How to use a lancet to collect blood?

November 14, 2019
Child's health
Svetlana Pavlova

Patients who consult a doctor are often prescribed diagnostic procedures, the most common of which is a general blood test. Some time ago, special devices called scarifiers were used for this. Their main disadvantage is pain when piercing the dermis. Today they have been replaced by more advanced devices - lancets. How to use this device? This will be discussed in the article.

What is this device?

The lancet is intended for single use when taking capillary blood for analysis. This is a specially designed special device that prevents injury to the phalanges of patients' fingers when it is necessary to repeatedly take blood for analysis.

The lancet has an ultra-fine needle that is painlessly inserted under the dermis and leaves no marks. The device is automated and is activated when you press a special button or touch the skin. Sterility is ensured by a plastic removable cap. The blood collection procedure lasts only two to three seconds.

Disposable lancets

Modern devices used to take blood for analysis greatly facilitate the procedure. There is no discomfort or pain at all. They are most suitable when you need to frequently monitor your blood composition. How to use a disposable lancet?

Step-by-step instruction:

Use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the puncture site.
Turn clockwise and remove the protective cap.
Load the needle holder and adjust the puncture depth.
Place the device firmly on the side of your fingertip and press the “Start” button. There are models that are triggered when the body comes into contact with the surface of the dermis.
Using gentle pressure on your finger, draw blood.

The disposable device cannot be reused; immediately after the procedure is completed, the needle is blocked and the device must be disposed of. This ensures that the infection cannot spread from person to person.

Device coding

This is a procedure on which the accuracy of the results depends. It allows you to bring the device itself and the test strips that come with it into maximum compliance. Older models required manual coding. It was replaced by electronic chips.

The most advanced devices do not require coding. It occurs automatically when the test strip enters the housing. The glucometer reads the code and configures itself.

No Coding technology was developed because it became apparent that most patients were not completing the necessary adjustments. The coding procedure cannot be ignored, as this reduces the accuracy of measurements. As a result, it is not possible to accurately determine the dose of insulin that needs to be administered to the patient.

Devices for children

They stand out in a separate category and have very thin and sharp needles so that the baby does not experience fear before the procedure, which worsens blood counts. How to use children's lancets?

They are used according to the following scheme:

unscrew and remove the cap;
press the body of the device tightly against the child’s finger - it will work automatically;
Using gentle pressure, select the required amount of biomaterial.

As you can see, using the lancet is not difficult.

Following the procedure, the needle is automatically retracted into the body and locked. All devices for collecting blood for analysis in children are disposable and are disposed of after use. But before this manipulation they are disinfected in an autoclave, after which they become safe garbage that can be thrown away.

Features of recycling

All consumables for injection procedures and sampling of biomaterials, including capillary blood, must be disposed of after use. In particular, the reuse of disposable lancets in most cases is impossible due to the design features: after performing a puncture and taking a sample, the needle is automatically hidden inside the body and blocked there. This is done in order to prevent the spread of infection. At home, when using universal lancets together with a glucometer, usually only the needles are changed, which are also a source of danger. They should not be thrown into the bin with normal household waste.

In medical institutions, all consumables that were used for collecting and conducting blood tests, syringes and other accessories after use are placed in special tanks for class B medical waste. Before disposal, they are disinfected under high temperature, chemicals or other means. Only after they become safe for people and the environment are they destroyed.

Accu-Chek FastClix Lancets

These devices, easy to use, have been specially designed to painlessly prick a finger or earlobe to obtain a drop of blood. The depth of the puncture is selected depending on the individual characteristics of the skin. The structures are intended for individual use only to avoid infection.

When installing or replacing you must:

twist the protective cap;
when replacing, remove the old lancet by pulling the sliding sector;
place the new lancet in the holder and press until it stops;
screw on the cap;
make sure that the notch on the cap is aligned with the center of the semicircular cutout on the sliding sector.

How to choose the right products

The range of products produced is so large that you can get lost in its diversity. Experts advise paying attention to the following product parameters:

Easy to use.
Painless procedure.
High-quality material made. To avoid infection with various infectious agents, you should choose models made from high-quality medical steel.
Sharpening. It should be ultra-thin, laser, triangular.
Sterility. To do this, the model must be equipped with a special protective cap.
Tetrahedral square base. Increases the degree of comfort during operation.
Availability of silicone coating. The punctures are painless and the possibility of injury is minimized.

Instructions for using Accu-Chek FastClix

How to use the lancet? To obtain a drop of blood you must:

Conduct preliminary preparations. Wash your hands with warm water and soap and wipe dry. This promotes hygiene and better blood circulation. The puncture is made on the surface of the fingertips on the side, where there is minimal pain.
Depth selection. There is a puncture depth regulator on the cap of the device. When using the device for the first time, set it to the mark with value 2. After that, check whether you did it correctly.
Taking blood. Press the cocking button all the way. The readiness of the device for operation is determined by the yellow eye in the transparent window of the shutter button. Press the device against your fingertip and press the shutter button.

If a drop of blood does not form, increase the depth of the puncture and repeat the steps again.

Combat experience

A positive moment in the history of the development of loitering ammunition in our country is that the industry has shown its commitment to developing new directions based on its own forecasts of the demand for the systems being created among operators.

The proactive actions of the defense industry, including offering the customer their own developments created on their own initiative, make it possible to compensate for some omissions in military planning.

A video of Lancet loitering ammunition used by Russian Special Operations Forces in Syria is evidence that the attitude of the Russian military towards this topic has begun to change.

Even if this application was experimental in nature, the military nevertheless had the opportunity to test a new technique for themselves and form their own unbiased opinion about it.

Analysis of the data obtained during operation will allow not only to draw conclusions about further improvements to the Lancets, but most importantly, to determine the place of this kind of systems in the troops, and also to better formalize the requirements for promising domestic “kamikaze” drones.

Types of lancets for glucometer

These devices are used to draw blood from a finger or earlobe and consist of a sterile needle inserted into a handle. The manufacturer of the device describes in detail how to use the lancet in the attached instructions.

All lancets are divided into two types:

Automatic - a device with replaceable needles that automatically determines the depth of the puncture and draws blood. Equipped with protection - you cannot use the same needle twice. Works only in contact with the surface of the skin. After using the needles, the drum with them needs to be replaced.

Universal - consists of a small needle and practically fits any glucometer, otherwise the packaging indicates the types to which it is not suitable. For protection, reliability and convenience, devices are often available with a protective cap and a piercing depth regulator.

Varieties

Lancets have successfully become a replacement for scarifiers. The word itself has German roots, since in German the word "lanzette" comes from the French "lance", which means spear. A sharp needle can pierce the skin of a finger almost without pain. Each device has a removable cap to ensure it remains sterile.

Devices differ in appearance and can be automatic or universal. Their principle of operation and cost depend on this. There is a separate category of devices that are used in pediatrics.

Models for universal use

The main advantage of these products is that they can be used with all types of glucometers. The exception is Softclix devices, which can only be used in the Accu Chek Softlix lancing pen.

The great advantage of this type of product is the ability to regulate the depth of skin puncture using a piercing pen.

Regulation is carried out as follows:

If the regulator is in position 1 or 2, this means that the device is used for children.
Adjuster position 3 is suitable for women.
The adjuster at position 4 or 5 is necessary for people with rougher skin.

Automatic

Thanks to innovative technologies, this type of device is the thinnest and sharpest, so the puncture of the skin is not felt at all. They are used when it is necessary to take blood from an adult or a small child.

Another convenience of automatic scarifiers is that they do not require any devices or special handles to use them; you just need to press on the head of the device.

Automatic lancing devices are expensive, so people with diabetes rarely have the opportunity to use them every day and prefer universal devices.

Lancing devices for children

Due to the high price, the use of such devices is limited, even though, due to their sharpness, they simply cannot cause any pain, psychological discomfort or suffering to the child. Therefore, many parents are inclined to think that switching to universal piercing devices would be a good alternative.

Lancets for the Van Touch Select Plus glucometer

For a compact and easy-to-use glucometer from this company, they use a special device for piercing the skin, which regulates the depth of the puncture. Let's look at how to use lancets for a glucometer of this model, step by step:

Wash your hands thoroughly and wipe dry.
Insert a new lancet into the handle and set the puncture depth.
Insert a test strip and the device will automatically turn on.
Place the piercing pen on the side of your fingertip and press the button.
The appearance of a flashing drop on the screen signals that the device is ready for operation.
Apply the strip to a drop of blood on your finger and it will be automatically absorbed. After a few seconds, the result will be displayed on the screen.

After removing the test, the device will turn off on its own.

Rating of quality piercers costing from 350 rubles

Microlet Next

Comfortable and safe lancing device. Visually resembles a pen. Belongs to the category of new products. Innovative developments are used in manufacturing. The automatic device is compatible with Microlet lancets. You can select scarifiers from other manufacturers, only the connectors must be similar. Suitable for manipulating fingers, palms, forearms. The product is equipped with a special mechanism that prevents accidental piercing. A device with five depth levels. Intended for use by adults and children.

The presence of a special guide improves the quality of the trigger mechanism. The puncture is smooth, vibrations are not observed. Silicone coating. The needle acceleration is optimal. There is no pain, only mild discomfort. Designed for individual use. Each fence requires the presence of a new lancet. After use it must be disposed of. Requires regular cleansing of blood droplets. For this purpose, isopropyl alcohol is used.

You can purchase the device for 405 rubles.

lancer Microlet Next

Advantages:

practicality;
ease of use;
functionality;
versatility;
inexpensive;
quality of materials used;
assembly accuracy;
positive reviews.

Flaws:

not identified.

One Touch Delica

Products from Johnson and Johnson LifeScan (United States of America). The best option for medical equipment for obtaining a drop of blood for a rapid test. Improved system. Sold at an affordable price in specialized stores. Available with or without Select Plus and OneTouch Verio IQ meters. Any analyzers are suitable. The optimal assistant for people suffering from diabetes. After the procedure with this device, the red mesh does not appear on the fingers. No inflammatory processes occur.

The trigger release is smooth. The needle enters at a right angle. No vibration. There are 7 levels of puncture depth. The needles are thin – 0.32 mm. There is a silicone coating. High precision sharpening. No discomfort is felt. Device with automatic lancet removal function. Can be used both at home and on the road, as well as in the workplace. Suitable for collecting material from the finger, palm and forearm.

The device is intended for individual use. Very easy to use. You need to remove the cap, insert the lancet into the port, and install the cap on the lancing device. Don’t forget to set the desired puncture depth. After cocking the trigger, the product is brought to the finger and the release button is pressed.

The average cost is 680 rubles.

lancing device One Touch Delica

Advantages:

functionality;
simplicity in application;
practicality;
versatility;
safety;
no pain.

Flaws:

not installed.

ICheck II

The product belongs to the universal category. Purchased for an easy and painless procedure. It is extremely popular due to the price-quality ratio. Easy to use, convenient. It is reliable and practical. Sold without a cap. It is advisable to buy universal type lancets for it. There may not be compatibility with others. Belongs to the category of individual devices. Requires cleaning and disinfection weekly. Just take a soft material and soak it in soapy water. The tip is also washed.

If the device was used by a third party, disinfection is carried out using alcohol. The lancet is removed after each use. Before performing any manipulations, you need to wash your hands thoroughly and treat the puncture site with a napkin soaked in alcohol. The cap is removed and the lancet is installed. An acceptable depth is selected. The trigger is pulled all the way. Bring the device to your finger and press the start button.

The sellers are asking 350 rubles for the products.

Lancer ICheck II

Advantages:

restraint of design;
possibility of adjusting the trigger mechanism;
the presence of special guides;
no vibration;
smooth needle penetration;
five levels of puncture;
high-precision three-sided sharpening;
silicone coating;
speed of wound healing;
versatility;
positive reviews;
value for money.

Flaws:

none.

Accu-Chek Softclix

Products from a Swiss manufacturer. Ensures the procedure is hygienic and painless. The appearance resembles a pen. Sold in conjunction with a glucometer. The number of lancets per package is 25 pieces. It is advisable to use only “native” lancets. Others may not be suitable. They are distinguished by laser sharpening. The fabric produces a perfectly even cut. The needle is covered with an additional silicone layer. Vibrations are not felt due to the presence of additional guides. The tissues are not injured, the wounds heal quickly. The needle is removed automatically.

The item can only be used individually. Otherwise, you may get an infection. The storage area must be dry and clean. It is forbidden to expose the device to direct sunlight or leave it near switched on electrical appliances. Reuse of the lancet is not recommended. Consumables should be disinfected and disposed of.

Purchase price – 610 rubles.

Accu-Chek Softclix lancer

Advantages:

safety;
practicality;
ease of use;
versatility;
light weight;
stylish design;
does not catch the eye of others;
there are 11 puncture depth positions - from 0.8 to 2.3 mm;
painlessness;
Suitable for a variety of research settings;
accelerated healing process.

Flaws:

not identified.

Akku – Check FastClix

The product is manufactured by a Swiss company. Sold in all specialized retail outlets. The reviews are only positive. Belongs to the automatic category. It is considered the most successful and progressive model on the market. It can be purchased either as a set with glucometers or independently. Easy and simple to use. One movement is enough, and the blood collection is completed. It will help you determine your sugar level at work and at home, as well as on the road. Works with FastClix cassettes. Designed for 6 needles. To avoid inflammation, special drums are used. You need to install the cassette at home with clean hands and not touch the needles again.

Easy and simple to use. The finger is wiped with a swab, one press - and the material for research is ready. The needles have a special three-sided sharpening and silicone coating. There is no pain during manipulation. The manufacturer has provided 11 depth thresholds. Suitable for both children and adults. The appearance resembles a fountain pen. Looks stylish and modern. It is advisable to use individually. Repeated use is not recommended.

Purchase price – 550 rubles.

Accu lancer – Chek FastClix

Advantages:

functionality;
practicality;
safety;
absence of pain;
rapid healing of wounds;
value for money;
versatility.

Flaws:

not found.

Features and benefits of automatic lancets

Some time ago, a metal “pen” was commonly used to draw blood. The procedure was accompanied by pain and burning, and caused fear in children. Modern automatic lancets, which are much more convenient to use, do not cause pain, ensure safety and make the procedure quick and comfortable. The device is closed with a cap and stored in a special case.

Before use, the cap is unscrewed, the needle extends when you press the button or when it comes into contact with the surface of the dermis. After completing the procedure, the needle is blocked in the body, which prevents the instrument from being reused.

The advantages of automatic lancets include:

Lack of the human factor - strong or insufficient physical effort, hand trembling.
Safety for patients - reuse is excluded.
Ease of use - no special training required.
Non-hazardous for medical staff - the needle is protected and blocked after drawing blood.
The devices are very convenient and easy to use. Even children quickly learn how to use the lancet and are able to use them independently.
Comfort – thin needles with a special sharpening do not cause pain, you can safely use the device for infants, after the puncture there is no irritation on the finger.
The needles are ready for use and do not require additional processing or sterilization.

There are a large number of companies that produce these products. It is in great demand in medicine. The price of the device is reasonable; anyone can purchase it.

Cost and operation

The price of piercers depends on a number of factors:

manufacturer's company (devices made in Germany are considered the most expensive);
number of lancets in the package;
type of device (automatic lancing devices have an order of magnitude higher price than universal models);
quality and modernization of products;
policy of the pharmacy in which the implementation is carried out (daytime pharmacies have lower prices than 24-hour pharmacies).

Selection of piercers - selection according to individual needs and characteristics
For example, a package of 200 universal-type needles can cost between 300-700 rubles, the same package of “automatic machines” will cost the buyer 1400-1800 rubles.

The operation of the puncture device must take into account the following features:

one-time use (you should still try to comply with this point);
according to storage conditions, lancets should be at room temperature without critical changes;
needles should not be exposed to liquid, steam, or direct sunlight;
It is prohibited to use lancets that have expired.

Following the rules prevents errors from occurring when measuring blood glucose levels.

Restrictions

When purchasing lancets, many people ask whether there are any restrictions on their use and whether one lancet can be used several times. The attached instructions state that:

Do not use the device if the protective cap is missing or damaged.
The needle is intended for one-time use only. It is forbidden to use the lancet more than once. For each puncture, you must use a new sterile needle.
The device is intended for individual use only.
To ensure the safety of infection, disposal is carried out with the cap tightly latched, observing safety precautions.
Keep out of the reach of children.

Please remember that the device cannot be used after the expiration date.

The road to recognition

The founder of the concept of loitering munitions was Israel, which proposed and successfully implemented the idea of disposable drones in the form of the Harpy system. It is designed to combat the radar of enemy air defense systems. This was in the late 1980s, and then the world did not fully appreciate the advantages of this weapon offered by the new concept. However, the technical limitations of that time did not allow us to significantly demonstrate the potential of unmanned kamikazes.

They were given a second birth by the progress in a number of technologies that occurred in the middle of the first decade of the 2000s - microelectronics, optoelectronics and radio electronics. The technological breakthrough has made it possible to significantly increase the functionality of drones, including loitering ammunition, reduce their weight and dimensions, and also reduce their cost.

The opportunities that opened up allowed industry in various countries to quickly develop and bring to market several dozen different systems of this kind. Today, in addition to Israel, such systems are available in the USA, Europe, China, Turkey and a number of other countries.

The use of loitering ammunition in armed conflicts of the last decade has proven in practice their right to exist. We can say that a new class has emerged among unmanned aerial systems, which can be called an affordable version of high-precision weapons.

Moreover, the targets of such weapons can be not only elements of enemy air defense systems, as was the case at the initial stage, but also other objects, including stationary artillery systems, as well as moving objects.

For a long time, the Russian military did not attach importance to new global trends in the field of loitering ammunition. This may be explained by the fact that such devices have limited strike capabilities compared to artillery or multiple launch rocket systems. At the same time, they are actually disposable devices.

Probably, the more optimal option for the Russian military was the use of either light reconnaissance drones in conjunction with strike weapons, or the use of heavier reconnaissance and strike unmanned vehicles with their own weapons on board.

Meanwhile, loitering ammunition can be used quite widely due to its relatively low cost, and in addition, many of them can be used where the use of artillery or heavy armed unmanned aerial vehicles is difficult. They, of course, do not replace the mentioned systems, but can effectively complement them.

The moment a kamikaze drone hits a moving target.

How often should lancets be changed?

All needles are automatic and universal; it is recommended in all instructions for the glucometer to use them only once and then change them. Lancets are sterile, but after blood collection they lose this property. To avoid serious consequences, it is necessary to replace the lancet after use.

For this:

Automatic needles are equipped with additional protection that prevents the patient from reusing them. Therefore, they are considered reliable and safe. It only takes a few seconds to draw blood. And you already know how to use a lancet.
In the case of universal needles, this option is not available. Many diabetics who need to draw blood more than once a day use the devices repeatedly to save money. But they take risks and violate the instructions.

In addition, each time the needle becomes dull, the puncture becomes more painful. And in the area of damage to the skin, inflammation may begin.

Rating of the best lancets from 10 rubles

Universal lancet, manufactured by Romed (Netherlands) No. 100

The product is very popular in Russia. There are 100 pieces in a package. Designed for collecting blood to determine sugar levels. The scope of use is large. Suitable for all automatic handles except Accu-Chek. They have a super sharp blade. Makes manipulations painless. Aimed at individual use.

The average cost is 377 rubles.

Universal lancet, manufactured by Romed (Netherlands) No. 100

Advantages:

ease of use;
quality of the material used;
pungency;
practicality;
safety;
versatility;
positive reviews;
no pain.

Flaws:

not found.

Dialine No. 25

A joint brainchild of a Russian-Polish company. They are considered one of the thinnest devices. Diameter – 30 G. Suitable for almost all lancet devices sold on the domestic market. They make it possible to obtain a painlessly sufficient amount of blood for testing. Suitable for photometric and electrochemical glucose meters. The reasonable cost allows you not to save on the product and change consumables after each use. Wound healing is excellent. There is no damage to the skin. It is almost impossible to get infected. Easy and simple to use. Even a child can master the process.

The average cost is 120 rubles.

lancet Dialine No. 25

Advantages:

value for money;
safety;
painlessness;
quality of materials used;
pungency;
reliability;
practicality;
versatility.

Flaws:

none.

Accu-Chek FastClix No. 24

The device is manufactured by a Swiss company. Inserted into a special drum. One set contains 4 drums, each of which contains 4 lancets. All of them have a protective sterile cap, which is removed automatically. Designed only for piercing pens from the manufacturer of the same name. Having a small diameter, it is widely popular among children. Medical steel is used in production. Needles with a diameter of 0.3 mm. Silicone coated. Laser sharpening is used.

The purchase price is 170 rubles.

Lancet Accu-Chek FastClix No. 24

Advantages:

strength of the materials used;
versatility;
functionality;
practicality;
positive reviews;
painlessness;
safety;
value for money.

Flaws:

not found.

Akku – Chek Softclix No. 25

The product from the Swiss manufacturer is very popular in Russia. Belongs to the category of sterile disposable. Used to collect material from finger pads. The design is simple but perfect. The tip is sharpened using a laser. A silicone coating is applied on top, which makes manipulations virtually painless. Thickness – 0.4 mm. Suitable for children. You can also get a drop of blood from your palm, thigh or forearm. To do this, it is enough to equip the device with a special attachment.

Purchase price – 120 rubles.

Akku lancet – Chek Softclix No. 25

Advantages:

reasonable cost;
positive reviews;
can be ordered online in the online store;
practicality;
safety;
reliability.

Flaws:

not identified.

OneTouch UltraSoft №100

Products from the American manufacturer Johnson and Johnson LifeScan. Recommended for purchase for painless blood sampling. Features an optimal sharpening angle. Tissue injury is completely eliminated. Healing occurs quickly. Hematomas do not remain. Available for OneTouch UltraSoft auto lancing devices. The presence of a cross-shaped base allows them to be used with devices from other manufacturers, such as Bioname, BD, iCheck, Sensocard, EasyTach, Microlet, Freestyle, Autolancet and many others.

Easy and simple to use:

remove the nozzle from the depth regulator;
get a new scarifier;
inserted into the port until it clicks;
the lancet is released from the protective cap;
put on the nozzle – regulator;
the puncture depth is selected;
brought to the place where the material is collected;
the start button is pressed.

The procedure takes no more than 10 seconds. It is strictly forbidden to let third parties use the device. Repeated use is not recommended, as the lancet will become dull and a painful condition will appear during the puncture process. The device is made of medical steel, characterized by low porosity.

You will have to pay 790 rubles for the product.

lancet OneTouch UltraSoft No. 100

Advantages:

quality at the highest level;
product from a global manufacturer;
painlessness of the procedure;
comfort;
practicality;
speed of manipulation;
hygiene;
perfect grinding;
laser sharpening;
optimal cutting angle;
puncture depth control;
versatility;
silicone coating of needles;
presence of a protective cap.

Flaws:

not installed.

OneTouch Delica №100

Product from the American brand Johnson & Johnson. Available with Verio IQ and OneTouch Select Plus analyzers. It is a consumable for Van Touch Delica piercers. The thickness of the product is 30 G. The resulting drop is enough to determine the glucose value. There is nothing difficult to use. Even a child can handle the procedure. Everything happens quickly and painlessly. The healing rate of wounds is high. For each manipulation there must be a new scarifier. Otherwise, negative consequences cannot be avoided: suppuration, pain, long healing time for puncture sites.

The scarifier is placed in the structure a few seconds before the start of the procedure. First, the nozzle is removed, the spear is inserted into the holder until it stops, the plastic cap is removed, and the depth is selected. It is enough to cock the trigger, place the needle at the puncture site and touch the start button. At the end of the manipulations, the needle must be removed and disposed of as regular garbage.

The average cost is 675 rubles.

lancet OneTouch Delica No. 100

Advantages:

development of American world leader;
comfort of use;
accuracy;
painlessness;
ideal sharpening angle;
laser-controlled machines are used in production;
ease of tissue cutting;
evenness of the cut;
application of improved technologies;
availability of special coating;
smooth movement of the spear;
no vibration;
sterility due to the presence of a protective cap;
value for money;
reliability.

Flaws:

not identified.