Hi Slightly Worried, Each component is completely safe to use. The lancet is single use and therefore is very easy to know whether it had been tampered with before use. The test barrel, buffer solution, lancet and plaster is sealed inside the sterile pouch within a sterile, clean environment. The pouches are visually inspected to ensure that they are sealed and are not open in any way. The buffer solution is harmless and contains no virus. Every component is quality checked and when manufacturing, the complete kits are 100% visually inspected. There is nothing that could cause harm or infection. I hope this helps to put your mind at rest. Kindest regards, Becky