safety lancets

In healthcare, blood lancets are often small but vital tools, especially for individuals who regularly monitor their blood sugar levels or perform diagnostic tests at home or at clinics. Lancets are small, sharp tools used to puncture the skin and draw a blood sample for various medical purposes.

Patients with diabetes commonly use them to monitor blood glucose, which requires a small drop of blood. The two primary types of lancets include the safety lancet and the multi-lancet. However, choosing safety lancets is significantly more beneficial than selecting multi-lancets. 

Therefore, this blog will highlight why safety lancets are preferred over multi-lancets.

What are Safety Lancets?

Safety lancets are sterile, single-use devices used for blood sampling. The instrument has a built-in mechanism that protects both the patient and the user from accidental needlestick injuries and cross-contamination. They are most suitable for on-the-go testing, as they do not require loading and can be performed with one hand. 

A few features of Safety Lancets include:

Safety

One of the most essential advantages of using safety lancets is their built-in safety mechanisms. The retracting needle shields the needle before use and automatically hides away after pricking.

Reduce Risk of Infection

The use of retractable needles significantly reduces the risk of spreading infectious diseases. This prevents accidental needle stick injuries before and after use.

Convenience

They are typically disposable after a single use, eliminating the need to handle and dispose of used needles separately each time. This is especially convenient for visually impaired individuals.


What are Multi-lancets?

Multi-lancets are reusable instruments used to obtain a drop of capillary blood. They often include multiple sterile lancets for multi-use blood sampling to monitor glucose or other biomarkers. However, they are not preferred usually because of: 

Increase in the Risk of Needlestick Injuries

It does not have a needle-retracting safety feature, unlike safety lancets. There is a higher risk of accidental pricking through the exposed needle after use. This can prove to be dangerous for both the user and the professional.

Higher Risk of Infection

The device does not have a self-disposal mechanism. Hence, proper disposal is crucial to prevent the spread of infections. Improper disposal of a multi-lancet can contaminate the instrument, even when you use a new sterile lancet each time. This can significantly increase the risk of infection during future use.

Limited Convenience

Initially, the preloaded multi-lancet drum might appear more convenient; however, it can be more burdensome than single-use safety lancets. Safety lancets are also more compact and simple to carry, especially during travelling.Safety lancets are among the most effective instruments for ensuring safety and convenience, thanks to their innovative design and safety mechanisms.

Conclusion

Safety lancets feature a comfortable grip and high-speed retraction, minimizing pain during use. Therefore, when choosing a blood collection needle supplier, you should always prefer safety lancets over multi-lancet options.