Needles

I change the needle in my pricker thing once a day and I test 4x a day. I take insulin as well and change the insulin needle every time. I’m in Australia and I can go to the chemist and show them the box of needles I need and they give it to me. I’ve never needed a script for them ☺️

I’ve used my needles up to 5 times, as long as you’re the only one using them it’s fine. Keep you kit in a clean place and always wipe with alcohol. The only downside to using it up to 4 times is that it my hurt a little more as the needle gets dull with each use

Thank you! I’m in the UK and have a repeat prescription, I just wonder how many is in a prescription 🤷‍♀️

I use mine twice before throwing away. Any more then they blunt a bit. The need is so fine and bendy so 2 seems to be perfect

I would also double check how many times you need to test. 1 fasting in the morning and after 3 meals is pretty normal which would be 4 times.

The concerns about safety and reusing needles are primarily for using them between people. Most diabetics don't change it every time. Just make sure you wash your hands each time.

@Alisa alcohol is actually not recommended by most of the meter manufacturers because if it doesn't 100% dry it can affect your reading.

@Kate yes you definitely have to let the alcohol dry all the way. I’m a nurse so it’s muscle memory for me! Some blood labs can be effected by alcohol so I always let it dry

I got told to change it after every use tbh. I would feel a bit weird about reusing them

I test 6 times a day too, I was told to change the needle once a day. You will get a box of maybe 200 needles I think in your prescription. I got my box around 29 weeks and currently 39 and still have most of the box left. I change the needles maybe twice a day? Found it was hurting my fingers using the same for 6.

I test 7 times a day. Always told to change every needle. Once it goes into your skin it’s not longer sterile and can harbour bacteria. Don’t get me wrong I have finger prick needles twice but never for my insulin

Oh I use a new needle with every prick! I would imagine the same as you about contamination! Generally when they send a script it’s there pretty sharpish so maybe ring the chemist this morning and see if it’s arrived

I’m testing 4 times a day since 24 weeks. My diabetic midwife wrote me a repeat prescription for 100 strips and 100 needles at a time so it lasts just over 3 weeks each time. The needles come in a pre packaged box of 100. If you’re running out too quickly I’m sure you can ask her to change your prescription to a larger quantity each time x

I was told the needles are single use so change every time. Sometimes I’ll keep it for the morning fasting and after breakfast as it’s only an hour but not longer than that

I do not reuse my finger prick needles more than once it says not too on the box.

@Desaray on my box it says up to 4 times