A lancing device is a small instrument that is used to make the collection of blood samples for glucometer readings fast and easy. It is also designed to make the process as painless as possible. This is because people who suffer from diabetes often have to take two or more glucometer readings every day. Any other way of drawing the blood needed for these tests would be too complicated and painful. It may also create the risk of infection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how lancing devices work.
Clean Your Hands
The first step to using a lancing device is to make sure that your hands are as clean as possible. Wash them thoroughly and make sure that they are completely dry. The reason you should ensure that your hands are dry is that moisture on your hands can affect the accuracy of your glucose readings. This is because the water will dilute the blood sample and can thus throw the readings off.
Load Lancing Device
Depending on the type of lancing device that you are using, you may either load it manually (spring) or turn on the cam if it is cam-driven. You can also adjust the device to the depth that you wish to perforate the skin to get the sample.
Collect Sample
Once you are ready, the next step in this process is to place the device against your finger and press the trigger to release the lancet. If the perforation does not draw enough blood out, you can do one of two things. Squeeze the area around the perforation gently in order to draw more blood out for your sample. If this doesn't work, you may have to make another perforation with the depth slightly adjusted in order to get a sample of the right size.
It is important to note that one of the reasons why you may struggle to get the right size of blood sample is if you are reusing lancets. Like all metal items, lancets get corroded and blunted over time. Reusing them makes them less effective at drawing blood and could even pose health risks.
Testing The Sample
Once you have the desired blood sample size, the next step is to measure the glucose content in the sample. Place the drop of blood that you have corrected on the indicated side of the testing strip. You should then insert the strip into your glucometer and the machine will make the desired readings and display them on the screen.
Check Lancet Compatibility with The Device
There are many different types of lancing devices out there. For this reason, when you are purchasing lancets, make sure that they are compatible with the dancing device. Fortunately, manufacturers will often indicate the right lancets that should be used with the device. You should make sure that you store all your diabetes management devices safely and in a clean place. This is to prevent the devices from being affected by environmental factors such as humidity. Your diabetes testing strip should also not be exposed to humidity or sunlight.