I ran across this issue in a few other discussions here, can't remember where, so I apologize for starting another discussion on this...
I reuse lancets until they smart stabbing me. Then I change to a new one. I use the newer OneTouch Delica, 33 gauge jobbies, which are rather expensive compared to standard lancets.
Here's my trick: After removing the alcohol wipe from its packet, I fold it in quarters to make a thick pad. Then I ■■■■ the lancing device, press it on the wipe, and release it. Repeat. This sterilizes the old lancet before I use it.
I repeat the procedure when I'm cleaning up after testing and putting everything away (same alcohol wipe, not another one).
As I understand it, there are 5 reasons we are advised to change lancets every time:
To increase profits for the manufacturer
Profits are increased for the manufacturer
The manufacturer makes more money
Concerns over infection by not using a fresh, sterile lancet
Increased pain from lancet getting dull
Well, I feel pretty good that I've covered #4 with my protocol. As for #5, yeah, they do get dull eventually, and when I can detect it, I change to a new one. But come on! Stainless steel vs. my tender flesh? Uh huh. Dulls on the first poke. Yeah right [rolls eyes].
Hope this is helpful to someone. In my opinion, the only real, legitimate reason to always use a new lancet is infection. And this is easy to prevent, far more cheaply.
When they get dull, it is a real pain--lots of massaging the finger to get the blood out, too deep a puncture to overcome the dullness. Bruising is common--change it to avoid this.
Generally, if I remember correctly, most of us do not change the lancet with every test or use alcohol to disinfect before using the lancet. Personally, I lick my finger, use the lancet, apply the blood to the strip and lick off any residual blood.
I change the lancet every time I change to an new container of strips--meaning I use the lancet 50 times, then throw it away.
I change once per day or so. The main problem may be that you may damage the skin on your fingers over time I guess with a dull lancet. I use the delica lancets which are very fine so they may become duller more quickly and I'm too sensitive to use the other ones. The pain is very variable for me, it can be worse sometimes with a new lancet vs an older one or the reverse. I was told use warm water and soap never alcohol on your fingers- that will dry your skin out. I use it only if I'm out and can't wash my hands.
I've never used alcohol when testing, on my fingers or the lancets. I was diagnosed 22 years ago and have never had an infection.
When I was first diagnosed I changed lancets every test for, oh, maybe the first month? And lancets back then were something like 25 gauge, and there was no such thing as a depth setting. Then I started changing them perhaps every day, then every week ...
A few years ago I was up to changing them every few months. Then, I got an Accu-Chek Multiclix, which makes changing lancets MUCH easier. Part of my problem before was that I didn't carry extra lancets with me, so often I would remember when I was testing but forget by the time I got home. With the Multiclix, I can change the lancet when I think of it. So, I'm back to changing it perhaps every month or so (basically, if I find myself having to poke my finger two or three times to get blood, I change it).
My endo gave me a OneTouch Delica lancet device with 10 trial lancets about 3 years ago. I am on lancet number 4 or 5 right now, testing ~8 times per day :)
I had posted this in the syringe discussion but then I noticed this discussion, so thought I'd delete and put it here.
I had good luck through the many years with few problems while using my lancet for a 1 month then to sometimes as long as 2 months.
I thought it was within the last 4 years but my Hubby corrected me and said it was the last 2 years that I've gained a bump on my left thumb 3 times. Not sure why except, I tend to use the lancer more often in the middle of that thumb. Maybe the flesh there is weaker and more susceptible to bacteria because of it? Now I've stopped using that area for a while and I change the tips every month or less.
I have always been told not to test on my thumb--the readings would not be correct. In 50 years (well, I couldn't test at home for a lot of those)I never used the thumb. Have I believed in an old wive's tale?
Every couple of weeks I gather all my lancets and meters together, transfer the readings from the meters to the computer, and change out all my lancets for new ones.
I have 3 meters+lancet devices right now between home, work, and spare.
In the past I'm sure I've gone as long as many many months between changing lancets.
I remember when they first taught me home bg testing 30+ years ago, they did recommend alcohol for lancet re-use, then they recommended against it. I don't think I ever used alcohol after the first couple of years.
I remember the first "Autolet" lancet devices I got. They gave me 200 lancets. Probably 10 or 15 years later I had only used maybe 30 or 40 lancets from that original set when I had destroyed my last original Autolet. I know I broke and replaced the "platform" way more often than I changed the "lancet".
With 5 to 10 test per day I want to give my fingers the best possible treatment. So I can not recommend to use alcohol pads. Instead I recommend to change the lancet every day. The total costs are lower and the lancet is always sharp which is important for fast healing. For this the Accu-Check MultiClix is very convenient.
I change it when I think about it, but it is not often. I use the Delica as well, and still have more than 100 lancets in the drawer from the last one touch lance I had. Plus the freebies that came with all the other lancing devices. I have never had an infection from a lancet and have had D for more than 38 years. Granted the first 10 years or so did not include lancets. I do what Spock does and lick my finger.
No, it isn't a callous Guitarnut. Good thought though. The little bump gets very painful and is moreso under the skin. It does turn a sightly lighter colour but red around it. I put my thumb in salt water for 10 minutes twice a day and it goes away in about a week. It's back to normal again. I've been on drugs for RA that shut down my immune system for many years, so that may be a part of why it gets infected more often also. That was the only bumps on my fingers.
Well, I've never heard that one before Spock, through all the years. I've not noticed any real difference when testing with my thumbs or fingers. Hey, we need all the fingers/thumbs we can get for testing our blood sugar. Sometimes I wish I had 3 hands or 15 fingers/thumbs. :)
LOL Tim. I remember that one. I wish I hadn't thrown it out. I was so excited when my Endo gave me my first. I was pregnant at the time. It was way better than when that crazy Nurse used to come to test my sugar with that mean grin on her face and that silver blade that they had to terrify my fingers with. That hurt! :O
