Lancet Techniques

Using a lancing device, anywhere from one to several times a day, soon becomes old hat when you're a diabetic. This small, spring-loaded device contains a tiny, sharp needle, known as the lancet, that allows the diabetic to prick his finger and draw blood in order to test his glucose level. When you're new to using a lancing device, there are some basic tips and techniques that you need to know before performing this relatively easy process.

Cleanliness

• Before pricking your finger with a lancet, wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Not only does the hot water help clean your hands, it helps get the blood flowing as well, making it easier to produce a drop of blood for testing on the first try. Another option is to use an alcohol pad to cleanse the area you'll be pricking. Alcohol pads are particularly handy when you're away from home and have no access to running water.

Machine Readiness

• Ready your glucose meter before you prick your finger. Extract a new test strip from the vial. Never leave the vial open, as moisture and heat can affect the effectiveness of the test strips. Insert a new test strip into your machine and wait for the flashing icon that indicates the meter is ready for you to place a drop of blood on the strip. If you receive an error code, check your user manual before proceeding with the test.

Lancet Preparation

• Ensure that you use a new lancet needle every time you test. Lancets are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared with the price of test strips, and it's best to avoid using a lancet more than once. Doing so increases the odds of introducing bacteria into your bloodstream and dulls the needle so that it is not as comfortable to use. Extremely fine lancets are available that are much more comfortable for daily use than lancets were in the past. It's also possible to adjust the depth of the needle penetration on each lancing instrument with the click of a dial. Experiment with a variety of lancet styles and settings to find the least invasive, most effective method.

Testing Sites

• Most diabetics prick the tip of their finger or thumb to draw a blood sample for testing purposes. However, it's easy to develop sore or tender fingertips when you test frequently. In recent years, many glucose meters and lancing devices have made it possible to prick alternate sites on your body to draw the tiny drop of blood necessary for testing. The forearm, palm, upper arm, thigh and calf are all possibilities for alternate site testing, depending on your meter's capabilities.