Lancets & Lancing Devices

Lancet gauge refers to needle thickness: the higher the gauge number, the thinner the needle and the more comfortable the poke. Many people find 28–33 gauge a good balance, with higher gauges preferred for sensitive skin. You can adjust the depth setting on most lancing devices to fine-tune comfort.

Yes. Lancets and lancing devices are eligible medical expenses, so you can pay with HSA or FSA funds at checkout. They're also a great fit for AutoShip, since you can reorder these recurring supplies automatically and keep receipts for your records.

For comfort and hygiene, use a fresh lancet for each test. Lancets dull quickly after the first use, which can make testing more painful and increase the risk of irritation, so replacing them every time is best practice.

Most lancets are universal and fit standard lancing devices, but some devices require their own proprietary lancets. Check your device's compatibility before buying, and if you're unsure which lancets match your meter or device, our Product Advisor can help.

Lancets are used with a lancing device to draw a blood sample, not for injecting insulin — insulin pens use their own pen needles. Many people with diabetes carry both for daily care, so check your device and pen instructions to be sure you're using the right component for each task.

Coverage depends on your plan and medical needs, and many plans do cover diabetes testing supplies with a prescription. Check directly with your insurer for specifics. You can also pay with HSA or FSA funds, which makes these recurring supplies easy to budget.

Load a fresh lancet into the device, set the depth to match your skin, place the device against the side of a fingertip, and press the release to collect a small drop of blood. Always follow your device's instructions, and use a new lancet each time for comfort and hygiene.

Place used lancets in a puncture-resistant sharps container — never loose in the trash, where they can cause injury. When the container is full, follow your community's guidelines for sharps disposal, which often include drop-off sites or mail-back programs.