Ok, Ok. We all use lancets, but how many? They cost pennies. I use a new one for every fingerstick, but there are some folks out there that use the same one for months. How do you compare? Your experience, thoughts, ideas? I will send a new box to anyone who is the worst offender.
I use the Multiclix. I usually change the lancet after each use.
I use the Multiclix. I change only when I have to (ie I'm not getting blood easily anymore or it's very painful). Sometimes that means not changing it for a week, but usually it's more like 2-4 weeks. (I check my BG 5-10x a day) I pay for lancets myself, and I don't want to pay for a new one each time :)
I change only when it starts to hurt too much. I test 5 to 7 times a day and have to pay for all of my testing supplies. I use an Accu-Check Softclix and pay around 8 cents per lancet, so my monthly cost would be12 to 17 dollars, if I changed every time. Diabetes is expensive enough without adding an additional, unnecessary in my view, burden. I don't change every test, not because I'm lazy, but because I'm cheap.
I switch them out every 25 tests, when I "reload" my strips. For a long time, I'd wait longer but w/ running, etc. I am sometimes testing when sweaty or freezing or sweaty *and* freezing and it's useful to have a sharper lancet to get blood more readily.
I rarely change. Maybe a couple times a year. You can keep your box of lancets.
I use the AccuChek Multiclix also. For awhile I was turning the little knob when I changed out my pen needles in the morning. Then I quit doing that and go months before turning it.
When I was first diagnosed, I was changing them every time I tested. Then I read a thread like this, now I change the lancet maybe 4 times a year, and really that's only because my family or someone wants to test their sugars. Same with the needle, I only change that maybe twice per pen.
Same here. I just dont feel the need. I've been dealing with this for over 28 years now and have never had a problem doing this. I've got a TON of lancets lying around too. I guess SOMEDAY I'll eventually go through them. Keep yours, or better yet if you want to give them to someone, give them to someone who financially really needs them.
I do the same with my needles too, I only change them when I start a new pen, once again 28 years and never a problem. Getting ready to go on the pump, so I guess Im going to have a ton of those around too.
I change the lancet whenever I switch to a new BG strip container. I am not at all concerned about cost. There is just no upside to replacing the lancet more often.
When I used to replace the lancet for every finger prick I bought lancets on ebay for $1.20 per box. This was cheaper than my $5 copay. I bought 100 boxes at a time. I have a lifetime supply.
I used to change my lancet literally a few times a year. Like others, I now use the Multiclix and this has helped me change my lancet much more often, like every week or two probably. I just change it when I find it getting harder to draw blood.
I use the same lancet for about 5 months. I don't even put it into the thingy I just poke myself with it. I'm the only one using them so unless it gets dull I don't use another.
I change my lancet about once a month or when I think about it. I see no point changing it more frequently b/c I am the only one who is using it. I use the Accu-chek softclix. I bought a box of 200 several years ago and still have more than half of it. If you want the pharma cos. to make more $$$$ then change more frequently.
Thanks for your generous offer. It reminded me that I have not replaced my lancet (this month). I am still working through the lancet stock I got back in 2006 (and that includes a still unopened box).
Ask me next July 15th: Lancet Change - St Swithun's Day
I have moved my multi-clix on one click since last St Swithun's day; that was several hundred strips ago :)
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
I change only when it starts to hurt (usually once a month or so). I've had the same box of lancets since probably about 2001.
I think that I have changed mine twice. Ever. I have 2 boxes of them sitting here, but this one works fine. If I tested on my fingers I would change it more often.
I don't even remember the last time I changed mine. How lazy is that! I use Accu-Chek softclix.
I don't know how often I change it.... :( now maybe once every 2-3 weeks.... I know I know terrible especially since I test 4-11 times a day. I started every time but its a hassle when I'm at school/hospital for 8-12 hours a day and can't have sharps containers readily available nor the opportunity to change.
I'm working on it...
Oh yeah, use the one touch delicate