A lancet is a small, sterile, disposable needle used to obtain a capillary blood sample, most often for self-monitoring blood glucose levels. Lancets are single-use medical devices and should never be reused. This single-use design is fundamental to maintaining both the sterility of the device and the integrity of the needle tip.
Health Risks Associated with Reuse
Reusing a lancet introduces a significant risk of infection, even when the device is only used by the same individual. After the initial skin puncture, a lancet is immediately contaminated with skin flora, microscopic blood residue, and environmental bacteria. Introducing these microorganisms directly into the bloodstream during a subsequent puncture elevates the potential for localized skin infections or a more serious systemic infection, such as cellulitis or sepsis.
The primary concern is that the used lancet is no longer a sterile instrument, regardless of any attempts to wipe or clean it. Bloodborne pathogens, though not visible, may remain on the surface and can be reintroduced into the body with the next use. For individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes, who may have compromised immune systems or circulatory issues, this increased risk of infection is particularly concerning.
Furthermore, reusing a lancet significantly heightens the danger of cross-contamination if the device is shared between two or more people. Microscopic amounts of blood from one user can transfer to another, creating a pathway for the transmission of bloodborne viruses and other infectious agents. Sharing lancing devices or lancets is strongly discouraged.
Physical Changes After Initial Use
The precision-engineered tip of a lancet degrades immediately upon contact with the skin, which is a key reason for the single-use directive. A microscopic analysis of a lancet tip after just one puncture reveals the formation of minute burrs, dents, or bending. This physical damage compromises the smooth, sterile bevel of the needle tip.
The mechanical degradation leads directly to increased pain and tissue trauma during subsequent blood draws. A dull or bent tip requires greater force to pierce the skin, resulting in a tearing rather than a clean puncture. This causes more discomfort, bruising, and residual pain that can linger for hours after the test.
Repeated trauma to the same puncture sites, often caused by a dull lancet, can also lead to the buildup of scar tissue or calluses on the fingertips. This makes future testing more painful and can make it difficult to obtain an adequate blood sample, potentially leading to inaccurate readings or the need to repeat the procedure.
Guidelines for Safe Handling and Disposal
After the protective cap is removed and the test is complete, the used lancet should be immediately removed from the lancing device. This step is important to prevent accidental needlestick injuries and to ensure the device is not mistakenly used again.
Used lancets are classified as medical waste known as sharps and require proper disposal to protect users, waste handlers, and the community. The safest method is to place the used lancet directly into an FDA-cleared sharps container. These containers are puncture-resistant and designed to securely contain needles until disposal.
If an approved sharps container is not immediately available, a heavy-duty, puncture-proof plastic container with a tightly secured lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle, can serve as a temporary alternative. It is important to label the container clearly as “Sharps” and never attempt to recap or bend a used lancet by hand, as this greatly increases the risk of an accidental injury. Once the container is full, users must follow local regulations for sharps disposal, which often involve drop-off locations or specialized waste collection programs.