Can I re-use Lancets?

This is an interesting question. I have always used lancets only once. My nurse said so. But what if I put them in the steamer to make them sterile? I may try that to see what happens. After all, I am here to learn.

 

I was told you should change them for each test as they could be contaminated but I change them when they become painful!

 

At the moment as I only test weekly, I always change the lancet. I'm well aware of the dangers of infection with a used lancet and have a sharp box for the discarded ones. Better than throwing them in the bin.

 

I usually test x5/day with Abbott Thin Lancets. I normally change the lancet daily.

 

I reuse lancets for weeks. I have been doing this for the past year and have no infections in my fingers. Even the great Dr Bernstein says it's ok to reuse them. If it's good enough for him then I'm ok with it.

I will change them about every 50 -100 strips.

 

I change mine when it hurts !
CAROL

 

I change mine every new tub. Not great but hey no problems

 

I've been re using mine, and usually change every couple of days. I did wonder if it could alter the result, so not sure about that.

 

I don't have to buy or change lancets, I've a click pen with my meter and that works fine

 

I have 4 (or is it 5?) One Touch meters each with its own lancing device. I keep them in their carrying cases and they are stored in various bags and drawers at home and office. I change the lancets from time to time but probably varies from several weeks to several months depending which test kit it is, as some I use more often than others.

Never any sign of inflammation at puncture sites and my immune system since diagnosis is in good shape - but if I was immunocompromised in any way I would be much stricter on changing lancets (and pen needles!).

 

You can't be serious!!! Folk don't change the lance to save time or are in a place where it is inconvenient or anything like that. It is easy to change when needed - so why fiddle around with your suggestions!!!!

 

I had reused my accucheck lances for over a decade - then accepted the surgery supply from another company, only to find hat my finger tips getting wrecked within a week - even with changing every time after lumps being noticed!!! Now changed back to my original as I still had the machine, and nursed the fingers by using my thumb for weeks. All fingers are now scarred, but not lumpy! Can't use other hand due to surgery. It is a pity that lancet machines are linked to the blood testing set .especially when they get lost and a replacement entails the complete set. Generally chsnge when I get a pain reminder!!!

 

I don't think that setting fire to my multiclix would do much for it!!!
CAROL

 

Hi

I change lancets for every test

 

Still **** at changing lancets. To be honest nowadays I just change if I test other people! Accuchek multickix got 5 or 6 lancets in their stabbing devices and would be easy enough to change.. But naah, never bothered just wait for them to get painful eventually or someone else. I still stab my fingers at least 10 times a day...crikey I would be having a box of lancets a month or less!!

I've never heard of a diabetic losing a finger due to any reason of non feeling or numbness or infection... So after 30years+ I don't really think I'm likely to change...

Just had a look at the boxes I have upstairs. Prescribed to me on 1/5/2012 unopened...and the box before that I'm using was prescribed in Sept 2010 when I got my pump....and still 1 full layer out of 2 in the box...

Perhaps I should say to GP, well Lancets aren't on my repeat prescription and still have... So can I have some additional strips because I am so cheap on lancets??

 

I have been using the same lancet for over 200 test strips and never had any problems with my fingers ( I am 73 years old ).

 

Change mine each time

 

Why?

 

I think maybe many people ate fibbing. And I have 25 years experience of nursing behind me. I have heard and seen a lot !!

 

I thought it had to be done for cleaness