Lancet (commonly spelled as lanset) is a small, sharp medical instrument used to puncture the skin to obtain a small blood sample for medical testing. It is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories, especially for blood glucose monitoring in diabetic patients.
Lancets are usually made of sterile medical-grade steel and are designed for single-use to ensure safety and prevent infection. They are commonly used with a lancing device, which helps control the depth of skin puncture and makes the process less painful.
