• Reusing Lancets
• Reusing Lancets – Insights from the Net
• Reusing Syringes
• Reusing Syringes – Insights from the Net
• Reusing Syringes & Lancets – My View

As promised, here is the second post of the series where I show what others say they are doing when it comes to reusing lancets.  (Note: what works for one person may not work for everyone.  Consult your Physician before making any change.)

1) Today’s lancets are so good that they are commonly reused. The reasons to reuse lancets are obvious: It’s cheaper and quicker not to have to change them each time; it’s easier not to carry extra lancets around; and, for some users, the lancets actually seem more comfortable after being “broken in.”

Since the lancet goes into the subcutaneous space and is not being used intravenously, and since blood is flowing out of the body, sterility is generally not an issue. The rate of infections and injury from lancets is extremely low.

Many people, however, are not able to reuse lancets because they feel discomfort or they experience scarring if the lancet is not in optimal condition. Once a lancet has been used, its surface is rougher, the lubricant wears off and the point is duller. Any handling of the lancet, such as cleaning with alcohol, tends to worsen it. For these individuals, using a new lancet each time is well worthwhile.  [source]

2) I too reuse lancets, but a few years ago, I developed an infection on one of my fingers; huge blister on tip of it and it throbbed continuously; (developed overnight); It was real painful, went to doc’s and then drained it; even going thru this, I reuse them, knowing I probably shouldn’t. [source]

3) I explained that you could stretch your dollar a bit by reusing lancets and pen needles. I told her that I changed my lancet maybe bi-monthly (if I remembered) and sometimes I would go a day (or two) using the same needle. [source]

4) Here is feedback from a diabetesdaily forum post on reusing lancets:

1. Quite a few people reuse lancets and i’ll bet you most of them can’t tell you the last time they changed their lancet.
2. I really hate to admit this but I use one till it hurts, then i change it. I wont’ say how many times though.
3. I change them a coupe times a year and test about 15x a day. never had a problem, never an infection, never a dull lancet. EVER.
4. I use for a few days..No problems I know of.
5. Mine does about 50 pricks before it’s sent to the lancet cemetery. Sometimes lots more than that.
6. …so that lancet lasted 2 years
7. I try and change mine 2xs each week….LOL But it’s mostly like once a week
8. Usually when I can’t remember the last time I changed the lancet, I change it. I’ve never had any problems. I think I’ve been using the same box for the past 4 years.
9. I generally change mine on Sunday morning
10. Haven’t changed lancets since I got my current meter, which is over 2 years ago.
11. I recently went to my doc for a repeat prescription for lancets, my first repeat box of lancets in 24 years of diabetes.
12. I change my lancet about every 6 months and I test 6 times or more a day no problems yet and its been 7 years testing.

 

5) Here are some insights from the TuDiabetes forum:

1. I might change mine 6 times a year.
2. I might change mine 8 times a year – and that is a big might.
3. Hmm, don’t think I’ve changed mine in 2 months.
4. So roughly one lancet to every 50 tests
5. I maybe change it every 3-4 months
6. …I guess that’s about every two months.
7. I honestly don’t remember the last time that I bought a box of lancets
8. I usually change the lancet about every three weeks, if I remember.
9. I change mine every time, by order of my doc.
10. 4 times per year
11. You can change the lancet? (that’s pretty funny)
12. I change mine when it starts to get dull which is about once every 2 weeks.

OK, I’m picking up my chin off of the floor right now.  “I might change mine 6 times a year” – Are you SERIOUS?  I know, I am probably a little too conservative, but this is ridiculous.  Tomorrow I will take a look at syringe reuse.

What is your reaction to these responses – old news or shocked?