What Is a Blood Lancet Device?

A blood lancet device is a necessary tool for drawing capillary blood. In many, a spring loaded surgical blade is housed in the device, allowing blood to be drawn quickly and accurately. Patients, as well as health care professionals, use these devices.

Housing

• The housing of a blood lancet is typically constructed of plastic. Some are designed with ergonomics in mind, while others are simple plastic covers.

Spring Loaded Mechanisms

• Many blood lancets have a one-handed mechanism for activation that releases a surgical blade to create an incision. The blade retracts after it punctures the skin, as a safety measure.

Simple Lancet Devices

• Some lancets are not spring-loaded and are rather just a small surgical blade in a plastic housing. These do not have retractable blades.

Uses

• Blood lancet devices are used in many situations. People who need to check their blood sugar levels frequently use lancets on a daily basis. Health care professionals use them when performing heelsticks or fingersticks to draw blood.

Depth Settings

• Some types of lancets have depth settings, allowing the patient to decide which depth is most comfortable for them. These are usually found in glucose monitor kits for home use.