How to Sterilize Lancets

Lancets are small stainless steel needles, often used with a spring loaded lancing device, that puncture the skin to obtain a small blood drop used for diabetic blood testing. Lancet manufacturers suggest replacing a lancet with every skin prick. Re-using lancets can cause the needle to become dull, painful and ineffective. Sterilization techniques from the Center for Disease Control can be used on stainless steel needles, such as lancets.

Things You'll Need

• Lancet
• Tweezers
• Small container
• Water
• Bleach

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the lancet from the lancet device after it has been used. New lancets prior to use are sterile and do not need to be sterilized.

• 2

  Grip the plastic end of the lancet with tweezers and run the needle of the lancet under running water to remove any blood or debris.

• 3

  Using the tweezers, place the lancet into a small container and fill the container with enough bleach to cover the lancet entirely.

• 4

  Allow the lancet to remain in the bleach for at least 30 seconds to kill pathogens.

• 5

  Remove the lancet from the bleach using tweezers. Place the lancet under running water to rinse away the bleach.

• 6

  Allow the lancet to air dry without touching any surface that may be contaminated. Replace the lancet into the lancing device.