Stupid Lancet Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Stupid Lancet Question
4
Mon, 12-06-2004 - 12:23pm

I remember when I went to "diabetes school" when I was first diagnosed, they told us we could reuse a lancet a few times. I'm wondering, though. Isn't there a chance that there could be residual blood on there that could cause a false high number?

I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but the last few times I tested with a previously used lancet, my sugar seemed awfully high, but when I use a fresh one, the numbers are good.

Maybe I should test with a used one and test immediately with a new one to try out this theory...

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
Mon, 12-06-2004 - 5:44pm

It's recommended to use a fresh one every time, but I don't think it would alter a BG reading.

Blueliner4
(aka The Pixie Princess)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Mon, 12-06-2004 - 9:08pm

The monitor is fine, I'm good about calibrating it.

Funny story - did you know the test strips are different for Europe than the US? Somehow I got a batch of European strips and it took forever for the customer service gal to figure out what was going on and why the readings and calibration were off!

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 12-07-2004 - 11:02am

Hi,


You are not supposed to re-use the lancets not because of your blood sugar but because of the possibility of infection and dulling of the lancet. But it

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Tue, 12-07-2004 - 11:09am

Wow - now I'm a little disturbed that this woman is teaching that to people. Gotta wonder what else she said that was wrong.