I personally do not use ANY lancing device, and I change the lancet after every 2nd or 3rd use. I can stab my finger tip quickly,and the point is ALWAYS sharp . I am amazed that you guys can use the same lancet over and over again.
That may be because the lancet device allows multiple repetition with a precise depth and period of penetration; something rather difficult to achieve manually.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
I can't remember the last time I changed my lancet - it might even be as long as a year, I honestly can't remember. since i Have a CGM, I only test 3x/day, though.
I don't want a box, even if I *win* because I have a large Tupperware full of them somewhere, guess I should find out where I've stuck it and get a new lancet out.
I change syringes when the needle bends, no idea how long that takes. I change lancets when they really really hurt or stop causing any hole even at the strongest setting.
I don't use inserters for anything (except the MM CGM, I screwed up the angle too many times). I've been a diabetic for 30 years, I just don't have time to pay attention to that sort of thing.
I use the multiclix but only turn the knob when I think about it. about every couple of weeks.
O.K. yes I am totally lazy about it. I was going to ask if it is O.K. to use them more than once. I was also wondering about the needles for my insulin pen. Every time I change the needle I have to release insulin into the sink. Which is fine I still have plenty after the 28 days, but just wondering. My husband thinks I will get some kind of infection if I use it more than once.
Thanks! Great idea!
Brunetta - you can use all 10 fingers? That was news to me. In the hospital they told me not to use the thumb and index finger. I will have to give it a try!
I don't have a problem with the pricker personally but the click sound can be quite loud in a quiet place. I sing in the church choir and there is no sermon so the only time when I can check my BG during the service is during the readings. I know that other people can hear the click of the pricker in the few times I've had to check my BG during the readings because I can see people looking to hear where the noise is coming from!
Every week, but only when I remember. Lots here use the multiclix and I recently got one and I am pleased at how less painful than my One touch.
I'm with Jim... in fact, I don't ever even think about it unless many sticks don't bring blood. I change it ... maybe once a year. But thanks for the reminder; I think I'll change it today.
It's common for me to repeat the stick anyway. I attribute it to being thin and cold a lot rather than the lancet.
I change the lancet when it gets dull...when it takes a few sticks to get any blood. I don't really think about it. My in-laws gave me a dozen boxes, so I've got plenty of them. I just don't think about it.
I'm so bad with this. I should change way more often than I do. I usually use them until it's hard to get a good sample. In fact, after awhile I just told my mail order prescription company to stop mailing boxes to me every month.
I still have BAD supply hording habits from when I was a poor uninsured student. Now I'm a less poor freelancer, but I can afford to pay for insurance. Hard to shake the habit though. This is reminding me to try harder to do just that.
I'm terrible at changing lancets and usually only do it once every 3 months or so. I test about 8 times a day so I'm sure my fingers would appreciate it if I were more diligent about it.
I'm as bad as everyone else - I only change when it starts to hurt or I can't get blood. But I'm not doing this because of cost... Since I test 6-8 times a day, I just hate having to care all those used lancets around. With a pump and a CGM I have enough "stuff" to carry as it is
Why do so many people appear guilty about not changing lancets? There is no moral or legal reason to change often. The only possible reason is medical. if you are noty getting infections and there is no additional pain when you re-use, then I cannot see why anyone should beat themsleves up about failing to change them.
I will continue to change mine at least every St Swithun's Day. I will change then even if I wasted a couple testing a relative or friend during the year.
Sometimes I change it if I'm bored and can't remember the last time :)
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
I am also surprised at the answers. I change at least once a day. Maybe I should concentrate on keeping the lancel device clean by swiping it down with an alcohol pad each morning. Have a good summer Alan. And Happy New Year!
I would not recommend the alcohol pad for the actual lancet; although it is good for cleaning the lancet device nozzle.
The lancet has a tiny coating of lubricant, at least it does when it is relatively new. Alcohol will remove that.
Happy New Year to all; don't forget to set the timer on your recording devices for the Sydney fireworks :)
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
thanks
I changed mine this morning, woohoo! Only because I couldn't remember the last time I had. Haven't ever gotten an infection or anything. I usually lick my finger first and wipe it on my jeans LOL. If I've been eating, cooking, etc. I do wash my hands first ;)