How to use the lancets in a SELFCheck Blood Test Kit

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Drawing the small amount of blood needed for many self-tests is quite simple using an ‘automatic’ lancet routinely used in hospitals and clinics. The blood is typically taken from the fingertip and only one or two drops of blood is required.

Unistik 3 lancets have been specifically chosen by SELFCheck in their kits as then are simple to use and provide sufficient blood for the test when used correctly. Although the lancets are easy to use, it is important to read and understand the instructions fully before touching the lancet to avoid inadvertently triggering the device, especially as they are once use only.

When triggered a lancet will fire a needle which punctures the fingertip and then within a fraction of a second withdraws back into the lancet plastic moulding. The needle will not be visible at any time during the procedure and cannot be reused once triggered.

Here are some key facts about finger lancets:

• They are used in hospitals and clinics around the world as they are very reliable
• Virtually all lancet failures are due to incorrect use
• The lancets MUST be in firm contact with the fingertip when you activate the lancet
• They can only be used once

Here is a video from Owen Mumford - the Oxford based manufacturer of the Unistik 3 Extra lancet used in SELFCheck test kits