What’s the Difference Between a Regular Lancet and a Safety Lancet?

Regular lancets are simple needles encased in plastic. The needle is inserted into a lancing device and removed after use, thus exposing the user to the danger of a “needlestick” injury.

Safety lancets prevent cross-contamination by incorporating the lancing device and the needle into a single, completely disposable unit that can be used only once.

Typically, the needle is not exposed before or after use. This minimizes the risk of both needlestick injury and cross contamination.