Lancets, as widely used alternatives for obtaining blood samples, have gained global recognition due to their convenience, distinguishing them from traditional methods of vein puncture. Safety lancets, in particular, have become increasingly accepted, offering characteristics such as painless vein puncture, easy handling, and enhanced safety during use. These lancets find applications in various medical procedures, including capillary blood microsampling, cholesterol tests, haemoglobin (HBO) and HIV screening, blood group tests, coagulation tests, allergy tests, and other blood-based diagnostics.
The inception of safety lancets dates back to 1994 when Medlance introduced them with an initiation button and a T-shape cover for enhanced safety, reducing the risk of needle-stick injuries and infections. Notably, in the U.S. alone, chronic hepatitis B virus infections affected around 2.2 million people in 2014, highlighting the critical role of safety lancets in minimizing the prevalence of blood-borne infections. The structural specifications of safety lancets include push-button safety lancets, pressure-activated safety lancets, and side-button safety lancets.
Several factors contribute to the growth of pen needles, including a favorable reimbursement environment, government support in selected countries, the advantages of insulin pens over syringes and vials, technological advancements to minimize pain and needle anxiety, a growing diabetic population, and awareness initiatives through conferences, meetings, and congresses.
The increased awareness and use of lancets and pen needles are driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of diabetes, growing awareness of blood glucose monitoring devices for home care, and a heightened focus on safety measures to prevent infectious diseases.
In the manufacturing landscape, a substantial number of safety lancet manufacturers hail from developing Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. This is primarily due to the lower labor costs and reduced research and development expenditures in these regions. China, as a highly populated and technologically advanced developing country, stands out with a significant number of lancet manufacturers, including renowned names like Guangzhou Improve Medical Instruments Co, Huang, and KDL China.
Additionally, two European companies, HTL Strefa and Sarstedt, have established their presence on a global scale as major manufacturers of lancets and pen needles, contributing to the advancement and accessibility of these medical devices worldwide.
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