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In spite of Single Use labeling syringe and lancet makers put on their products, many people choose to reuse syringes and lancets. Each time you use them, however, they become a little more dull, resulting in a more painful use. Discard after they become too uncomfortable to use.

Some people report getting between five and ten uses from a syringe and somewhat less from a lancet. If cost is an issue for you, this could be a way to make your healthcare dollars work harder.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Lancets
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water before a blood test. This is even more important if you reuse your lancet.
  • Do not clean the lancet after use. Just leave it in the lancing device. You already have any germs that might end up on the lancet tip.
  • If the lancet touches anything other than your finger, discard it.
  • When the lancet hurts too much, it means its getting dull. Discard it.

• Syringes
  • Do not clean the needle after use. Just carefully recap the needle.
  • Do not mix insulin types if you reuse syringes. Use one syringe for each insulin type. That means more injections, but certain insulins cannot be mixed without reducing their effectiveness.
  • If the needle touches anything other than the injection site, discard it.
  • When a needle hurts too much, it means that the silicone coating is wearing off and it's time to discard it.

See Also

• Ask the Diabetes Team question about needles breaking off under the skin
• Needles and Syringe Reuse Poll from September 2002
• ADA Position Statement on Insulin Administration, which includes a discussion on needle reuse
• Risks of Needle Reuse from BD

October 11, 2004

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			Jump to a new section --[ Getting Around ]-- Home Page What's New Privacy Policy Search --[ People ]-- Family Support Network Adults with Diabetes Care Photos Chat Rooms Conferences Kids with Diabetes Parents Parent Humor Scholarships and Financial Aid Grandparents Humorous Tidbits Jobs Mailing Lists CWD Forums Poetry and Art Videos Polls Quilt for Life Surveys Blogs --[ Clinic ]-- Ask the Diabetes Team Alternate Site Testing Alternative Treatments Care Suggestions CWD Español Diabetes Basics Diabetes at School 504 Plans Diabetes Camps Diabetes Dictionary Insulin Pumps Nutrition Podcasts Presentations Products Product Marketplace Sports Studies Warning Signs --[ Sources ]-- News and Information Diabetes Advocacy Links to Other Web Sites Press Releases Regional Information Services Support Groups --[ Feedback ]-- About CWD Advertise Awards Contribute Your Experiences Disclaimer Letters to the Editor Logos and Linking Share our Brochures

Last Updated: Wednesday March 16, 2005 15:45:14
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