Mike S asked the perennial question on lancet re-use in the Insulin-pumpers forum. I thought a more specific question in a wider forum might help those who worry about infection from re-using lancets.
Anyone who has ever re-used a lancet is welcome to respond. My own answer is No.
Q. Have you ever had an infected finger or alternate test site which was stated by your doctor to be caused by lancet re-use?
A: Yes or No. If yes, please give details.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia. Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
Been re-using lancets since probably about 1982 and, no, I've never had an infection in my fingers. I change my lancets about as frequently as the clocks change for daylight savings!
I change mine every test. The reason being i work in a hospital and draw blood every day. If I miss a stick and pull out of a patient I get a new needle because the first stick actually dulls the needle slightly. Sounds strange but is been proven. So for that reason i allways use a new lancet.
We're supposed to change these things? Oh yeah, gee I forgot about that, no wonder my current lancet is looking kinda old and crusty, I have no idea how long its been in there for.
And to answer your question, I've never had an infection from a lancet, maybe I'll leave it in for a few more years :D
