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CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge 100s

CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge 100s

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  • ✔️ Sterile 28 gauge lancets for accurate blood glucose sampling
  • ✔️ 0.36mm needle minimises fingertip discomfort during testing
  • ✔️ Single-use design eliminates infection risk from reuse
  • ✔️ 100 lancets per pack for consistent, uninterrupted monitoring
  • ✔️ Compatible with most standard UK lancing devices

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Are CareSens N Diabetic Lancets 28 Gauge Right for You?

 

If you monitor your blood glucose at home, the lancet you choose matters more than you might think. The CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge 100s are sterile, single-use lancets designed to make finger-prick testing as straightforward and comfortable as possible. Each pack contains 100 lancets, giving you a reliable supply at an accessible price of just £5.99. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or you're monitoring blood sugar for another clinical reason, having a consistent, quality lancet is a small but important part of your daily routine. You can explore the full range of testing supplies in our diabetes monitoring collection.

Blood glucose monitoring is a cornerstone of diabetes self-management. The NHS recommends that people with diabetes check their blood sugar regularly to understand how food, activity, and medication affect their levels. Using a lancet that is the right gauge for your skin type helps ensure you get a clean, adequate blood sample first time — reducing the need for repeat pricks and the discomfort that comes with them.

 

How Do CareSens N Lancets Work?

 

The mechanism is simple but precise. Each lancet is a fine, sterile needle housed in a plastic cap. When loaded into a compatible lancing device and activated, the needle briefly penetrates the skin — typically at the side of a fingertip — to produce a small droplet of capillary blood. That droplet is then applied to a blood glucose test strip for analysis by your meter.

  • The 0.36mm diameter needle is engineered to minimise tissue trauma
  • The 28 gauge specification balances sample adequacy with reduced discomfort
  • Each lancet is individually sealed to maintain sterility until use
  • The protective cap prevents accidental needle exposure before and after use

 

Who Should Use CareSens N Lancets?

 

These lancets are suitable for most adults who self-monitor blood glucose at home. They are particularly well suited to people who test frequently and want a cost-effective, reliable option. They are not intended for use in clinical laboratory settings.

  • Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who self-monitor blood glucose
  • People using insulin who need to test multiple times daily
  • Those who prefer a 28 gauge lancet for adequate blood flow
  • Carers assisting a family member with blood glucose testing

Children may also use lancets under adult supervision, but always follow guidance from your diabetes care team regarding appropriate gauge and depth settings for younger users.

 

How Do CareSens N Lancets Compare to Other Lancets?

 

Feature CareSens N Lancets 28G Typical 30G Lancet
Needle diameter 0.36mm (28 gauge) 0.30mm (30 gauge)
Blood sample ease Good — suits thicker skin May require more pressure
Pack size 100 lancets Varies (50–200)
Price per lancet ~£0.06 Varies

 

Are CareSens N Lancets Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

 

For most people, diabetic lancets 28 gauge offer a good balance between obtaining a sufficient blood sample and keeping discomfort to a minimum. If you have particularly sensitive fingertips or test very frequently, you might discuss with your pharmacist or diabetes nurse whether a finer gauge (such as 30G or 33G) would be more appropriate for your skin type. Rotating your testing sites — using different fingers and different areas of each fingertip — also helps prevent soreness and callus build-up over time.

Storage is straightforward. Keep lancets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use a lancet if the individual seal has been broken or damaged, as sterility cannot be guaranteed. If you're also managing other aspects of your health alongside diabetes, our vitamins and supplements collection includes products that may support general wellbeing.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge 100s specifications
Treatment category Diabetes monitoring / blood glucose testing
Mechanism of action Sterile needle punctures skin to produce capillary blood sample
Effective for Capillary blood sampling for blood glucose monitoring
Suitable for Adults and children (under supervision) with diabetes
Active ingredient N/A — medical device
Pack size 100 lancets
Gauge / diameter 28 gauge / 0.36mm
UK classification Medical device (CE marked)
Preparation Sterile, single-use lancet
Route of administration Percutaneous (finger prick)

Specifications of CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge 100s

 

What Are CareSens N Lancets and What Are They Used For?

 

CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge are sterile, single-use medical devices used to obtain a small capillary blood sample from the fingertip. They are used as part of home blood glucose monitoring — a routine that helps people with diabetes track their blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about food, activity, and medication. The NHS advises that regular self-monitoring is particularly important for people using insulin, as it helps prevent both hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).

Each lancet in this 100-pack is individually sealed to maintain sterility. They are designed for use with a standard lancing device and are compatible with most devices available in the UK. They are not intended for use on any site other than the fingertip unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using CareSens N Lancets?

 

These lancets are generally safe for most adults and children under supervision. However, there are some important points to be aware of before you begin.

Do not use if:

  • The individual lancet seal is broken or damaged
  • The lancet appears visibly damaged or bent
  • You are unsure how to use a lancing device safely — seek guidance from your diabetes care team first

Warnings and precautions:

  • For single use only — never reuse a lancet, as this blunts the needle and increases infection risk
  • Do not share lancets with another person under any circumstances
  • Always dispose of used lancets in an approved sharps container immediately after use
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • If you have poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy, consult your diabetes nurse about the most appropriate testing technique

Known interactions:

  • No drug interactions — this is a medical device, not a medicine
  • Certain medications (e.g. high-dose vitamin C, some antibiotics) may affect blood glucose meter readings — consult your pharmacist if you are unsure

 

How Should You Use CareSens N Lancets?

 

Using your lancets correctly ensures you get an accurate blood sample with minimal discomfort. Follow these steps each time you test.

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them completely
  2. Remove a lancet from its individual packaging, keeping the protective cap on until ready
  3. Insert the lancet into your lancing device and twist off the protective cap
  4. Set the depth dial on your lancing device to an appropriate level for your skin type
  5. Place the lancing device firmly against the side of your fingertip
  6. Press the release button to activate the lancet
  7. Gently squeeze your finger to encourage a small blood droplet to form
  8. Apply the blood droplet to your test strip as directed by your glucose meter instructions
  9. Remove the used lancet from the device and place it directly into a sharps bin
  10. Record your result as advised by your diabetes care team
User group Recommended gauge Depth setting guidance Frequency
Adults (general) 28G Start at mid-range; adjust as needed As directed by clinician
Adults (thicker skin) 28G Higher depth setting As directed by clinician
Children (supervised) 28G or finer Lower depth setting As directed by clinician

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of CareSens N Lancets?

 

Because these are mechanical devices rather than medicines, side effects relate to the physical act of skin puncture rather than any pharmacological action. Most people tolerate finger-prick testing well, especially when technique is good and sites are rotated regularly.

Common side effects:

  • Brief, mild pain or stinging at the puncture site
  • Minor bruising, particularly with frequent testing
  • Small amount of bleeding beyond the required droplet

Less common side effects:

  • Skin calluses or thickening with repeated testing at the same site
  • Localised skin irritation or redness
  • Rarely, minor infection at the puncture site if hygiene is not maintained

If you notice signs of infection — such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge — contact your GP. Rotating your testing sites and always using a fresh lancet significantly reduces these risks. You can find further support for skin-related concerns in our skin care collection.

 

How Should You Store CareSens N Lancets?

 

Correct storage keeps your lancets sterile and ready to use. Follow these guidelines:

  • Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat
  • Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink where humidity is high
  • Keep the box closed when not in use
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children
  • Do not use lancets past the expiry date printed on the packaging
  • Dispose of used lancets immediately in an approved sharps container — never in household waste

For guidance on obtaining a sharps disposal container, speak to your GP surgery, local pharmacy, or contact your local council. Many NHS services provide sharps bins free of charge to people with diabetes. If you're looking for additional diabetes management tools, our electrical health and diagnostic collection includes blood glucose meters and related accessories.

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Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy CareSens N Lancets 28 Gauge online in the UK?

You can buy CareSens N Lancets 0.36mm/28 Gauge 100s directly from Cured Pharmacy for just £5.99, with fast UK delivery. They are available without a prescription as an over-the-counter medical device. Browse our full diabetes monitoring collection for meters, test strips, and other accessories.

How do CareSens N Lancets work?

Each lancet contains a fine sterile needle that, when activated via a lancing device, briefly pierces the skin at the fingertip to produce a small capillary blood droplet. That droplet is then applied to a blood glucose test strip for analysis by your meter. The 28 gauge diameter is designed to balance adequate blood flow with minimal discomfort.

How do I use CareSens N Lancets step by step?

Wash and dry your hands, insert the lancet into your lancing device, remove the protective cap, and set your preferred depth. Press the device firmly against the side of your fingertip and activate it, then gently squeeze to produce a blood droplet. Dispose of the used lancet immediately in a sharps bin — never in general household waste.

Are CareSens N Lancets compatible with all lancing devices?

CareSens N Lancets are designed to be compatible with most standard universal lancing devices available in the UK. However, it is always worth checking your specific lancing device manual to confirm compatibility before use. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or diabetes care team for advice.

Can I reuse a lancet to save money?

No — lancets are strictly single-use only. Reusing a lancet blunts the needle tip, making subsequent pricks more painful and increasing the risk of skin trauma. There is also a significant infection risk associated with reuse, as the needle is no longer sterile after first use.

What gauge lancet is best for people with thicker skin?

A 28 gauge lancet, like the CareSens N, is often a good choice for people with thicker or calloused fingertip skin, as the slightly wider needle diameter makes it easier to obtain an adequate blood sample. If you find you still struggle to get enough blood, try increasing the depth setting on your lancing device. Your diabetes nurse can advise on the most appropriate gauge for your individual needs.

What are the side effects of using finger-prick lancets?

Side effects are generally minor and include brief pain, small bruises, or mild skin irritation at the puncture site. With regular testing, some people develop calluses or skin thickening if they always use the same finger. Rotating your testing sites across different fingers and different areas of each fingertip helps prevent this.

How should I dispose of used CareSens N Lancets safely?

Used lancets must be placed in an approved sharps disposal container immediately after use — never loose in household bins or recycling. Many GP surgeries and local councils provide sharps bins free of charge to people with diabetes. Contact your local pharmacy or council for collection arrangements in your area.

What is the difference between 28 gauge and 30 gauge lancets?

Gauge refers to needle thickness — the higher the gauge number, the finer the needle. A 28 gauge lancet (0.36mm) is slightly wider than a 30 gauge (0.30mm), which can make it easier to obtain a blood sample, particularly for people with thicker skin. A 30 gauge lancet may cause less discomfort for those with sensitive fingertips or who test very frequently.

Who is eligible to use CareSens N Lancets?

These lancets are suitable for adults and children (under adult supervision) who need to self-monitor blood glucose at home. They are commonly used by people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, particularly those on insulin therapy. Always follow the guidance of your diabetes care team regarding how often and when to test.

How often should I change my lancet?

You should use a new, sterile lancet for every single blood glucose test — that means changing it every time without exception. Reusing lancets is associated with increased pain, skin damage, and infection risk. With 100 lancets per pack at £5.99, the cost per test is minimal.

Can children use CareSens N Lancets?

Children can use lancets under the direct supervision of a responsible adult. Your child's diabetes care team will advise on the appropriate gauge, depth setting, and testing frequency for their age and skin type. Always store lancets and sharps bins out of reach of unsupervised children.

What are the alternatives to CareSens N Lancets?

Alternatives include lancets from other brands such as Accu-Chek, BD, and Unistik, available in various gauges from 28G to 33G. Some people with diabetes also use flash glucose monitoring systems (such as the FreeStyle Libre) or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to reduce the need for finger-prick testing altogether. Speak to your diabetes team about which option suits your lifestyle and clinical needs. You can also explore our electrical health and diagnostic collection for monitoring devices.

How long can I use CareSens N Lancets for?

You can continue using lancets for as long as you need to self-monitor your blood glucose — there is no clinical time limit on their use. The key is to always use lancets within their expiry date and to store them correctly. Your diabetes care team will review your monitoring needs at regular check-ups.

What does the latest guidance say about blood glucose self-monitoring?

NICE guidance (NG28) recommends that adults with type 1 diabetes test their blood glucose at least four times daily, including before each meal and before bed. For type 2 diabetes, the frequency depends on treatment type — those on insulin typically test more often. The NHS also supports the use of flash and continuous glucose monitoring as alternatives for eligible patients.

How Should You Use CareSens N Lancets?

Using your lancets correctly every time makes a real difference — both to your comfort and to the accuracy of your blood glucose results. Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before testing, as moisture or residue on the skin can affect your reading.

Rotate your testing sites regularly — use different fingers and different areas of each fingertip — to prevent soreness and callus formation.

What Is the Correct Dose of CareSens N Lancets?

There is no pharmacological dose for a lancet, but the correct "dose" in practical terms means using one fresh, sterile lancet per test — every single time. The table below summarises recommended testing frequency by user group, based on NHS and NICE guidance.

When Is the Best Time to Use CareSens N Lancets?

The timing of blood glucose testing depends on your individual diabetes management plan. For most people using insulin, testing before each meal and at bedtime is standard practice — this helps you adjust your insulin dose appropriately and spot patterns in your glucose levels. Your diabetes care team will give you personalised guidance on when to test based on your treatment regimen and lifestyle.

Some people also test after meals (postprandial testing) to understand how specific foods affect their blood sugar. If you feel unwell, dizzy, or suspect a hypoglycaemic episode, test immediately regardless of your usual schedule.

How Long Can You Use CareSens N Lancets For?

You can continue using lancets for as long as blood glucose self-monitoring is part of your diabetes management plan — there is no clinical time limit. Each lancet in the pack carries an expiry date; do not use lancets beyond this date, as sterility cannot be guaranteed. With 100 lancets per pack, a person testing four times daily would use one pack approximately every 25 days.

Your diabetes care team will review your monitoring needs at regular appointments and may adjust your testing frequency over time. If you are transitioning to a flash or continuous glucose monitoring system, discuss with your clinician whether finger-prick testing is still required alongside it.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of CareSens N Lancets?

Because CareSens N Lancets are a medical device rather than a medicine, side effects relate to the physical act of skin puncture rather than any pharmacological action. The vast majority of people tolerate finger-prick testing well, particularly when technique is correct and testing sites are rotated regularly.

  • Brief, mild pain or stinging at the puncture site
  • Small amount of bleeding beyond the required droplet
  • Minor bruising, particularly with frequent daily testing
  • Temporary redness at the puncture site

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of CareSens N Lancets?

Less common effects tend to develop over time, particularly if the same testing sites are used repeatedly or if lancets are reused. Good technique and site rotation significantly reduce the likelihood of these occurring.

  • Skin calluses or thickening at frequently used testing sites
  • Persistent localised skin irritation or dryness
  • Numbness or reduced sensitivity at heavily used fingertips
  • Difficulty obtaining an adequate blood sample due to callus formation

What Are the Serious Side Effects of CareSens N Lancets?

Serious side effects are rare when lancets are used correctly and hygiene is maintained. However, there are a small number of situations that warrant prompt medical attention.

  • Signs of localised infection at the puncture site — increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
  • Cellulitis (spreading skin infection) — seek urgent medical advice if redness spreads beyond the puncture site
  • Accidental needle-stick injury to another person — follow your local sharps injury protocol and seek medical advice promptly

The risk of infection is substantially reduced by always using a fresh, sterile lancet for each test and disposing of used lancets immediately in an approved sharps container.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For minor side effects such as soreness or bruising, rotating your testing sites and adjusting the depth setting on your lancing device usually resolves the issue. Applying gentle pressure with a clean tissue after testing helps minimise bruising. If you develop signs of infection — redness, swelling, warmth, or pus — contact your GP promptly. Do not attempt to treat a suspected skin infection at home without professional advice.

If you experience an accidental needle-stick injury, wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water, encourage the wound to bleed gently, and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Report the incident to your GP or local urgent care service.

Can CareSens N Lancets Interact With Other Medicines?

As a mechanical medical device, CareSens N Lancets have no direct drug interactions. However, it is worth noting that certain medicines can affect the accuracy of blood glucose meter readings rather than the lancet itself. High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid), some antibiotics, and certain other medications have been reported to interfere with some glucose meter technologies. If you are taking any new medicines and notice unexpected changes in your blood glucose readings, speak to your pharmacist or diabetes care team for guidance.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

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Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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