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Changing needles

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Posted 3/24/2014 9:08 AM (GMT -5)
Hello Lanie and everyone,

I am wondering how often we should change needles when testing our sugar levels.  If one washes hands and rinses thoroughly before testing does one have to use a new needle with each and every test? 

I test my fasting level every morning and also after dinner in the evening.  Sometimes I will test at other times in the day if I feel I should.  I do not change my needle every time I test.  I keep all my testing supplies clean and protected in a plastic box with a lid on it.  I wash my hands and dry them before each test.  What I'm trying to say is that I'm clean and all my stuff is clean, too, y'all!  So I feel I'm not contaminating my lancet device or my needle...so do I change needles every time I test?

Joni

Posted 3/24/2014 9:58 AM (GMT -5)
(Edited to clarify that we're talking about lancets for pricking the finger to test blood sugar, not needles for injecting medication.)

Hi Joni! Hope you're doing well! I'm going to give you two answers. The first answer is that the doctor's office will tell you to change them (the lancets) every time. My second answer is that I don't.

I don't change them every time because I think it's wasteful. I also wash my hands (particularly the fingers) before I test, of course, and I also wipe the point with rubbing alcohol. I use each lancet several times. The point will become dulled with use and not draw the blood bead that you want, so you should change the lancet to a new one if you think this is happening.

I know that these are not the instructions from my doctor or from the lancet packages and under other circumstances, the lancet should be changed each time, but I am the only one using it and I am very careful about cleanliness. This is my personal choice.
Posted 3/24/2014 12:17 PM (GMT -5)
I'll use the same one up to four times. If it gets dull (rarely a problem with the Accu-chek) I throw it away and get a new one. I haven't had any problems, but then my immune system seems to be able to overcome almost anything the universe throws at it.
Posted 3/25/2014 6:18 AM (GMT -5)
I change them when I remember to do it no problems for 41 years now (don't tell anybody nono)
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