Choosing the Right Lancing Device
Can Help You Manage Your Diabets More Effectively
Because there are more and more types of lancing devices available, diabetics can now pick a device that best meets their needs
There are four general types of lancing devices: spring loaded, cam driven, all in one and multiple use lancing devices. They come in a variety of shapes and prices. But which one is right for you?
Two Types of Spring Loaded Device
There are two types of spring loaded lancing devices. There are the ones that allow you to test on different parts of your body and ones that don’t. The ones that let you test on different parts of your body are called alternate site lancing devices.
Alternative Site Devices
Alternate site devices have a special cap that allows the skin of an area to be slightly pulled up by the suction of the device so that the lancet can pierce that area of skin. When you want to do an alternate site test, you unscrew the normal cap and screw on the alternate site cap.
Each manufacturer makes its device slightly differently, but the most common alternate site test locations are the meaty part of your palm, the forearm and the thigh. Sometimes the abdomen is also approved as an area to use.
Although the idea of not having to stick your finger to test your blood is exciting, it is recommended that you check with your doctor before using an alternate site lancing device. The reason is that they are not meant to be used for every application. This is because the fingers of the hand have a more direct line to getting blood from the heart, therefore this is the best place on the body to receive the most accurate readings. Testing on alternate sites, like the thigh, means that it takes longer for an accurate blood sugar count to reach those areas of the body.
So, to keep the readings as close to the readings you get on your finger as possible, it is recommended that you use the alternate site device only after fasting or before exercise, not after exercise or after a meal. This is because the blood sugar change that takes place after these two activities have not had time to reach your forearm, thigh or palm yet and if you test there and get a reading, it is likely not to reflect the actual level of sugar in your blood. This is especially important for those who are insulin dependent diabetics.
So, alternate site devices are wonderful because you don’t have to stick your fingers. But they also have a down side; that they are not recommended for use in every situation.
Cam Driven Lancing Devices
Most lancing devices use a spring loaded action to push the lancet into your finger. However, there are also two lancets on the market that use a cam driven system. The newer of these two lancing devices has six lancets in a barrel, therefore eliminating the need to replace the lancet after every use. With this device, you just rotate the barrel to prepare the next new, sterile lancet. These devices are not meant to be used for alternate site testing. Plus the lancets required for these devices can only be used in cam driven devices. However the benefit is that because there is no spring to wear out, they tend to be more durable and last longer than spring loaded lancing devices.
All In One Devices
One other type of lancing device exists and this is the one that is used most often in hospital settings. Instead of having two individual pieces; the lancet and the pen shaped device, this device is an all-in-one unit. Once you prick your finger, you throw the whole thing away, lancet and device. This is a great idea but many Medicare programs will not pay for this device as it is more expensive than the rest.
Although manufacturers recommend that you use the same brand lancing device as meter, it is not necessary that you do. As there are a variety of devices from which to choose, it is recommended that you do research to find out which one is right for you.
References: The Everything Diabets Book by Paula Ford-Martin
Conquering Diabetes by Dr. Anne Peters
