Lancets, like glucometers, come in a variety of designs and types. It is important to pick the one that is right for you. Lancing devices also come in different styles.
So, what should you look for in a lancet?
* Point size - Lancets come in varying
point sizes. The smaller the lancet
point, generally the less painful the
sample collection will be.
* Needlepoint or blade lancet - Some
lancets, especially those used to
collect larger samples of blood, have
blade-like edges, which make a small
incision when they enter the skin
* Lancet size - For persons with
nerve damage in the fingers or
arthritis, small lancets may be hard
to load into the lancet device or use
manually.
What about a lancing device?
* Shape - Lancing devices come in
different shapes. Depending on your
dexterity or nerve damage in your
fingers, one type may be easier to
handle than another.
* Ease of loading - Some lancing
devices are set up so you insert the
lancet, then remove the protective
cap. This can be technically
challenging even for someone with
good eyesight, hand-eye coordination
and no nerve damage.
Of course, diabetic supply companies make glucometers and have lancets and lancing devices that go with their machines, however that does not mean that the lancets or lancing devices are the right ones for you.
Your pharmacy will have different styles of lancets and lancing devices on hand. Ask them if you can see the different devices, to find the one that works the best for you, then work with your doctor to get it ordered for you.
