[crpgnut]

I'm brand new to the blood testing arena and my doctor gave me a FreeStyle light device and about 40 strips. The device came with about 10 needles which would only last for 10 tests. Can you re-use the needles? I'm sure it'd stay sharp for more than one session, but the instructions make it sound like you're supposed to pitch the needle after one use. Should I?

[susique333]

Youre talking the lancets right? I change mine only when they start to feel dull which is like every other month! I rub it with alcohol before use and thats it.

[princesslinda]

I change my lancets about once a week, unless I forget, then I change when they start to feel dull. The lancets are not that expensive though, so if you are more comfortable changing frequently, it won't cost that much to do so....but I just don't want to fool with it every time I test (I test 4-5 times a day).

I recently was at "Big Lots" and they had bought out some pharmacy and I bought 3 boxes of 100 lancets for $3/box...I may not need anymore for years!

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by princesslinda

I recently was at "Big Lots" and they had bought out some pharmacy and I bought 3 boxes of 100 lancets for $3/box...I may not need anymore for years!

That's a lifetime supply right there.

[UpNorth]

I use the Accu-Chek multiclix, so it's no problem for me to change lancet everytime, but i don't change for every test Usually i change to a new lancet every day or so now, but before i bought my Aviva with Multiclix, i'd change the lancet when the old one became too blunt

Now i change the lancet drum about once every week... I test 6-12 times per day, depending how i feel... If i changed to a new lancet for each test, i'd use up a lancet drum or 2 everyday

[Jodie]

I changed my lancets when I can no longer get blood from my finger

[morrisma]

I can use a lancet for ages before I feel it needs changing. Often, someone in my office will ask me to test them and that's when I change it - twice. I can go months between.

I reused my bd 30 syringes too when I used them.
Mike

[camjen1]

You have to change them things?

[Jan B]

Originally Posted by camjen1

You have to change them things?

Yep, sometimes I forget for a very long time! I've never used alcohol either (with lancet or injection). Sorry, I can't quote where I found it from, but I once saw a little study about alcohol use, and out of 100 people using alcohol, and 100 not using alcohol, only one infection occured . . . in an alcohol before injection user!

[palefacegirl03]

Change them out twice a year, when the time changes

[xMenace]

Originally Posted by palefacegirl03

Change them out twice a year, when the time changes

I am now using one of these Accuchek six-shooters. That means I can change every three years, right?

[JBUD]

Ive been changeing them every time and recently started to use them more and more i just wipe em and im set .it dosnt matter any way my fingers are so messed up from all the pokes! Does anyone use use there arms ?

[Olidus]

When Its time fo ra new bottle of test strips - its time for a new lancet.

[parrotletzoo]

I checked my sharps container which I got right around my transplant (may 2006) there are 6 lancets in it and i figure maybe I've thrown out three others in the trash. so , i'd say i change mine on average every other month.

basically when it bounces off my finger and i dont bleed.

[Petruchio]

Originally Posted by palefacegirl03

Change them out twice a year, when the time changes

Same here. I test twice a day so they last a while.
So, twice a year I change everything:
The time on the Clocks
The battery in the Smoke Detector
My Lancet