I am dedicating this week, five posts, to exploring the idea about reusing lancets and syringes. You will hear what some credible sources say, what people with diabetes say and my thoughts on the subject. Here are the five posts for this week.
- Reusing Lancets
- Reusing Lancets – Insights from the Net
- Reusing Syringes
- Reusing Syringes – Insights from the Net
- Reusing Syringes & Lancets – My View
Recently, I was reading a blog post where there was a mention that the person reused a lancet many times before discarding it. I was a little taken back and remember clearly what my original doctor told me about reusing my syringes (when I was on shots), which I also took to mean lancets too. He firmly told me to not reuse them unless I didn’t have an option. I also remember him telling me that the cost savings didn’t out weight the risks.
So I have religiously followed my doctor’s orders by not reusing syringes or lancets unless absolutely necessary. But, the recent article I read and listening to others talk about how they may use a lancet multiple times before throwing it out, got me questioning my doctor and practice. Do more people reuse these items and I’m just being way to conservative? So now being all bold, I’ve tried reusing my lancets, which you will hear about on Friday.
BD notes on the lancet box that the lancets are intended for single use. This doesn’t surprise me because they would lose money if everyone used a lancet more than once.
Sterile single use lancets are ultra-thin for greater comfort. [BD source]
Do not reuse the lancet. It can get dull and cause pain. [Cigna source]
Here is a poll that is a little dated, but shows that as of 2004, an estimated 64% of people reused their lancets. [source]
I feel a little better knowing that I haven’t been alone in not reusing my lancets or syringes because 19% of respondents said the same thing.
How many times do you use a lancet?
Tomorrow, you will be SHOCKED at what I’ve learned through a little research about reusing lancets. I keep telling myself that some of these people are full of it with how many times they say they use a lancet. I’m sure some are lying, but we are talking multiple sources.
Warning: don’t ever use a lancet or syringe that someone else has used. Likewise, don’t let anyone use one that you already used.
Tony,
This was one topic that I questioned recently as well! I know when we first came home from the hospital we changed the lancet with every use. Well after a few weeks, when Kacey would test, she’d just grab her kit and not change it out. At first I scolded her for it and then I asked myself ….why? …why am I yelling at her for not changing the lancet? I should be freakin happy she went on and tested without me asking her to! So now I don’t stay on her about it and I just change it out every few days…which seems to be more than most do! I figure since she is the only one using the lancet then theres really no big deal.
As far as needles….reusing those is a flat out NO-NO in my house! I won’t ever reuse a pen needle or a syringe. We use them…unscrew them and toss them in a milk jug thats labeled DO NOT TOUCH! I don’t want to take the chance on reusing them. I know there have been several times that just taking the cap off I’ve bent them or they snap off. Thats just too risky for me!