Abstract: A lancing device for use with a lancet for obtaining a blood sample is disclosed. The lancing device comprises a housing; a probe disposed in the housing; and a probe actuator for linearly displacing the probe. The probe is configured for releasably engaging a lancet and is provided with sliding surfaces for slidably engaging a pair of guides. Each sliding surface has a radius of curvature centered about a curvature defining axis, the curvature defining axis being coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the lancet when the lancet is engaged by the probe. The sliding surfaces are continually biased against the pair of guides such that when the lancet is engaged by the probe, the lancet is prevented from translating in any other direction than in a direction parallel to its central longitudinal axis during linear displacement of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte test device (5) for determining concentration of an analyte in a physiologic fluid. The analyte test device (5) includes a test meter (7) and a lancet device (10, 110). The lancet device (10,110) has an integral lancet (20,120), a lancet casing (40,140) and a test strip (60). The lancet (20,120) is locked onto the lancet casing (40,140) by a catch (32,132). When the lancet device (10) is inserted into a receptacle (R) on the test meter (7), a spigot (Q) unlocks the catch (32) from the lancet casing (40) so that the lancet (20) takes on the characteristic of a probe (P) that is connected to a lancet firing mechanism disposed in the test meter (7). Alternatively, a collar (C) on the probe (P) disengages the catch (132) from the lancet casing (140) when the lancet device (110) is inserted into the test meter (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a lancing device designed for minimizing pain to the user, comprising a probe with cam profile responsible for controlling the lancet speed such that the lancet enters the skin relatively fast, decelerates smoothly and gradually to zero velocity at maximum depth of penetration and retracts slowly and controllably. The housing of the lancet comprises of leaf springs and set of guides for minimizing or eliminating pitching or vibration of the lancet during lancing, hence reducing the pain experienced by the user. The lancing device is further equipped with a gear-damper system for minimizing or eliminating noise produced during lancing process.