Need advice on best lancing pen or device

[MelanieP and Ninja]

For those of you “veterans” who have used a variety of lancing pens or devices over the years, I am hoping you can share with the newbies your experience with various brand devices and lancet combinations; letting us know your favorites and why. Specifically, I am wondering if there is value to purchasing a different lancing pen – different than the free one that came with my meter. My pen works fine but the spring action is a little jarring to my cat – and I read that there may be smoother/better options out there. Since BG testing is so critical to my cat’s health, and testing is something that will be done frequently, for months or years to come, I do not mind investing a few dollars in a device that might be less painful, less jarring, but still effective.

I have been reading up on the One Touch Delica, One Touch Ultrasoft Penlet, AccuChek SoftClix & SoftClix Plus, and AccuChek Multiclix. If anyone has experience with these or ANY OTHER brand of pen or lancing device please let me know (both good and bad). I would also be interested in knowing the brand and size of lancet you use with your preferred pen.

I know that many of you free-hand, though I have not been successful with that (maybe in time) – but for now any advice on the gentlest, most effective lancing pens or devices would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks to all!

 

[Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA]

Hi,

We switched meters some time ago, but I can't remember what the original one was called. Each came with its own lancing device and the were quite different. For a while, I liked one better than the other, but now I am pretty neutral and so is Basil. What I DO know is that it is worth spending the extra 30 seconds to be sure his ear is warm! When he's had his little warm-rice-sock massage and is all relaxed, he really doesn't seem to care which device we use.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[squeem3]

Here is a lancet gauge comparision chart: http://www.walgreens.com/marketing/library/centers/diabetes/lancets.jsp

28 gauge is a good size to get blood from a cat. Anything over 30 gauge is too thin to get enough blood, especially for newbies.

I really like the AccuChek SoftClick. The SoftClick is easy to use. I had it set on 3 and always got enough blood from my cat's warmed up ear. When I dropped the lancet device and it broke, AccuChek customer service was happy to send me a replcement for free Of course, I did not tell them that I was using it on a cat, just said I dropped it while trying to test.

I didn't like the MultiClix because it was too fat for my small hands to comfortably hold. The MulitClix uses a small drum that is pre-loaded with lancets, which is supposed to help limit the need to handle lancets all the time.

Do not ever use the CVS Pharmacy generic lancet device. It is impossible to use. The thing sets itself off with the slightest touch. You can't pick it up without having to reset it multiple times :-Q I didn't like how to set the lancet device you had to pull the end out and twist it and push it back in, not a simple push like you would do with a retractable ballpoint pen.

 

[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

I swear by BD Ultra-fine II 30 Gauge Lancets. Hands down the best. I use them freehand, as I was never comfortable with automatic pens. The BD's are ultra sharp and make freehanding very easy since it is slower than the device. Even with the 30G I would get a good size drop.

Last time I looked for them, I had a hard time finding them, so not sure if they are still being made. BD may make crap for syringes, but their lancets are the best.

 

[SHK]

Thanks for that comparison link, squeem3! I started with the Relion lancing device that came with the meter I bought, but it was broken. The company is sending me a new one, but in the meantime (I can't freehand - not yet, anyway), I bought a Walgreens store-brand lancing device. It works well on the 2nd to the longest setting. I am a brand newbie, and I use the Relion Ultra Thin lancets (30g) and find I get the perfect drop of blood for the Relion Confirm meter I use. I learned later that newbies are supposed to start with bigger lancets, but I got lucky with the 30g ones. Hope this info helps you!

Lancing device: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgre ... 56-product
Lancet link: http://www.relion.com/diabetes/lancets (Ultra Thin, not Ultra Thin Plus)