15 - 01
D EPARTM ENT O F H E ALTH
Issue:
Raised by:
Capillary Blood Lancing Device - Review
Various; Diabetes Educators (PHC - CAHS / TEHS); Child Health Nurses (PHC - CAHS
/ TEHS).
Background: Pressure activated capillary blood lancing devices (lancets) are used routinely in
remote health centres to collect capillary blood samples for clinical tests including
haemoglobin (Hb), blood glucose (BGL) and INR measurements.
Lancet design varies in the size and shape of the lance needle, and the depth of the
puncture, all of which influence the sample size. Current lancet models used in PHC
Remote are defined by their flow rates - Hi, Medium or Lo. The Hi-flow lancet being
utilised for testing that requires a larger sample (Hb / INR) was found to cause
excessive trauma and bleeding, particularly in children.
Discussion:
A trial of the medium-flow and hi-flow lancets was conducted in Central Australia.
Remote Health Centres were provided with a supply of medium flow lancets and
were requested to trial their use in all situations of use, including INR, Hemocue and
BGL in all age groups. All responses were conclusive that the medium-flow lancet
proved as efficient with less morbidity in comparison with the hi-flow lancet.
It is therefore proposed that it be replaced by the medium-flow device for Hb and
INR testing, particularly in children.
The Lo-flow lancet is adequate and remains available, for BGL testing.
Consultation: NT Diabetes Educators; Various NT remote Health Centres; NT Top End Product
Review Committee
References:
Product literature.
Outcome:
Medium-flow lancets are to be utilised for obtaining capillary routine samples when
testing Hb and INR in PHC Remote Health Centres.
Lancets are available from NT Regional Hospital Stores as follows:
Lancet
Description
Medium Blood Flow
Contact-activated Lancet
 21g / 1.8mm depth
Recommended Use
Hb (HemoCue)
INR (iSTAT/CoaguChek)
 Single-use, disposable
Low Blood Flow (single drop)
Contact-activated Lancet
 30g / 1.5mm depth
 Single-use, disposable
BGL (Glucometer)
Ordering
CA
LANCE 004
Top
End
LANCE 004
CA
LANCE 008
Top
End
LANCE 006