Abstract: An activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test is described which employs fresh, whole blood that has not been anticoagulated. The method employs a disposable cuvette having specific reagents placed therein. A sample of whole blood is introduced into the cuvette which is drawn into at least one conduit by a pneumatic pump. Initially, the calcium in the sample is chelated at a first reaction site in the conduit, and thereafter is moved through the conduit to a second reaction site where the sample is coagulated by an APTT reagent. After a predetermined incubation time, the sample is moved to a third reaction site where it is recalcified. Clotting time is measured from the time that the sample is recalcified to the time that clot formation is visibly detected.

Abstract: A lancet device uses a planar blade that implements an incision in the skin of a patient using a slicing action. There is a blade support arm pivotably secured within a hollow housing. The pivot connection between the blade support arm and the housing is formed by a pivot pin which extends from the housing and is positioned in a slot receptacle formed on the blade support arm. The pivot pin is free to reciprocally move within the slot receptacle as the blade support arm pivot about the pivot pin. The rotation of the blade support arm about the pivot pin is implemented by a bias spring. The path traversed by the blade support arm as it pivots is controlled by a groove located on the interior surface of the housing which engages a projection that extends from the blade support arm. As such, when the support arm pivots from a first position to a second position, the projection on the blade support arm traverses the groove in the housing.