As diabetics need to monitor their sugar levels on a regular basis, they need certain diabetes supplies to test their blood glucose. Diabetic supplies include a glucometer, test strips and lancets. While it is alright to use a glucometer many times, the same cannot be said for needles, test strips and lancets. Needles, lancets and test strips should be disposed of immediately after use in a safe and sanitary manner. Let’s learn how to dispose of needles and lancets.
It is important to know not just how to use them, but also how to dispose of your diabetic supplies safely and properly.
#Tip 1: Never Share
Always remember to use your own needles, lancets and syringes. It is also important to NEVER clean your needles or lancets with alcohol as this removes the coating that helps it slide into your skin. The ripping of the coating makes the syringe or needle dull.
And a dull stick is more painful and offers less blood, leading to wastage of that supply. Also, it is important to not share supplies from a hygiene point of view.
#Tip 2: Disposal of the Insulin Needle
Make sure to immediately dispose of or discard insulin needles if they are bent, dull or unsanitary.
The entire syringe should be placed in an airtight or well-sealed container so that it won’t allow the needle to break through.
#Tip 3: Disposal of Lancets
Lancets are used to collect small blood samples. These also need to be disposed of in a sanitary manner.
Suitable containers for disposing of needles and lancets include a heavy plastic bottle with a screw cap or a plastic box that closes securely. Never use glass.
Make sure to dispose of the pack with a well-written note stating USED SHARPS, DO NOT RECYCLE and put in the regular trash.
There are also store-bought containers that are available for disposing of lancets. You can look for these on diabetic product websites.
Buy lancets at discounted rates.
#Tips 4: Disposal of test strip
Typically, people with diabetes dispose of their blood strips in the same waste container as those in which they dispose of sharps. You should keep them in a sealed bag and then place them. Usually, test strips have instructions inside the package about proper disposal. Make sure to follow them religiously.
It is important to know proper waste handling. Used diabetic supplies such as pen needles, syringes, lancets and blood strips are all considered medical waste. It is your moral duty to keep everyone safe by following proper disposal techniques and guidelines.
If you are someone who follows this, make sure to educate the people around you. Passing on such information is not only beneficial for the person but the community as a whole.
Read More: What are the Important Benefits of Tulsi for Diabetes Patients?
It is also crucial that all diabetic people monitor their sugar levels on a regular basis. Only use the best smartphone glucometer or sugar testing machine for this purpose and make the right lifestyle or dietary changes based on your sugar levels.
Download the BeatO App to consult a diabetes expert for free.
