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Questions and Answers on Lancing
Devices: |
What is a lancing device?
Lancing devices are small pen-like tools that hold a spring-loaded
lancet, which is the small needle used to puncture the skin to obtain
small samples of blood for certain tests.
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There are a variety of brands and types of lancing devices. All
lancing devices are made so that the needle component is
disposable. The differences in the types of lancing devices are
whether or not the entire device is disposable, and the nature of
the plastic housing inside which the needle sits.
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Some are made for single-use only and are completely disposable.
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Other types of lancing devices have a disposable end piece that
contains the needle, and the entire plastic end-piece with the
needle inside, is disposed of after use.
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A third type of lancing device has 2 removable parts: the,
needle (lancet) and the plastic end-cap which is the protective
cover for the needle and governs the depth of penetration of the
needle. A disposable needle is inserted into the plastic pen, and
the needle is housed in a plastic end cap. The plastic end cap is
not disposable. These devices are intended for personal use only
and not for use with multiple people.
What are lancing devices used for and where?
Lancing devices are also used to obtain a small blood sample from
the finger, forearm, earlobe, or heel for certain blood tests. Lancing
devices are commonly used by people with diabetes to check their blood
sugar. Other common uses of lancing devices are to test levels of
hemoglobin, cholesterol, or PKU (phenylketonuria). Lancing devices are
currently used in a variety of clinical and community settings.
What is the concern about the use of personal lancing devices in a
group or multiple person setting?
There is a potential for incorrect use of a lancing device for
blood sampling.
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Some lancing devices may carry a very small risk of blood
contamination from one person to another if both the needle AND
endcap are not changed between user. These products are designed
for personal use by one individual only.
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Current standards state that when using these devices for
multiple individuals, the needle component AND the guard (end-cap)
must be changed between uses.
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The concern with the re-use of these devices is that there is a
potential to change only the lancet (needle) between user. If only
the needle is changed between users, there is a potential that
blood from one patient may contact the guard (end-cap) that covers
and guards the needle (lancet). That blood, if infected, could
transmit an infection to the next patient, should it come into
contact with open skin (created by the needle) or get on the
needle prior to penetration.
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Infections that can be transmitted in this way include:
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and
other infections. In most cases, the risk of contracting a serious
infection from such usage is considered to be very low.
If I received a blood test with a personal lancing device in a
group or multiple person setting, how concerned should I be?
During testing, both the lancet and the end cap are exposed to
blood. Users of these devices should be aware that hepatitis B or
other blood-borne infections could be transmitted through reuse of the
lancets / needles or the endcaps. In most cases, the risk of
contracting a serious infection in these situations is considered to
be very low. To date, there have been no reported cases of disease
transmission of blood-borne infections from the use of lancing devices
in a community setting in Manitoba or Canada.
How can I prevent myself from getting an infection when using a
lancing device or having my blood tested by my care provider?
If you have a personal lancet device that you use only on yourself,
you do not need to be concerned.
If you have a personal lancing device at home, it is important that
you do not share the needles (lancets) or endcaps with family or
friends. This practice is necessary to avoid the transmission of
hepatitis B or other blood-borne infections.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions on your lancing device to
ensure you are using it properly.
If you are in a situation where you are having you blood tested by
one of these devices, ask your health care provider if both the lancet
and the endcap are disposable. If they are not, decline testing.
Should I be tested for infections?
Manitoba Health is not advising the public that as a matter of
routine that they need to be tested for any infections as a result of
having a blood test done using a lancing device.
If you have further questions or concerns about your health or
about lancing devices, please consult your physician. In some
circumstances, it may be appropriate to offer and/or undergo testing
for hepatitis or HIV, either to identify the presence of infection or
to rule out the presence of infection for purposes of reassurance.
If you have concerns that a lancing device may have been misused in
a situation where clients may be at greater risk for blood borne
infections, contact your local public health office.
What is Manitoba Health doing about lancet devices?
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Manitoba Health has released a media bulletin
reminding the public that finger stick lancing devices used to
obtain finger prick blood samples for blood sugar and other
testing should be used for one individual person only unless
standards for correct part replacement between tests can be
assured.
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In addition to releasing this bulletin,
Manitoba Health is also continuing its investigation of the use of
these devices within Manitoba's health system and is preparing
further information for health care providers, allied health
professionals and non-government health organizations as to the
proper use of these devices and how to assist people with concerns
about exposures to such risks.
To
reach all staff and for general inquiries: |
Office of the Chief Medical Officer of
Health
Manitoba Health
4th Floor – 300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9
ph. (204) 788-6666
fax (204) 948-2204
Chief
Medical Officer of Health: Dr. Joel Kettner
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