Access Improved Diabetic Lancets Testing Supplies
Author: Gene Medame
Lancing Device Advances

The treatment of diabetes has made tremendous advances, even as the disease becomes more and more prevalent. One area where the medicinal advances can be felt, quite literally, is in the area of lancing devices where access to alternative areas of the body for testing blood sugar has become variable.

Typically used to obtain small samples of blood for blood glucose meters, the lancing devices pierce the skin, allowing the individual to obtain the smallest blood sample allowable in order to do accurate blood glucose monitoring. Over the last several years, companies like Palco Laboratories, Roche, Bayer Healthcare and Becton-Dickinson have improved lancing device technology dramatically in order to decrease the pain involved in this process, while increasing the safety and ease involved in the lancing process. Lancing devices now offer a wide range of features that contribute to a less painful experience.

One of the more notable features in lancing devices is the ability to take blood samples from areas other than the fingertips. Newer lancing devices are now used successfully in many other areas of the body, including the forearm, bottom of the palm and outer thigh. Because fingertips have more nerves, the fingertip lancing devices are typically more painful than taking a sample from one of these other parts of the body, where nerves are fewer. These lancets pierce the skin, but the depth of the penetration is typically smaller. The Ascensia Microlet Vaculance Lancing Device is a good example of a lancing device that takes full advantage of new technology, with a vacuum action that draws blood to the surface, requiring less blood to be drawn.

Another beneficial feature in lancing devices, adjustable depth settings enable a diabetic to determine how deeply each device will penetrate the skin. According to US Pharmacist, “The lancet must penetrate at least 0.6-1.3 mm to expose sufficient blood samples.” Because individuals are so different, the actual depth necessary to acquire the requisite amount of blood will vary from person to person. Some lancing devices, such as Roche’s Accu-Chek Softclix Lancet Device, allow you to choose one of many depth settings, minimizing pain and maximizing efficiency.

An important factor in diabetes self care, convenience and ease help shape today’s lancing devices. Preloaded lancets allow an individual to complete several blood samples before having to reload with new lancets, increasing both safety and efficiency for anyone handling the lancets. Additionally, features like one-handed operation that require a simple push of a button add convenience for the user. The use of a cam-driven trigger device assures a more consistent, less painful blood sample for effective blood glucose monitoring. The cam-driven guidance, as well as an easy-access ergonomic handle, found in the Ascensia Microlet Vaculance Lancing Device make this lancing device one of the easier blood sampling devices on the market. Another device high on convenience and portability, the B-D Lancet Device has a small, streamlined user-friendly shape that makes it easy for anyone to use on the go.

Clearly, the ultimate goal in lancing device technology is to reduce the pain for those with diabetes who require frequent blood samples. Access to different areas for diabetics to lance the skin for blood glucose testing is a huge improvement. The daily blood glucose testing can take a toll on anyone. As diabetic equipment manufacturers explore other options and new technologies for lancets and lancing devices, their advances are slowly lessening the burden for type 1 and type 2 diabetics, increasing their quality of life on a daily basis.

Source:
Emerging Technologies in Diabetes Care; Monica Mehta et al; USPharmacist Vol 27:11, 11/15/02
New Products, Terri D’Arrigo, American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. 12/28/2006
Choosing the Right Lancing Device, Chris James, Diabetes Health.com 12/1/04

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