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Best Lancing Devices

Updated November 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
OneTouch Delica Plus Lancing Device
OneTouch
Delica Plus Lancing Device
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Best for Everyday Use

Our expert finds that this lancet is perfect for those with diabetes thanks to its ease of use.

Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Our expert finds that this lancet is perfect for those with diabetes thanks to its ease of use.

Pros

It comes with 25 30-gauge lancets that can also be used with the OneTouch Delica (not the Plus) lancing device. Most found it exceptionally easy to use even if you have issues with hand strength.

Cons

Some had difficulty discharging a used lancet.

Best Bang for the Buck
Active Forward Microlet Lancing Device with 100 Active Forward 30-Gauge Lancets
Active Forward
Microlet Lancing Device with 100 Active Forward 30-Gauge Lancets
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Minimal Pain

A great choice for those needing something that is great for diabetics.

Minimal Pain
Bottom Line

A great choice for those needing something that is great for diabetics.

Pros

Includes 100 ultra-thin lancets. Very gentle spring action creates a nearly painless delivery. Fits most travel-size test kits easily. Fast deployment minimizes anxiety.

Cons

Lancets may be too wide to fit lancing device properly.

Care Touch Microlet with 300 Twist-Top Lancets, 30-Gauge
Care Touch
Microlet with 300 Twist-Top Lancets, 30-Gauge
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Reliably Sharp

An inexpensive lancing device that is easy to use.

Reliably Sharp
Bottom Line

An inexpensive lancing device that is easy to use.

Pros

Lancets are super sharp, with a long shelf-life. Color-coded lancets for easier identification. Less expensive than other brands. Lancets are triple-beveled and very sharp.

Cons

Spring can wear out over time. Lancets may not fit securely.

Care Touch 10 Adjustable Depths
Care Touch
10 Adjustable Depths
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Simple Yet Solid

A great lancet that has loads of different settings.

Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A great lancet that has loads of different settings.

Pros

Longer barrel length makes it easier to hold. Has 10 depth settings instead of the standard 5. Slide mechanism ejects used lancet, so there's no handling required. Good rebound action.

Cons

Does not break the skin at lower settings.

TRUEdraw Lancing Device
TRUEdraw
Lancing Device
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Portable Convenience

Our expert loves this pick since it is compatible with most general-use lancets for diabetes.

Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

Our expert loves this pick since it is compatible with most general-use lancets for diabetes.

Pros

It has an adjustable depth dial that goes from one to five to help avoid pain when using. Its design is small, overall, making it great for traveling or for those always on the go.

Cons

A few noted that it can come apart with moderate pressure.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
December 14, 2021
30
Models
considered
20
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best lancing devices

Written by Michael Pollick, and fact-checked by Michael Huynh
Updated November 2023

For many type 1 and type 2 diabetics, daily blood glucose testing is an important part of the day-to-day routine. Blood glucose levels determine how many units of insulin to inject before meals, for instance. They also help measure the effectiveness of other blood sugar control regimens. Unfortunately, to get those daily results, this endeavor calls for numerous sticks with sharp lancets.

When shopping for a new or replacement lancing device, it is important to remember that the end result should always be a good test sample. A multi-click lancing device may be more convenient to use, but if it doesn’t deliver a good “stick”, it is not an upgrade. Having more depth options is helpful, but not if those higher settings cause more pain or skin damage.

If you’re in the market for a new lancing device, we encourage you to consider the information and product suggestions we provide in this shopping guide.

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The three most common lancet gauges are 28, 30, and 33, although there are some lancets as thin as 70 gauge on the market.

Key considerations

A basic blood glucose testing kit almost always includes a spring-loaded lancing device to deliver the “stick” of a sterile lancet. That said, many users seek a better model that addresses their specific needs.

Lancet depth selection

Some users have very thin skin, while others have thicker or callused skin. A quality lancing device allows users to adjust the power and depth of the stick to meet their specific needs. Look for a model that offers at least six degrees of depth selection, if not more. Some lancing devices actually offer over 20 levels of tension, although the difference between each level may be negligible.

The ideal lancet depth will provide enough blood to saturate a glucose strip without causing long-term damage or pain. Sometimes, changing the gauge of the lancet itself may be preferable to changing the depth gauge on the lancing device.

Barrel design

One noticeable difference among lancing devices is the length of the barrel. Some are small enough to be concealed in the palm of a hand; others are much larger. One end of the barrel is used to load the spring mechanism, while the other end is pressed against the user’s fingertip or other sampling site. Basic lancing devices are not always ergonomically designed, but many mid-range and high-end models can fit comfortably in one hand.

Changing out a single lancet or installing a new multi-click barrel should be a straightforward process. Some basic models can expose users to the sharp tip of a lancet if not handled with extreme care.

Expert tip
 Always throw away the lancet in the device after use to ensure no repeated use.
BestReviews Medical Expert

Lancet compatibility

Some lancets cause less pain than others. A thinner lancet is generally less painful on the fingertips. Some lancets have a special coating that reduces friction, too.

The problem is, a number of lancing devices are not designed to accommodate a wide assortment of lancets. Users may be limited to a specific brand or design. Ultra-thin lancets can also be very expensive, and some lancing devices may not be able to handle them.

“Universal” is a key term to look for when shopping. A universal lancing device should accept lancets from different manufacturers that meet a certain industry standard. This adaptability is more convenient, and it may also prove to be less expensive and/or more comfortable for the consumer over time.

Capacity

Most of the lancing devices that come with a starter glucose test kit can accommodate one sterile lancet at a time. The user must insert a new lancet into the barrel and remove the safety cap, which exposes the needle.

Some users may not be comfortable with handling or viewing a sharp lancet. A special cartridge containing multiple lancets can be installed in certain lancing devices. This eliminates the need to manually replace lancets between every use. Notably, a cartridge system like this may be more expensive.

When shopping for a new or replacement lancing device, consider your personal comfort level with the lancet replacement process. A single lancet delivery system offers sizing options not always available in multi-click cartridges. However, a multi-click system does not require as much handling of exposed needles. Many multi-click lancing devices are auto-loading, meaning they are pre-set to deliver a good stick without cocking a spring mechanism.

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Expert tip
Remember to clean your lacking device when you are able to.
BestReviews Medical Expert

Lancing device features

Alternative blood sampling

Although the fingertips are the preferred site for blood glucose sample collection, a number of users find that this process grows more painful over time. Alternating hands and fingers sometimes addresses the issue, but not always. For some users, the best solution is finding an alternative collection site, such as the palm, forearm, upper arm, or thigh.

Not all lancing devices offer the option of alternative site blood sample collection. If offered, this feature should be mentioned in the product description or packaging. A lancing device designed for alternate sites should include a special transparent cap that fits over the end of the barrel. When using an alternate site, the cap provides additional pressure and a slight vacuum. It also allows the user to see when an adequate sample has been obtained.

Vacuum-powered extraction

A common problem encountered by testers is an insufficient blood sample. Sometimes, the lancet simply does not penetrate the skin deeply enough. A handful of high-end lancing devices have a powered vacuum cap to address this. This vacuum seal encourages blood to flow without the need for painful squeezing or a second lancing. It can also be used to collect blood from an alternate site on the body.

Ergonomic design

The basic lancing devices included in testing starter kits are not praised for their ergonomic design or ease of use. They can be slippery in the hand and difficult to control. However, there are mid-range and high-end lancing devices that are specifically designed for maximum comfort in the hand. The barrels are curved to match the contours of the hand, and the tips are angled to provide a more solid stick (and less skin tearing) when the trigger is pressed.

"Some lancing devices are designed specifically for one-handed operation."
STAFF
BestReviews

Lancing device prices

Most blood glucose testing kits include a standard lancing device and a supply of sterile lancets. As we’ve mentioned, however, it is not unusual for users to seek a better lancing device for ease of use, personal comfort, or economic reasons. Here’s what to expect at different price points.

Inexpensive (under $10)

Many blood glucose testing kits include a basic lancing device that would be in this price range if sold separately. The lancing device may offer a limited number of tension settings or no adjustability at all. These models generally accommodate one lancet at a time, and this may not include the ultra-thin lancets many users prefer.

Mid-range ($10 to $35)

At this price range, lancing devices with multiple click capability start to appear. Instead of loading one lancet at a time, users can install a special cartridge that contains at least six lancets. The design will be more ergonomic, making it less painful to use on alternative sites. One-handed operation is common in this price range.

Expensive (over $35)

High-end lancing devices are often universal, meaning they accept a wide variety of lancets from different manufacturers. Many are designed to keep the lancets out of sight, which can help reduce anxiety. The most advanced lancing devices have a vacuum that encourages blood flow without the need for squeezing. There are also medical-grade lancing devices that use concentrated laser light instead of metal to penetrate the skin and open capillaries.

Tips

  • Always wash and dry the sampling site before using a lancing device. Use an alcohol pad to sanitize the area.
  • Try lancing the sides of the fingertips instead of the central finger pads.
  • Use the lowest possible setting necessary to obtain a good sample. Users with thin skin should start with the lowest setting. Users with thicker or calloused skin should start with a higher setting.
  • Changing the gauge of a lancet can make a noticeable difference if pain is an issue.
  • Never share a lancet with another user. Lancets should be treated like hypodermic needles, and users should observe the same safety protocols.
  • Vigorous shaking or waving the hand can improve capillary blood flow before testing.
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Expert tip
Do not share devices with other people to avoid possible infection
BestReviews Medical Expert
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Alternative blood sampling sites include the palm, upper arm, forearm, thigh, and calf. However, samples taken from these areas may affect the blood sugar test results.

FAQ

Q. My partner and I are both type 2 diabetics. Can we share the same lancing device?

A. You can use the same lancing device to obtain blood samples, but you shouldn't use the same lancets. Make sure the lancing device contains a fresh, sterile lancet every time you or your partner use it.

Q. My new lancing device has multiple settings. How can I tell which setting would be right for me?

A. There are several methods for determining the best setting for your fingertips. Some users automatically set a new lancing device to a medium level and adjust up or down after the first test. Others start at the lowest setting and work their way up until they find a level that punctures the skin but does not penetrate too deeply or cause undue pain.

Q. My doctor recently diagnosed me with type 2 diabetes, and I dislike the inexpensive lancing device that came with my blood testing kit. Is a high-end lancing device really worth the extra money?

A. The answer largely depends on how much daily blood sugar testing you need to perform. Some type 2 diabetics, especially those who are insulin-dependent, must test several times a day. Others may only check their blood sugar once in the morning or once at night. Frequent testers may find that a high-end lancing device is less painful and easier to adjust. Infrequent testers, however, may not notice much difference between a $10 lancing device and a $90 upgrade.

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