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The Question
08/22/09 09:11 PM

"Is re-using a lancet bad for you?"
Asked By: ecarela  
Category: Insurance and Financial Issues

Background Info Hide
Lately, in order to save money on my diabetic supplies I have been using the same lancet over and over , I only change it daily is this too bad?.

Expert Answers (1)

08/25/09 06:59 PM

Hi ecarela! I understand why you want to save money here. First let me clarify that if you have insurance and your insurance company is covering your test strips than they should be covering lancets, too. Sometimes physicians forget to include the lancets on the prescription so you end up paying for these out of your pocket. Next time your physician writes a prescription be sure that an order for lancets is included. However, if you are uninsured or if you have a large co-pay for these items I can see why you would want to re-use. I have not seen any documentation that states that re-using a lancet is hazardous to ones health. The main issue here is comfort. Lancets get very dull very fast. We want patients testing regularly because it gives the healthcare team vital information on the patients diabetes control and understanding of the disease. The patient benefits from testing by being able to problem solve abnormal blood sugars. Basically, everyone wants to avoid having sore fingers so that the patient continues to test regularly. If you are testing several times a day I think it is permissable for you to use the same lancet for that day and then change it each day as you're doing. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for checking in with dLife!
Answered By: Jodi Limacher
Accreditations: MS, RD, CDE
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Community Answers (6)

10/16/09 11:40 PM

I test 3 tto 5 times a day and change lancet when it starts to hurt. this differs from lancet to lancet. Do what works for you, just make sure you test often enough
Answered By: Dunigan
FLAG
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09/01/09 04:57 PM

The nurse at the hospital who instructed me how to check my blood sugar told me it was okay to reuse lancets. I have insurance that would cover them but I have trouble changing them because of arthritis in my fingers. (My finger joints no longer bend.) I've never noticed a difference in the sharpness between a new lancet and an old one. I change every time I get new test strips.
Answered By: cljung
FLAG
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08/28/09 11:25 PM

I have never found that to be so, and I've been reusing my lancets for years. I usually change a lancet once a week.
Answered By: trekker
FLAG
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08/28/09 04:10 PM

I change mine every time I open a new container of test strips. I know some T1s who change theirs every time they open a new vial of insulin. None of my diabetes team gives me any grief about this. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.
Answered By: lada04
FLAG
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08/28/09 03:16 PM

I used to take a new one for each testing but read a note from someone who re-used. Since then I have used the same lancet for the 4 daily testings and find no problem with increased pain from a dull needle. I start with a new one each morning and reuse for the rest of the day. Even though my insurance covers lancets and test strips, it means less trips to the pharmacy to pick them up.
Answered By: faithel
FLAG
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08/25/09 10:59 PM

While I can't answer for you, I am far too lazy to change mine frequently. Most people will probably cringe, but I change mine on the first of each month. I usually test 3-5 times a day. Since it isn't shared with anybody, I don't see an issue. Yeah, it probably gets a bit dull, but I don't notice a huge difference between the old needle and the new one when i do change. My doc just sort of shook her head when we discussed it. She didn't insist I change it more often.
Answered By: arlene821
FLAG
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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