Capillary blood sampling: the pain of single-use lancing devices

Six disposable automatic lancing devices were examined in 50 healthy adult volunteers with regard to pain intensity, blood volume and user safety. Devices with a trigger-linked lancet movement were significantly more painful than those with a preset lancet speed. Residual pain was more frequent after the use of devices with a blade compared to devices with a needle. Only half of the devices reliably produced sufficient blood volumes (> 50 microl). Two of the devices could accidentally be re-used and constitute a hazard for patient and personnel. It is concluded that some of the disposable automatic lancing devices are safe and reliable but none of them causes minimal pain.