check. Patients who are dependent on Insulin can adjust the dosage as per the blood sugar levels.
A disposable lancet is designed for single usage and can be replaced whenever the patient wants to perform SMBG. Since the patients need to check their blood sugar often and sometimes 3 to 4 times a day, they cannot afford to go to a laboratory every time and submit blood samples to get results. Disposable lancets and lancing devices help a lot in controlling the complications related to diabetes, as they are cheap, easy to use, and give fast results.
What are Glucose Meters?
Glucose meters were invented as the need for instant blood sugar level testing rose significantly in the mid-80s. These are dry strips that apply the principle of chemical photometry to determine blood sugar levels. On coming in contact with the blood sample, the strips change color according to the glucose content in the blood.
Working of a Lancet Device and Lancets
Before understanding how to use disposable lancets, people must know about the device’s working and the needle. A lancing device has a spring on the tip to hold the disposable lancet in position. A disposable lancet is a small needle used to puncture the skin to draw blood as a sample.
The lancing device has adjustments for penetration depth into the skin to draw the blood, and the disposable lancet is adjusted accordingly. Ideally, the needle should penetrate deep enough to rupture the blood vessels underneath the skin. The spring supports the needle and makes sure that the force of penetration is evenly distributed.
You can also adjust the gauge of the needle to determine the width of the incision. After the penetration, the blood is collected, and the needle is retracted to its original position as the spring pulls itself back. Lancing devices are designed to minimize the pain factor. If irritation or discomfort exists long after usage, the users must consult their physician. First-time users may find it difficult to get the right amount of blood as a sample, but it can achieve desired results through practice.
Steps on How to Use a Disposable Lancet and Lancing Device
People trying to perform SMBG for the first time need to understand how to use disposable lancets and lancing devices. The process is simple yet might still require some practice before getting used to it.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Any food residue can give false results
2. Swab the finger with an alcohol swab
3. Adjust the depth setting of penetration on your lancet device. Make sure to use a fresh disposable lancet each time you take a blood sample. You should note that and might not collect the amount of sample required for accurate readings in the first attempt, and it requires a little bit of practice over time.
4. Most glucose meters require a very small amount of blood samples. Hold the device close to the dry finger and push firmly.
5. To avoid pain on the fingertips, the sides of the fingers are preferred to take the sample.
6. Put the sample on the test strip to get the readings
7. Remove the disposable lancet and clean the device
8. Clean your finger with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
Pain Management and Implications
Using a lancing device and disposable lancets can be irritating and frustrating at times. Prolonged usage over the years can result in persistent pain or no sensory perception in punctured areas. Since the frequency of tests is high in Type I Diabetes patients, there can be several long term implications such as:
• Callus formation on the fingers
• Loss of sensory perception on the affected region
• Inflammation of the tissues
• Irritation or constant itching, especially in children
While pain is inevitable, it is important to know that carelessness in performing SMBG can escalate complications in no time. Diabetes is a dreadful condition wherein even the slightest fluctuation in blood sugar levels can adversely affect other body organs.
Conclusion
Keeping a test kit handy is always recommended for sensitive patients. With the rising cases of diabetes in youngsters and people less than 20 years of age in the last decade, the need for these test kits has increased exponentially. You can find instructions on using a disposable lancet, lancing devices, glucose meters, and other useful information on our website. We have a wide range of diabetes self-care products that can help you get through your condition. Our range of these self-help kits is affordable and easily available at all times. You can visit our website to know more about our products.