How often should lancets be changed

[Lyn Smith]

i have tried to find the information but today my iPad won't expand the page enough for me to read. apologies for typos and errors )

So how many times to use the lancet pin thing before changing ? Am in need of simple directions on how to clean it too

Many thanks in advance.

 

[grovesy]

Some change every use others change when it feels blunt.

 

[Ljc]

Officially it's every time. However many here including me do it less often

 

[Pine Marten]

I change it when it starts to feel blunt. Must admit, I don't clean it...

 

[Ljc]

I change it when it starts to feel blunt. Mind admit, I don't clean it...

Me neither.

 

[Grannylorraine]

I change it when it starts to feel blunt. Mind admit, I don't clean it...

Same for me

 

[pav]

Officially its discard after every use, I tend to change mine once a day or every other day, others may change it once a year or when it feels blunt. As for cleaning never clean the lancet, occasionally wash the the cap of the lancing device with soapy water mainly after I get a bleeder.

 

[trophywench]

The standing instruction to all diabetics is that lancet changing takes place annually on St Swithin's day - so not long to wait! (July 15th)

Although in truth, the individual bodgy ones I used to change when they started to hurt cos usually means they're blunt - every couple of days, but the 'cassette' ones are finer so blunt quicker and definitely need swapping every 2 days.

Ditto the cleaning - it's only the body of the bodger notably the part round the hole that the pointed end protrudes through when you 'fire' it, which does get blood on it if you have the thing set too deep, so you remove the cap and sling the bloody lancet, and stick the cap and/or the end of the 'machine' under the tap and dry it on the tea towel or towel - it's plastic.

 

[Lyn Smith]

Thanks all.

 

[Martin Canty]

Ah, that reminds me, almost time to change the lancet.... Forgot last year😱

 

[Rosiecarmel]

Every lancet is designed and labelled as "single use only" as they are sterile until used. They should technically be disposed of after one use in a sharps bin. Many of us on here don't bother.

I can't remember the last time I changed my lancet, actually... I might go do it now!!

 

[khskel]

Must find the instructions for my bodger probably due for a change in the next month or two

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

I know I'm in the minority, but I follow the instructions and change my lancet every time I use one (except when I've had a hypo and I'm going to be testing again a few minutes later). Not keen on the idea of septicaemia!

 

[Barbara W]

I use one lancet per day.

 

[Bubbsie]

I know I'm in the minority, but I follow the instructions and change my lancet every time I use one (except when I've had a hypo and I'm going to be testing again a few minutes later). Not keen on the idea of septicaemia!

Same here...nasty infection last year...not prepared to risk that againQ

 

[Copepod]

In normal life, I only change about once a year, for each of the two finger prickers I use (one meter kit for home, one for out and about). Plus before and after a weekend backpacking / mountain marathoning etc, as hand washing doesn't happen as often nor always involve soap if washing in streams. When on expeditions of 1 to 4 months, I changed lancets about once a week.
I've never had a lancet related infection in over 20 years.

 

[SB2015]

I change it when it starts to feel blunt. Must admit, I don't clean it...

Same for me.

 

[Martin Canty]

hand washing doesn't happen as often nor always involve soap if washing in streams.

That's why I have alcohol swabs in my kit for when I'm in the field

 

[Steff]

First 5 years I changed it very irregually but last 4 changed it each time