Lancets?

[srk4cats]

Which size lancets do you use? I think 33 is the thinest, followed by 30 and 29. Also, how many of you use the lancet guns?

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

It's actually easier to not use the thinnest lancets--I typically use 26-28g. The 30-33g lancets are hard to quickly get a big enough drop of blood with, especially in the beginning when the cat's ear is "learning" to bleed (developing more capillaries between the vein and the outer edge). I do use the lancet device--I find Walmart's Relion device the simplest and easiest to aim with. Many people free-hand the poke though--it's all a matter of what you prefer.

 

[AlphaCat]

Which size lancets do you use?

I use 30 gauge. That's the trial size that came with my ReLiOn machine, I never had a problem getting the blood enough for the test because the machine uses such a small drop. So I just continue to purchase the 30 gauge.

Also, how many of you use the lancet guns?

I started out using the gun that came in the starter kit, but within 2 days I went to free-hand pokes. I have more control over where I poke.

Before I started testing I watched JanetNJ's video in her signature on how to test, and that's how I do it.

Like Julia said, it is all about how you are most comfortable and what works for you and your kitty.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Also, how many of you use the lancet guns?

I use the lancing device. I find it much easier. (I tried 'freehand' and found that harder.) But as Julia said above, it's all about what you prefer.
I like the lancet device because it's really quick, and because my close vision isn't great. I can just aim it at the outer edge of the ear, press, and click. This slightly haphazard technique has served us well for over 10 years now.
.

 

[Cherish Gallagher]

I use 30g without the lancet machine. Never have had any problems getting a sample.

 

[srk4cats]

I use 30 gauge. That's the trial size that came with my ReLiOn machine, I never had a problem getting the blood enough for the test because the machine uses such a small drop. So I just continue to purchase the 30 gauge.


I started out using the gun that came in the starter kit, but within 2 days I went to free-hand pokes. I have more control over where I poke.
I quit after the first time. The noise made both me and Chloe jump. Right now, I have Relion 33 gauge. It's supposed to be the thinnest, but she still cries out most of the time. I'll try the 30 gauge lancets next time and see how it goes.

 

[srk4cats]

It's actually easier to not use the thinnest lancets--I typically use 26-28g. The 30-33g lancets are hard to quickly get a big enough drop of blood with, especially in the beginning when the cat's ear is "learning" to bleed (developing more capillaries between the vein and the outer edge). I do use the lancet device--I find Walmart's Relion device the simplest and easiest to aim with. Many people free-hand the poke though--it's all a matter of what you prefer.

I use the ReLion Prime and hardly ever have trouble getting enough blood. Today, I got too much. Interesting about 'learning' to bleed, did not know that.