Abstract: A lancing apparatus includes an inner housing, a firing mechanism, a lancing mechanism and a linkage arm. The firing mechanism is configured for producing a firing force in a first direction. The lancing mechanism is configured for delivering a lancing force in a second direction with the second direction being toward a target site and in opposition to the first direction. The linkage arm is pivotably attached to the housing and has first and second ends engaged to the firing and lancing mechanisms, respectively. During use, pivoting of the linkage arm converts the firing force in the first direction into the lancing force in the opposing second direction.

Abstract: An analyte monitoring system for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (e.g., blood) includes an external system housing, a lancing apparatus and a meter for determination of the analyte. The lancing apparatus is integrated with the external system housing and includes an inner housing, a firing mechanism, a lancing mechanism and a linkage arm. The firing mechanism is configured for producing a firing force in a first direction. The lancing mechanism is configured for delivering a lancing force in a second direction with the second direction being toward a target site and in opposition to the first direction. The linkage arm is pivotably attached to the housing and has first and second ends engaged to the firing and lancing mechanisms, respectively. During use, pivoting of the linkage arm converts the firing force in the first direction into the lancing force in the opposing second direction.

Abstract: A medical device package for receiving, and securely and removably retaining, a medical device includes main and minor cap members. The main cap member has a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity with a cavity opening at the proximal end. The cavity is configured to receive, and to securely and removably retain, the medical device at least partially therein. The minor cap member is configured to seal the cavity opening once the medical device has been received in the cavity.

Abstract: A medical device package kit for receiving, and securely and removably retaining, a medical device includes main and minor cap members. The main cap member has a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity with a cavity opening at the proximal end. The cavity is configured to receive, and to securely and removably retain, the medical device at least partially therein. The minor cap member is configured to seal the cavity opening once the medical device has been received in the cavity. Medical device package kits further include a connector adapted for engaging the medical device member and breaching the minor cap member.

Abstract: A medical device package for receiving, and securely and removably retaining, a medical device includes main and minor cap members. The main cap member has a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity with a cavity opening at the proximal end. The cavity is configured to receive, and to securely and removably retain, the medical device at least partially therein. The minor cap member is configured to seal the cavity opening once the medical device has been received in the cavity. A method for extracting a medical device from a medical device package includes first providing a medical device package as described above, with a medical device therein, and a connector. The method also includes breaching the minor cap member with the connector such that at least a portion of the connector enters the cavity of the medical device package. Next, the medical device is engaged by the connector and extracted from the medical device package.

Abstract: A medical device package includes a body with at least one chamber therein, a proximal end and a distal end. The medical device package also includes at least one deformable projection within the chamber(s). Furthermore, the deformable projection is configured to deform resiliently upon contact with a medical device during insertion of the medical device into the chamber and, thereby, removably retain the medical device within the chamber.