Abstract: A lancing device comprises a main housing, a movable housing, and a damping ring. The main housing forming an inner aperture that encloses a portion of a lancet assembly. The lancet assembly has a lancet body, a lancet-plunger housing, and a lance. The lancet assembly is adapted to move between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The movable housing is adjacent to the main housing. The moveable housing is adapted to move from a resting position to a cocking position. The moveable housing is adapted to connect to the lancet assembly. The damping ring is adapted to engage the lancet assembly as the lancet assembly moves from the puncture position back towards the resting position to reduce movement of the lancet assembly back towards the puncture position.

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a rotational-release wheel that is disposed on the outer housing of the sensor-dispensing instrument that is turnable to remove a sensor disposed in the sensor slot.

Abstract: A method of using a meter to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The method includes providing a meter with stored default calibration information and stored generic calibration information. The method further includes providing a package including at least one test sensor to receive a fluid sample to be analyzed. The method additionally includes placing the package into the meter and determining whether the received package includes an auto-calibration circuit or label. If the test sensor does not include the auto-calibration circuit or label, the method utilizes the stored default calibration information in the meter to determine the analyte concentration of the sample received by the test sensor. If the test sensor includes the auto-calibration circuit or label, the method utilizes the auto-calibration circuit or label and the stored generic calibration information to determine the analyte concentration of the sample received by the test sensor.

Abstract: A test sensor is made that is adapted to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The method includes providing a lid and providing a base. The lid is attached to the base to form an attached lid-base structure. The lid-base structure has a first end adapted to receive the fluid sample and a second opposing end adapted to be placed into a meter. Auto-calibration information is assigned to the lid-base structure. The second opposing end is formed such that the shape of the second opposing end corresponds to the auto-calibration information.

Abstract: A test sensor assisting in determining an analyte concentration in a fluid sample comprises a lid, a base and a spacer. The spacer has first and second spacer sections. The first spacer section has a first spacer side and a first spacer end. The second spacer section has a second spacer side and a second spacer end. The lid, base and spacer are attached such that a fluid chamber is formed between a portion of a lower lid surface and an upper base surface, and between the first and second spacer sides. The lower lid surface, the upper base surface, the first spacer end and the second spacer end form a side vent therebetween that is in communication with the fluid chamber.