Lancing device

[Anyasmun]

Hi, I received my cera pet glucometer today, but can’t seem to get the lancing device to puncture my cats skin. It seems like when it ‘fires’ the lancet isn’t being pushed far enough out of the casing to actually prick her skin. I have it held firmly against her and still nothing. Has anyone else had this problem or can advise where I’m going wrong? I’ve now taken the lancet cover off and putting the lancet against the skin then ‘firing’ but obviously that’s not as safe as when the tip is on the lancing device

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

I had to take the cover off mine too. Lancing devices are made to be used on a fleshy finger or similar fleshy area rather than a flimsy ear. The flesh on a finger tends to fill the hole on the top of the device with a little pressure whereas kitty ears do not. Some folks just use the lancet without the lancing device. Try each method and see what works best for you and your kitty.

 

[CandyH & Catcat]

most of us use the lancet freehand to prick with, rather than using the device -- personally I feel more in control that way, can see exactly what I'm doing

plus, many cats get skittish when they hear the device operating, and may shy away from something that big near their ears

 

[Tomlin]

My husband & I also decided to use the lancet freehand & found it much faster, easier, controlled

 

[Autumn'sMom]

I use a ReliOn lancing device, and it has an adjustable (piercing) depth range setting on its cap, maybe yours does too.
I have to keep it set to the deepest setting to get any blood from Autumn's ears. But, on that setting, I almost always get a blood drop on the first or second try.

I have tried freehanding it with just the lancet, but, at least for us, Autumn definitely feels it much more that way (maybe I'm just clumsy).
The ReliOn lancing device does make a sound, but I wouldn't describe it as loud or sharp. Also, I've tried it on myself, and it doesn't really hurt and it is so fast.

 

[Panic]

I use the Relion lancing device too, I personally really like it. I have the Alphatrak lancing device as well but don't care for it, so maybe you'd be more comfortable with a different brand? I at first thought the Relion on the lowest setting wasn't even puncturing past the casing too but when I pressed it against a box I could see the tiny indent it made when it hit. Is your kitty new to being pricked? If so you may just be having trouble getting the ear to bleed.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

It seems like when it ‘fires’ the lancet isn’t being pushed far enough out of the casing to actually prick her skin.

The lancing pens work by "firing" the lancet so the tipe protrudes beyond the end of the cap. The lancet then retracts into the cap so that the end of the lancet tip is recessed into the cap. The lanced tip does not remain protruding from the cap.
Have you tried lancing yourself to see if you can get blood from yourself?
I also use a lancet pen. However, some work a lot better than others I like the ones that come with the OneTouch meters.
Make sure that you backup the back of the ear with a firm material like a cotton cosmetic pad. If not firmly backed up the tip of the lancet will just push the ear away vice puncturing the ear. I always start at the deepest setting of the lance pen for a new cat.