Softclix Lancet Device Directions

Diabetics must test their blood glucose throughout the day, to ensure they are remaining within healthy levels. Due to frequent testing, skin may become thickened over time, making it difficult and painful to obtain an adequate sample. The Accucheck Softclix lancet device offers users the option of several different needle penetration depths to achieve maximum comfort levels during testing.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Alcohol prep wipe
• Testing strip

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Instructions

• 1

  Pull the cap off the end of the Accu-Check Softclix lancet device. The cap is the numbered end of the device that protects the lancet and allows you to select a testing depth. The device has two compatible caps. The black cap is intended for fingertip testing. The clear cap is indicted for testing on sites other than the fingertips such as the abdomen.

• 2

  Place your thumb on the device, just below the lancet and your forefinger on the other side, this area is referred to as the ejector. Slide the ejector forward to remove the existing lancet. The lancet contains a small needle that pierces the skin to obtain a blood sample. To avoid infection, the lancet should be replaced after each use. Dispose of the used lancet in a puncture proof container such as a commercial sharps container. An empty coffee can is also an appropriate container.

• 3

  Push it firmly into place until you hear a click. Twist the protective cap on top of the lancet and gently pull it away, to reveal the tip of the lancet. Use caution, so you do not inadvertently stick yourself with the needle.

• 4

  Align the notch on the cap with the center of the semi-circle on the ejector portion of the lancet device. Place the cap back on the end of the Softclix device.

• 5

  Select the desired puncture depth by twisting the dial until the center of the semi-circle is in line with a numeral or a dot on the dial. The dots represent .5 of the preceding number, for example, the dot following the number 3 would represent 3.5.

  Each numeral or dot corresponds to a depth which the lancet will penetrate the skin once activated. The higher the number the greater the depth of penetration. Greater penetration depth is needed for users whose skin is callused or thickened due to repeated testing. Testing areas such as the abdomen also require a greater depth to penetrate the adipose tissue and obtain a sample.

• 6

  Press down the plunger on the end of the device, once you have selected your desired depth. You will hear a click and see a yellow dot appear in the center of the release button, when the device is loaded.

• 7

  Wash your hands with warm soapy water, paying attention to between your fingers and under your nails. Wipe the testing area with an alcohol prep wipe. Allow the area to air dry before attempting to obtain the sample as the alcohol in the wipe could skew the test results.

• 8

  Grasp the area you have selected for testing and massage it for three to five seconds to increase blood flow to the area.

• 9

  Press the tip of the Softclix device against the surface of the skin. When using a fingertip for testing you should use the side of the fingertip, because it has a greater blood flow and fewer nerve endings.

• 10

  Press the release button. You will feel a quick, sharp sensation as the needle pierces your skin. Set the lancet device down and gently squeeze your finger to release an adequate blood sample from the skin.

• 11

  Apply the blood sample to the selected testing strip. Insert the completed strip into your testing meter to obtain a blood glucose level reading.

• 12

  Place a piece of gauze or tissue over the testing site and apply firm pressure to stop additional bleeding.

• 13

  Remove the used lancet from the device to avoid an accidental needle stick. Dispose of the lancet in a puncture proof container.

• 14

  Wash hands with soap and warm water.