Capillary blood sampling: How much pain is necessary?. Part 2: Relation between penetration depth and puncture pain

The relation between penetration depth and puncture pain was studied in 30 healthy subjects with a lancing device which allowed adjustment of depth (0.3–1.1mm). Pain was linearly related to depth as was the blood volume obtained. In about half of the individuals tested, an actual penetration depth of less than 1.0 mm provided sufficient blood for a glucose test.