Sore pricks and insufficient blood samples? Tips on selecting and using lancets

Edit date：2026-08-27

Many people with diabetes who monitor blood glucose at home often face challenges with lancing: either insufficient blood after a prick, requiring repeated sticks, or noticeable discomfort from the puncture. In most cases, this stems from choosing the wrong lancet size and penetration depth. Selecting suitable lancing tools and mastering proper techniques can greatly improve daily sampling experience and make blood glucose monitoring easier and smoother.

Many users are unaware that lancets are classified by distinct specifications based on gauge and penetration depth, with different types suited for varying skin textures and user groups. Standard lancets range from 14G to 36G. Per common industry standards, a lower gauge number means a thicker needle and generally yields a larger blood sample. Users may select appropriately according to their sampling needs.

For widely used home lancing pens, the numbered settings 1 to 5 on the device do not indicate needle thickness, but rather skin penetration depth — a key point often misunderstood by people with diabetes. Children and women with fine, thin skin require shallow penetration; settings 1–3 usually suffice. Middle-aged and elderly users, as well as men with thicker skin, often fail to get enough blood at shallow depths and are advised to use settings 3–5 to match their skin condition.

To balance comfort and adequate blood volume, it is recommended to use the lowest effective setting that works for your skin. When sampling, gently pinch the target area, hold the lancing pen firmly against the skin, and quickly press the trigger. This helps obtain sufficient blood for testing while effectively reducing puncture discomfort.

Important Note: Please read the product instructions carefully or purchase and use the product under the guidance of medical professionals. For contraindications and precautions, refer to the instructions.