Lancet

Lancet is a surgical instrument used for cutting skin or tissue. It is often used in medical procedures such as venipuncture and lancing. The lancet has a double-edged blade or needle, which is designed to make punctures or incisions as small and painless as possible.

History

The lancet has been used in medicine for centuries. The term "lancet" comes from the Latin lancea, meaning "light spear", which describes the tool's sharp, pointed design. In the past, lancets were commonly used in procedures such as bloodletting and cupping therapy, which were believed to balance the body's humors and promote health.

Design

Modern lancets are typically disposable and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different medical procedures. They are often used in conjunction with a lancet device, which helps to control the depth and speed of the puncture. Some lancets are designed with safety features to prevent accidental injury or cross-contamination.

Uses

Lancets are used in a variety of medical procedures, including:

• Venipuncture: This is the process of drawing blood from the veins, often for testing purposes. A lancet is used to make a small puncture in the vein, allowing blood to be collected in a tube or vial.

• Lancing: This involves making a small incision in the skin to drain fluid or pus from a wound or abscess. A lancet is used to make the incision, and the fluid is then drained out.

• Diabetes management: People with diabetes often need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly. This is typically done by pricking the finger with a lancet to obtain a small sample of blood, which is then tested with a glucose meter.

Safety and hygiene

As with all surgical instruments, it is important to use lancets safely and hygienically. They should be disposed of in a sharps container after use to prevent injury or infection. In addition, the skin should be cleaned before and after use to reduce the risk of infection.

See also

• Surgical instrument
• Venipuncture
• Lancing
• Diabetes management

Lancet Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.