How to Use a Lancet

A lancet is a medical device used to prick the skin, usually the fingertip, to obtain a blood sample. Diabetics use lancets regularly to draw blood to test their blood sugar. Several types of lancets are available, but most all of them operate on the same principle. A needle is cocked back against a spring and locked into place. When the needle is released, the spring forces it forward, piercing the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol swab
• Lancet

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Instructions

• 1

  Pull back the spring mechanism until it locks. Lancets vary in design, and this may work in a variety of different ways. If you are unsure, read the instructions included with your lancet.

• 2

  Use an alcohol swab to sterilize the location where the lancet will be used.

• 3

  Press the lancet onto the sterilized location on your body. Many lancets have a circular end that will help in aiming and will also pull the skin taut as you press.

• 4

  Release the locking mechanism. The spring should force the needle through the skin, breaking the skin, so blood can be squeezed out. Some lancets have adjustable depths that are useful when trying to break through thicker skin.

• 5

  Dispose of the lancet properly. Some lancets are meant for a single use, while others are reloadable. Either way, the needle itself should only be used once and should by disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.