Lancet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lancet
[หlรฆn.sษชt ]
Definition
medical instrument
A lancet is a small, sharp instrument used by medical professionals to make incisions or punctures in the skin. It is commonly used for drawing blood from a finger or for performing minor surgical procedures. Lancets are typically designed for single use, ensuring sterility and minimizing the risk of infection. They are often found in diabetes care kits for blood glucose testing.
Synonyms
blade, scalpel, surgical tool.
Examples of usage
- The nurse used a lancet to obtain a blood sample.
- He pricked his finger with a lancet to check his blood sugar levels.
- Lancets are essential tools in diabetes management.
- Always dispose of lancets in a sharps container.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medical Usage
- Lancets are typically used for blood sampling in diabetes management, allowing patients to test their blood sugar easily.
- The design of a lancet ensures minimal pain while creating a precise cut, which is vital for accurate readings.
- Newer devices have automated lancets that reduce the hurry and risk, making blood sampling quick and effective.
Science
- A lancet must maintain sterility to prevent infections, which is why they are often used only once.
- Research in medical technology continues to improve lancets, focusing on user comfort and efficiency.
- The invention of the puncture device has enhanced the accuracy of clinical diagnosis in various health conditions.
Art
- In historical illustrations, the lancet is often depicted in the hands of doctors or surgeons, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine.
- Artists have used the sharp form of a lancet as a metaphor for precision and clarity in their works.
- Lancets have also been featured in literature and film, symbolizing the fine line between life and death, especially in surgical contexts.
Pop Culture
- In popular medical shows, characters frequently use a lancet to check patientsโ conditions, emphasizing its role in urgent care.
- In video games, a lancet can symbolize precision, sometimes appearing as a tool to enhance characters' abilities.
- The lancet has become a symbol of the modern patient-care experience, representing both fear and the hope of health improvements.
Origin of 'lancet'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'lancet' comes from the Latin word 'lanca', meaning 'lance', representing its sharp point.
- The word has evolved over time since its first recorded use in the 14th century, growing from a general term for a small, pointed instrument to its specific medical usage.
- In medieval times, similar tools were used by barbers who also performed surgeries, showing the historical overlap of healthcare professions.
The word 'lancet' originates from the Old French term 'lancette', which means 'a little lance'. This term itself is derived from 'lance', referring originally to a spear or a pointed weapon. In the late medieval period, the term began to be associated with slender, pointed surgical instruments used by physicians and surgeons. The use of lancets became more widespread in the 17th and 18th centuries as surgical practices evolved, particularly in bloodletting and minor surgical procedures. Over time, the design of the lancet has changed, but its fundamental purpose remains the same: to make incisions or punctures safely and effectively. Today, the lancet is an essential tool in both clinical settings and home healthcare for monitoring various health conditions.