The word "lancet" is spelled with the letters L-A-N-C-E-T. This word refers to a surgical tool used for making incisions, particularly for drawing blood. The phonetic transcription of "lancet" is /ˈlænsɪt/, where the stress is on the first syllable. The first letter L is pronounced as /l/, followed by the short vowel sound /æ/ and the consonant sound /n/. The second syllable consists of the consonant sound /s/ and the short vowel sound /ɪ/, followed by the consonant sound /t/.
A lancet is a medical tool that consists of a thin, sharp, and pointed blade used to make small incisions or puncture the skin for various purposes. It is primarily employed to obtain small blood samples for testing or to provide access to veins for intravenous injections or blood donation. In addition to medical applications, lancets also find use in other fields such as research, forensics, and body modification.
Traditionally, lancets were made of metal, but modern advancements have introduced disposable lancets made of sterile, single-use materials like plastic or stainless steel. These disposable lancets offer convenience and reduce the risk of infection transmission, making them more popular in healthcare settings.
The design of a lancet typically includes a handle or holder that is easy to grip, ensuring precise control during the procedure. The blade is extremely sharp, with a fine point to minimize tissue trauma and pain for the patient.
Once a blood sample or desired access point is achieved, pressure is applied to promote clotting and prevent excessive bleeding. Following use, disposable lancets are discarded safely in designated sharps containers to prevent accidental injury.
Overall, lancets are indispensable tools in various medical procedures, enabling healthcare professionals to obtain necessary samples or administer treatments with minimal discomfort and risk for the patient.
A surgical knife with a short, wide, sharp-pointed, two-edged blade.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A small, sharp, two-edged knife used by surgeons to open veins, tumours, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lancet" originates from the Old French term "lance" which means "spear" or "lance". It is derived from the Latin word "lancea", which also means "spear". The term "lancet" was originally used to refer to a surgical tool or instrument with a sharp, pointed, and narrow blade resembling the tip of a spear. Over time, it came to specifically denote a surgical instrument used for making small incisions, particularly in bloodletting or venipuncture.