Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing area in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending from the sensing area into substantially the entire interior space of the tissue piercing elements; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing area.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing area in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending from the sensing area into substantially the entire interior space of the tissue piercing elements; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface penetration device, a method to use the device, and an analyte monitor. Embodiments of the surface penetration device include a substrate with first and second surfaces, and first and second tissue piercing elements, the elements differing in configuration, but each associated with the first surface of the substrate. At least some of the tissue piercing elements have a distal and a proximal opening and a lumen extending between the openings. The proximal openings are in fluid communication with an opening in the second surface of the substrate. Embodiments of the analyte monitor include the features of the penetration device plus an analyte sensor that detects an analyte in a fluid. Embodiments of the method of penetrating tissue include providing a surface penetration device and urging the surface penetration device against a tissue surface until some of the first and second tissue piercing elements penetrate the tissue surface.

Abstract: An analyte monitor is provided with a sensor unit body configured for mounting on tissue, a sensor configured to detect an analyte in a fluid in the sensing area, an output device configured to communicate a result from the sensor to a user; and a user input device coupled with the sensor and the output device, wherein the monitor is configured to communicate a result to the user through the output device only after the user input device is activated. Systems, sensors and methods associated with the monitor are also disclosed.