Lancing Devices: Your Guide to Choosing the Right One

Here are the key things you need to know about choosing a lancing device:

• The right lancing device can make routine blood sugar checks feel more comfortable and easy to manage over time.
• Features like adjustable depth settings, ergonomic grips, and fine-gauge lancets can help to reduce discomfort during fingerstick checks.
• Some lancing devices use universal lancets, while others require lancets made specifically for that system.
• Reusable lancing devices are usually preferred for long-term testing, while single-use options are commonly used in clinics or for occasional testing situations.
• The correct techniques, including changing lancets regularly and using the right depth settings, can support more reliable blood sugar readings.

A lancing device is a small, handheld tool used to prick the skin and collect a small blood sample needed for blood glucose testing.

For the roughly 38.4 million Americans living with diabetes 1 , at-home blood sugar checks can become part of long-term care, making a quick and reliable blood sample an important part of the process. A lancing device helps make these routine checks feel more convenient, controlled, and comfortable for users.

A lancing device uses a tiny, sharp needle called a lancet to gently prick the skin and produce the small blood sample needed for at-home blood glucose testing. To do this, the device uses a spring-loaded mechanism to quickly push the lancet into the skin before retracting it almost immediately.

Most lancing devices also include a depth dial that lets you adjust how deeply the lancet penetrates the skin. This added control can help make blood sugar testing more comfortable while still producing enough blood for an accurate reading. Once the skin is pricked, a small drop of blood forms at the surface and is placed onto a glucose test strip for testing.

A lancing device and a lancet may sound similar, but they play different roles during blood glucose testing. The lancing device is the reusable, handheld tool that holds and controls the lancet, while the lancet itself is the small, sterile needle used to prick the skin and produce a drop of blood for testing. Unlike the lancing device, most lancets are designed for single-use and should be replaced regularly to help keep testing reliable and hygienic.

To get the most out of at-home testing, it’s important to choose a lancing device that feels comfortable, convenient, and easy to use. Since blood sugar checks can become part of the care routine, paying attention to the right features can help you select a device that meets your needs.

Adjustable Depth Settings

Adjustable depth settings help to produce enough blood for testing without causing more discomfort than necessary.

Most quality lancing devices offer adjustable depth settings, some going up to 13 levels 2 , so users can personalize testing based on comfort level and skin type. People with sensitive or thinner skin, including children, often prefer lower settings, while thicker or more callused skin may need deeper settings for an accurate reading.

To stay consistent with routine blood sugar tests, choosing features designed for gentler testing can make testing more manageable.

Comfort and Pain Reduction

To stay consistent with routine blood sugar checks, choosing features designed for smoother testing can make daily checks easier to manage. Fine-gauge lancet compatibility allows the device to work with thinner lancets that create smaller skin punctures and may help reduce discomfort during testing 3. A smooth spring action and ergonomic grip can also help fingerstick checks feel steadier and more comfortable to perform.

Ease of Use and Lancet Loading

The easier a lancing device is to use, the more manageable routine blood sugar checks can feel. Some devices offer one-handed loading or drum-style cartridge systems, like Accu-Chek FastClix, with multiple preloaded lancets to reduce the need to handle individual lancets for every check. Easy lancet ejection can also improve safety and simplify cleanup by limiting contact with used lancets, which is important for users with arthritis or reduced dexterity.

Using a lancet device correctly can make blood sugar tests more comfortable, while supporting accurate results and lowering the risk of injury. Most lancing devices are typically used in the following ways:

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before testing to prevent contamination.
2. Remove the cap of the lancing device and insert a new sterile lancet.
3. Twist off the lancet cover, then securely replace the device cap.
4. Adjust the depth setting based on your comfort needs and skin thickness.
5.  Prime the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Choose a puncture site, usually along the side of your fingertip, which may feel less sensitive than the center.
7. Place the device firmly against your skin, then press the release button to collect a small blood sample.
8. Collect the blood sample for testing, then safely eject and dispose of the used lancet afterward.

There are several trusted lancing devices available, each designed to support blood sugar testing in different ways. Here’s a look at some leading brands and the features they offer for routine testing.

Microlet Next

The Microlet Next is designed for a precise, yet comfortable blood sugar testing experience. It features five adjustable depth settings for personalized comfort, along with fine 28-gauge Microlet lancets to support gentler fingerstick checks. An ergonomic side-button release also ensures it is easier to handle during routine testing.

This device may be a good fit for people already using CONTOUR^® NEXT blood glucose meters or anyone looking for a lower-discomfort testing routine.

Accu-Chek FastClix

The Accu-Chek FastClix includes several features designed for a more streamlined testing experience. It uses a six-lancet drum system to reduce the need for frequent lancet changes, along with 11 adjustable depth settings to customize comfort. One-click loading also helps to limit the handling of individual lancets during testing.

OneTouch Delica Plus

The OneTouch Delica Plus includes several features designed for a more comfortable testing experience. It uses fine 33-gauge lancets and offers 13 adjustable depth settings so users can personalize fingerstick checks to their comfort needs. These features may make the device suitable for users with sensitive skin or for pediatric blood sugar testing.

True Metrix Lancing Device

The TRUE METRIX Lancing Device is a straightforward option designed for routine blood sugar testing. It includes seven adjustable depth settings so users can tailor blood glucose checks to their needs. The device is suitable for users looking for a simpler, more budget-friendly option to monitor blood glucose levels.

The Microlet Next is engineered for a precise yet easy-to-manage testing experience. Designed to pair seamlessly with CONTOUR^® NEXT blood glucose meters, the device uses Microlet lancets crafted for a secure fit and smoother fingerstick checks. Its ergonomic design, side-button release, and adjustable depth settings support greater comfort and control during routine testing, making it a good fit for users looking for consistent performance and a more comfortable testing routine.

A few simple changes can make blood sugar testing more comfortable while helping to support reliable results. Try these practical tips to make daily checks easier and more manageable over time.

• Wash your hands with warm water before testing to help improve blood flow to the fingers.
• Use the sides of your fingertips instead of the center, which may feel less sensitive during checks.
• Rotate fingers and testing sites regularly to avoid soreness or skin irritation.
• Change your lancet after each use to keep the needle clean and sharp for more comfortable testing.
• Adjust the lancing depth based on your skin thickness and comfort needs.
• Avoid squeezing the finger too hard, as this can affect blood sample quality.
• Store lancets and testing supplies in a clean, dry place away from heat or moisture.