Although some diabetics prick themselves with a lancet, most prefer to use a special lancing device. Using a lancet just once will make it blunter, and therefore more painful to use. There are a variety of ways of getting rid of used lancets safely as they can carry infection. Some companies sell sharps boxes, and GPs can even prescribe sharps bins to dispose of lancets safely.

There are a variety of different lancets and lancing devices on the market, not all of which fit together. Some companies make universal lancing devices, but this is not the case for every manufacturer.