Industry Knowledge
Factors that determine the penetration depth of the blood collection needle
Founded in 2002, Suzhou Texnet is a leading China-based supplier specializing in high-quality disposable medical products. Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park — just an hour’s drive from Shanghai — we are proud to hold CE and ISO 13485 certifications by TÜV , and we are FDA-registered , ensuring our products meet international quality and safety standards.
One such critical product in our portfolio is the blood lancet — a small but essential tool used for capillary blood sampling. Understanding how these devices work helps both healthcare professionals and patients achieve reliable results with minimal discomfort.
1. Lancet Design: Fixed vs. Adjustable
At Suzhou Texnet, we manufacture both fixed-depth and adjustable Blood lancets , catering to different user preferences and clinical applications. While fixed-depth lancets are ideal for routine use, our adjustable models allow users to fine-tune penetration settings based on skin thickness and sensitivity.
Example: A dial setting of "1" might only pierce the top layer of skin, while a setting of "11" may penetrate deeper into the dermis.
2. Skin Thickness and Condition at the Puncture Site
The effectiveness of a lancet also depends on the thickness and firmness of the skin at the puncture site. Areas like fingertips can become calloused over time, especially among diabetic patients who frequently monitor their blood sugar levels.
Our lancets are designed to provide consistent performance regardless of the puncture site — whether it's the fingertip, forearm, or thigh — making them suitable for both daily users and professional healthcare environments.
Tip from Suzhou Texnet: Rotating puncture sites can help prevent excessive callus formation and reduce discomfort over time.
3. Device Settings in Spring-Loaded or Automatic Lancet Devices
Many modern lancing devices feature spring-loaded mechanisms that ensure rapid, precise penetration. These devices often come with adjustable depth settings , which our clients can customize depending on patient comfort and required blood volume.
We offer compatible lancets for a wide range of automatic lancing devices, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across various brands and models.
Important Note: Using too high a depth setting unnecessarily can lead to increased pain, bruising, or even accidental injury.
4. Purpose of the Blood Collection
The amount of blood needed directly influences the required penetration depth:
For glucose testing , only a small drop of blood is sufficient.
In newborn screening or blood gas tests , where larger volumes may be required, slightly deeper punctures might be necessary.
Our lancets are engineered to deliver precise and reliable results , no matter the application.
5. Patient-Specific Factors
Each individual’s age, skin type, and pain sensitivity can influence the choice of lancet depth. At Suzhou Texnet, we understand the importance of personalized care, which is why we offer a variety of lancet options tailored to different demographics:
Children and elderly patients often require gentler, shallower punctures due to thinner skin layers.
Frequent users , such as those managing diabetes, benefit from our smooth-chisel tip design, which minimizes discomfort during repeated use.
6. Type of Lancet Tip and Gauge
We produce lancets with conical, chisel, and diamond-shaped tips , each designed to optimize ease of penetration and minimize pain. Additionally, we offer different needle gauges (e.g., 28G, 30G) to suit various usage scenarios.
For example, a 28-gauge lancet is slightly thicker and may require less depth than a 30-gauge lancet to achieve the same result.
7. Proper Technique and Device Placement
Even with optimal settings, incorrect placement or angle of the device can affect how well the lancet works. At Suzhou Texnet, we provide clear instructions and training materials to ensure safe and effective use of our products.
Best Practice: Hold the device firmly against the skin at a 90-degree angle and press the trigger without applying extra force.
Clinical Considerations
At Suzhou Texnet, we take quality control seriously. Our dedicated QC team ensures that every batch of Blood lancets meets strict international standards before shipment. We believe that sterility, precision, and consistency are non-negotiable when it comes to disposable medical products.
Infection Control: All our lancets are single-use and individually sterile-packaged to prevent cross-contamination.
Pain Management: Proper depth adjustment is key to minimizing pain. Too shallow and no blood flows; too deep and the patient experiences unnecessary discomfort.
Device Compatibility: We ensure that our lancets are compatible with major lancing devices used worldwide, offering flexibility and reliability to our customers.