How Often Should You Really Change Your Lancet
If you’ve ever reused a lancet more times than you can count — you’re not alone. But how often should you really change it?
What Experts Recommend
Most healthcare professionals recommend using a new lancet for every fingerstick.
Why?
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Lancets become dull after one use
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Reusing them increases the risk of skin irritation
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Bacteria can build up, raising infection risk
What Happens When You Reuse Lancets
Over time, reused lancets can:
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Cause more skin trauma
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Make fingersticks less consistent
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Lead to soreness or calluses
For people testing multiple times a day, this adds up quickly.
Why Lancet Design Matters
Traditional lancets haven’t changed much in decades which is why many people stretch their use.
Modern options, like Pip lancets, are designed to be:
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Single-use and pre-loaded
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Easy to dispose of
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More approachable for everyday testing
When changing your lancet is simple, you’re more likely to do it.
The Bottom Line
Changing your lancet regularly isn’t just about comfort it’s about accuracy, hygiene, and making daily diabetes care easier to maintain.
