Abstract: Blood sample optimization systems and methods are described that reduce or eliminate contaminates in collected blood samples, which in turn reduces or eliminates false positive readings in blood cultures or other testing of collected blood samples. A blood sample optimization system can include a blood sequestration device located between a patient needle and a sample needle. The blood sequestration device can include a sequestration chamber for sequestering an initial, potentially contaminated aliquot of blood, and may further include a sampling channel that bypasses the sequestration chamber to convey likely uncontaminated blood between the patient needle and the sample needle after the initial aliquot of blood is sequestered in the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: An injector device includes an elongate housing configured to receive container of medicament. The injector device also includes a needle sleeve mounted within the housing and moveable between an extended position in which the needle sleeve at least partially extends from the distal end of the housing, and a retracted position in which the needle sleeve is received further within the housing than in the extended position. The injector device also includes a release mechanism configured to control actuation of a piston rod. The release mechanism includes a rotatable member disposed within the housing and in cooperating engagement with the needle sleeve such that movement of the needle sleeve from the extended position to the retracted position causes the rotatable member to rotate within the housing from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A body fluid testing device having an improved illumination, includes: a test unit including: a sample part having a sheet portion, with body fluid of a user applied onto a first surface thereof; an illumination part having a light source for providing light to the sample part; a battery for supplying power to the illumination part; and a casing receiving a lens group for magnifying the body fluid applied onto the sheet portion; and a user terminal configured such that a camera takes an image of the sample part magnified by the lens group, prior to analyzing the image by the user terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a fluid sample including a sample receiving member having an opening for receiving a fluid sample, wherein the sample receiving member comprises a sample collection chamber; a fluid collector to collect the fluid sample and transfer the fluid sample into the sample receiving member, the fluid collector comprising a lancet and an absorbent material to absorb the fluid sample; and a test cartridge member in fluid communication with the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, kits, and methods for treating skin, such as skin tightening or for treating diseases, disorders, and conditions that would benefit from tissue area or volume reduction, skin restoration, skin tightening, skin lifting, and/or skin repositioning and/or for generally improving skin function or appearance (e.g., the removal of unwanted skin features or irregularities such as sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair follicles, necrosis, and fibrosis). Such apparatuses, systems, kits, and methods comprise an apparatus having a handheld main body and a detachably attachable tip comprising one or more needles.

Abstract: A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the vapor delivery needle can be advanced a predetermined distance into the prostate with a solenoid actuation mechanism. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: A multi-channel pipetting assembly includes a linkage member and a plurality of pipetting structures arranged in parallel. Each pipetting structure includes a pipette body, a piston rod, a piston tube, and an elastic element. The pipette body has a plurality of air chambers with different inner diameters, and the air chambers are arranged axially and communicate with each other. The piston rod is fixed to the linkage member. The piston tube is sleeved on the piston rod. The piston rod and the piston tube are located in the pipette body, and are axially and reciprocatingly movable in the pipette body. The piston rod matches the air chamber with the smallest inner diameter, and the piston tube matches the remaining air chambers. The elastic element is telescopically sleeved on the piston rod and corresponds to the piston tube. Therefore, a plurality of volume ranges meeting the accuracy requirements can be provided.

Abstract: Blood sample optimization systems and methods are described that reduce or eliminate contaminates in collected blood samples, which in turn reduces or eliminates false positive readings in blood cultures or other testing of collected blood samples. A blood sample optimization system can include a blood sequestration device located between a patient needle and a sample needle. The blood sequestration device can include a sequestration chamber for sequestering an initial, potentially contaminated aliquot of blood, and may further include a sampling channel that bypasses the sequestration chamber to convey likely uncontaminated blood between the patient needle and the sample needle after the initial aliquot of blood is sequestered in the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: A handheld lancing device having anesthetic feature includes a housing removably retaining a disposable lancet. A carriage suspended within the housing by an isolation assembly may receive the lancet. A motor in mechanical communication with the lancet produces vibrations transmitted to contact surface, which vibrate a target lancing site prior to and during piercing. The target site is vibrated for a predetermined period of time before deploying the lancet. The isolation assembly permits movement of the carriage and/or lancet within the housing in one direction while limiting movement in other directions, and further dampens the vibrations of the motor from the housing held by the user. A force sensor detects force applied by the pressing of the contact surface against the skin of the patient. An indicator(s) perceivable to the user identifies when predefined positions of the lancet are reached for initiating vibration then triggering the lancet.

Abstract: A medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, a method for assembling the medical device and a method of using the medical device are disclosed. The medical device comprises: an analyte sensor having an insertable portion; an insertion cannula receiving the insertable portion of the analyte sensor; an electronics unit connected with the analyte sensor; and a housing comprising an electronics compartment receiving the electronics unit and a sensor compartment receiving the analyte sensor, the sensor compartment forming a sealed compartment receiving the insertable portion of the analyte sensor, the sealed compartment comprising detachable upper and lower caps, the lower cap configured for detachment before insertion, the insertion cannula being attached to the upper cap, wherein detaching the upper cap after insertion removes the insertion cannula, wherein the electronics compartment at least partially surrounds the sensor compartment.

Abstract: Blood sample optimization systems and methods are described that reduce or eliminate contaminates in collected blood samples, which in turn reduces or eliminates false positive readings in blood cultures or other testing of collected blood samples. A blood sample optimization system can include a blood sequestration device located between a patient needle and a sample needle. The blood sequestration device can include a sequestration chamber for sequestering an initial, potentially contaminated aliquot of blood, and may further include a sampling channel that bypasses the sequestration chamber to convey likely uncontaminated blood between the patient needle and the sample needle after the initial aliquot of blood is sequestered in the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: A microneedle patch applicator housing, being formed from a single sheet or film having a top surface and an undersurface, the housing including a flat peripheral base part and a raised part surround by the peripheral base part and bulging vertically, with respect to the peripheral base part, from the undersurface toward the top surface, an undersurface portion of the raised part forming a surface supporting a microneedle patch, the raised part including a plurality of concavely bent parts, and the concavely bent parts each having a concave bottom toward a direction away from a center portion of the raised part.

Abstract: A sheath for an oximetry device includes a top and a body where the top opens to provide an opening where the oximetry device can be placed into the body of the sheath. The top of the sheath can be closed onto the body and the closure of the top can be verified by circuits in the oximetry device. The circuits can monitor the position of a latch that is connected to the top of the sheath. The circuits can determine when the latch is unlatched and the top is open and not sealed closed to the body. And, the circuits can determine when the latch is latched and the top is closed and sealed to the body.

Abstract: A lancing device has a domed structure that can be depressed by application of a force by a user's finger so as to expose the tip of a needle. The domed structure is configured to move from a non-depressed state to a depressed state in a manner that allows for the piercing of the user's finger. The domed structure may then recoil to its original, non-depressed position upon the user ceasing to apply the force. Other embodiments of a lancing device are disclosed.

Abstract: A blood sequestration device includes an inlet path, an outlet path, a sequestration chamber, and a sampling channel. The sequestration chamber is connected with the inlet path by a junction and is configured to receive a first portion of blood through the inlet path. The sequestration chamber has a vent that allows air to be displaced by the first portion of blood, the junction being configured to inhibit a return to the inlet path of any of the first portion of blood received by the sequestration chamber. The sampling channel is connected between the inlet path and the outlet path, and configured to convey subsequent amounts of blood between the inlet path and the outlet path after the first amount of blood is received by the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for collection and testing of a biologic sample in a self-diagnostic test. The system and method comprise collecting by a user of a testing device a biologic sample for use with the testing device, assigning correlative values as test results, and receiving the test results at a server disposed on a network. Some aspects include a mobile application operating on a mobile device with which the user interacts. These aspects allow advertisements and other messages to be presented to the user through the mobile application. Some aspects present different messages to the user based on the type of self-diagnostic test the user is conducting.

Abstract: Provided is an otitis media treatment instrument and, more particularly, to an otitis media treatment instrument having a ventilation tube installed thereon, the otitis media treatment instrument including: a cutting sheath which is configured in a tube shape, and which has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the ventilation tube; and a suction pipe formed to be able to move relative to the cutting sheath inside the cutting sheath along the longitudinal direction of the cutting sheath, the suction pipe having, on the front end portion thereof, an insertion portion having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the ventilation tube and having a fixing portion which extends toward the front end of the insertion portion, and which has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the ventilation tube.

Abstract: In a photoacoustic image generation apparatus and an operation method of the photoacoustic image generation apparatus, all positions of an insert during puncture can be accurately grasped on an image after an examination. A photoacoustic image generation apparatus includes a photoacoustic image generation unit that generates a photoacoustic image based on a detection signal acquired by detecting a photoacoustic wave emitted from a tip portion of an insert inserted into a subject using acoustic wave detection means, and a control unit that causes a storage unit to store position information of the tip portion of a puncture needle on the photoacoustic image in response to a predetermined trigger during a step of collecting a cell of the subject at the tip portion of the puncture needle in cytology.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a biological sample, such as a capillary blood collection device, that has the ability to lance and squeeze the finger, collect the sample, stabilize the sample, and subsequently dispense the sample in a controlled manner is disclosed. The device also simplifies and streamlines the capillary blood collection by eliminating workflow variabilities which are typically associated with low sample quality including hemolysis and micro-clots.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A test cartridge includes an adjustable lancet. The adjustable lancet is controlled by a controller. The adjustable lancet automatically detects a subject's finger, adjusts the lancet's height, pricks the finger to draw blood, moves a tube to collect the blood, moves the tube away from the finger, and empties the blood from the tube into a vial or receptacle. The adjustable lancet may include safety features to prevent the lancet to trigger when the subject's fingernail is facing the lancet, to control the amount that the lancet pierces the subject's finger, and/or to prevent the reuse of a test cartridge for multiple persons or multiple times by the same person. The adjustable lancet may include a massager wheel and/or a pressure bar to rub the subject's finger after the finger is pierced to facilitate drawing of the blood from the finger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the shape and/or position of a moveable fluid-fluid meniscus, and methods of use, in particular a method to control the shape of a moveable fluid-fluid meniscus in an apparatus in which the meniscus is caused to align along a stable capillary barrier or phaseguide.

Abstract: Single use inserter system comprising a housing part and a lid part, the inserter system comprising a carrier part in an initial position in the housing and a drive unit comprising a first drive part attached to the housing, the drive unit comprising at least one spring element supported by the first drive part, wherein the drive unit is configured for moving the carrier part from a first position to a second position in relation to the housing in an insertion direction along a first axis. The inserter system comprises a transcutaneous device having a proximal surface and a distal surface, wherein the transcutaneous device is detachably attached to the carrier part, the inserter system comprising at least one transport protection element preventing movement of the carrier part in a direction along the first axis thereby supporting the carrier part in the initial position.

Abstract: An insertion/retraction mechanism for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The insertion/retraction mechanism includes a retraction hub, an insertion hub, an insertion/retraction mechanism housing, and a dual torsion spring system. The retraction hub includes a first primary rotational stop and a second primary rotational stop extending radially inwardly from an inside surface. The insertion hub is disposed inside the retraction hub and comprises a first complementary rotational stop and a second complementary rotational stop extending radially outwardly from an outside surface.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring body chemistry of a user, the system comprising: a housing supporting: a microsensor comprising a first and second working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode, and configured to access interstitial fluid of the user, and an electronics subsystem comprising a signal conditioning module that receives a signal stream, from the microsensor, wherein the electronics subsystem is configured to detect an impedance signal derived from two of the first working electrode, the second working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode; and a processing subsystem comprising: a first module configured to generate an analysis indicative of an analyte parameter of the user and derived from the signal stream and the impedance signal, and a second module configured to transmit information derived from the analysis to the user, thereby facilitating monitoring of body chemistry of the user.

Abstract: An analysis system and a method for testing a biological sample, wherein an operating instrument is provided which preferably can be separated from an analysis device with respect to a data connection and/or wirelessly connected to the analysis device.

Abstract: A tape for collecting tissue samples in a manner compatible with imaging in a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) system, includes a tape substrate having two side walls forming a trough. The trough is defined by a bottom surface of the tape substrate and internal surfaces of the side walls, with an open side therebetween. A support film is attached to a top surface of the tape substrate, and a plurality of apertures is spaced at predetermined locations along the length of the tape substrate, each aperture being covered by the support film. The tape includes a stacked configuration in which the tape substrate is wound in layers, the bottom surfaces of the side walls in one layer being in contact with the support film in an immediately adjacent layer. The apertures in the second layer are aligned within the trough of the first layer, between the side walls.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyte measuring system comprising a test tape (22) having a plurality of functional elements (20) including a test field (46), a further comprising a meter (12) having a tape drive (24) operable to advance the test tape (22), a light source (30) adapted to illuminate at least one measuring spot at a measuring position, and a measuring engine (32) to receive optical signals from the at least one measuring spot for detection of the analyte in the body fluid. For tape positioning, it is proposed that the measuring engine (32) comprises a signal processor (34) operable to determine if a test field (46) is in the measuring position, said determination comprising an identification of a pre-determined distance between at least two functional elements (20) in the optical signals obtained while advancing the test tape (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided, as well as methods of inserting medical devices. Embodiments include removing a substantially cylindrical cap from an inserter to expose a substantially cylindrical sleeve, removing a cover from a substantially cylindrical container holding sensor components, and fitting the sensor components into the inserter.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure describe a diversion device that traps an initial flow of blood in a diversion chamber of the diversion device. The diversion chamber may be defined, in part, by a housing shell, a housing base, and a filter. The filter may be a porous material that allows air, but not blood, to flow through it. After the diversion chamber is filled, a subsequent flow of blood may be directed into a collection vessel through an internal conduit of the diversion device.

Abstract: A detection device is provided and the detection device includes: a body, including a first groove and a first opening; the first opening is on a first surface of the body and in communication with the first groove; a collector, configured to be at least partially accommodated into the first groove in a rotatable manner and being capable of rotating to allow at least part of the collector to extend out of the first opening in a process of detection; a test paper supplier, disposed on the first surface and configured to provide a test paper on a side of the first opening away from the first groove in the process of detection so as to collect a detection sample; and a detector, disposed on the first surface and configured to detect the test paper that has collected the detection sample.

Abstract: Blood sample optimization systems and methods are described that reduce or eliminate contaminates in collected blood samples, which in turn reduces or eliminates false positive readings in blood cultures or other testing of collected blood samples. A blood sample optimization system can include a blood sequestration device located between a patient needle and a sample needle. The blood sequestration device can include a sequestration chamber for sequestering an initial, potentially contaminated aliquot of blood, and may further include a sampling channel that bypasses the sequestration chamber to convey likely uncontaminated blood between the patient needle and the sample needle after the initial aliquot of blood is sequestered in the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: A scoliosis diagnosis assistance device includes: a first shape information acquisition module configured to acquire back shape information representing the three-dimensional shape of a back of a subject; a second shape information acquisition module configured to acquire minor-symmetry information representing a three-dimensional shape having a minor-symmetry relationship with the three-dimensional shape of the back of the subject with respect to a sagittal plane of the three-dimensional shape; a deviation distribution acquisition module configured to acquire a distribution of deviation between the three-dimensional shape represented by the back shape information and the three-dimensional shape represented by the mirror-symmetry information; and an output controller configured to cause a display to display the distribution of deviation, for example.

Abstract: A device for extracting a body fluid and testing a predetermined analyte or property of the fluid is provided. The device comprises a hollow needle having a channel linking a base end and a tip, a collection chamber having an input end in fluid communication with the channel, a testing chamber, a solution chamber and a flow control. The collection chamber comprises a capillary wick configured to transport at least a fraction of the body fluid away from the input end. The testing chamber comprises a testing unit including a reacting material configured to react to a predetermined analyte or property of the fluid and the solution chamber comprises a buffer solution. A flow control is also provided for a transfer of the buffer solution from the solution chamber to the collection chamber and a transfer of the body fluid from the collection chamber to the testing chamber.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

Abstract: A blood sampler device includes a sampler body forming a hollow internal chamber with upper and lower openings, the sampler body including a sealing device disposed adjacent to the upper opening. The blood sampler device further includes a blood collector adapted to be inserted into the sampler body, the blood collector including a plurality of capillary channels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bandage wherein the bandage comprise of a first layer of protective covering, wherein the first layer is removable; a second layer of covering, wherein the second layer of covering is made of a cloth material; a third layer of covering, wherein the third layer is the top most layer of the bandage and together with the second layer forms a support pad; an injector, wherein the injector is present on the second layer of covering; a cylinder, wherein the cylinder is present in the support pad, wherein the bandage is used for delivering a medication to a localized area on a patient's body. The bandage is further used for delivering localized, painless ozone gas treatment to a patient suffering from infectious disease. The bandage is easy to carry and comes in various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A device for collecting a liquid sample by capillarity includes distinct first and second elements having respective male and female parts. The male part comprises a channel having a transverse section. The female part comprises a peripheral wall that transversely delimits a cavity to house the male part. A part of the peripheral wall forms a cap to close the transverse section when the female part houses the male part.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for setting and dispensing a dose of a drug is presented having a support body having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening and a centered outer indicator ring. A syringe barrel sealed by a stopper is slidably diposed therein along an axial direction and adapted to have an integrated needle or to be coupled with a needle assembly, wherein the syringe barrel is positioned within the support body. A needle shield is adapted to be coupled to one of the ends of the support body and slidably disposed thereon. An outer body is adapted to be coupled to the other end of the support body and slidably disposed thereon, wherein the outer indicator ring limits the movement of the outer body as well as of the needle shield.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a sampling device and a system for collecting body fluid, comprising a metal lancing unit having a distal tip suitable for piercing skin and a capillary channel extending between the tip and a proximal section of the lancing unit for collecting body fluid; and further comprising a plastic holding unit affixed to the lancing unit for manipulating the lancing unit in order to form an incision in the skin, wherein the holding unit contains a sorbent adapted for sorption of moisture and/or volatile substances to protect the sampling device from degradation prior to use.

Abstract: Blood sample optimization systems and methods are described that reduce or eliminate contaminates in collected blood samples, which in turn reduces or eliminates false positive readings in blood cultures or other testing of collected blood samples. A blood sample optimization system can include a blood sequestration device located between a patient needle and a sample needle. The blood sequestration device can include a sequestration chamber for sequestering an initial, potentially contaminated aliquot of blood, and may further include a sampling channel that bypasses the sequestration chamber to convey likely uncontaminated blood between the patient needle and the sample needle after the initial aliquot of blood is sequestered in the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: An improved disposable puncture depth adjustable safety lancet includes a shell, a lancet core, a spring, and a trigger. The shell has an adjusting ring at a front end thereof to adjust a puncture depth, the adjusting ring being sleeved and clearance-fit at an outside of the trigger head. The adjusting ring and the shell are rotationally connected in a peripheral direction and are fixedly connected in an axial direction, and a rotational locating structure is formed by the adjusting ring and the shell in the peripheral direction. The adjusting ring has an inner wall equipped with a rotating step face or rotating bevel, and rotating the adjusting ring locates the adjusting ring in different locating positions. The rotating step face or rotating bevel is configured to meet the collision face of the lancet core in different axial positions, thereby changing the puncture depth of needle tip.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for analyte measurement. The analyte measurement devices and systems may be configured to produce a prompt that may convey information, instructions and/or encouragement to a user. In some variations, analyte measurement devices may be configured to change a prompt based on the replacement or addition of components of/to the device. In some instances, a prompt may be an auditory prompt and/or a visual prompt. In some variations, a system may comprise an analyte measurement device comprising a housing, a speaker, and a control unit. The housing may comprise a releasable housing portion comprising an identifier that is associated with a prompt. In some variations, a system may comprise an analyte measurement device and a skin that may releasably attach to the analyte measurement device and may comprise an identifier that is associated with a prompt.

Abstract: A device is proposed for detecting at least one analyte in a bodily fluid. The device comprises at least one test element with at least one two-dimensional evaluation region. The device furthermore comprises at least one spatially resolving optical detector having a plurality of pixels. The detector is designed to image at least part of the test element onto an image region. In the process, at least part of the evaluation region is imaged onto an evaluation image region. The detector is matched to the test element such that a predetermined minimum number of pixels is provided for each dimension within the evaluation image region. The pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. The matrix arrangement has pixel rows and pixel columns, wherein the pixel rows are arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the evaluation region and/or of the evaluation image region.

Abstract: A biopsy device handle having a biased firing mechanism activated by side and rear triggers. The firing mechanism has a longitudinally sliding deflecting portion including a post. The post is disposed within a channel and retained by a catch. The deflecting portion deflects transversely when transverse force is applied to a transverse face by the side trigger or when a longitudinal force is applied to an inclined face by the rear trigger to release the post from the catch.

Abstract: Electrode arrangements for test elements, test elements and methods of determining sample sufficiency, monitoring fill time, establishing fill directions and/or confirming electrode coverage by a sample for test elements are disclosed. The test elements have an electrode-support substrate including a spacer having an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel. The electrode-support substrate also includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair, wherein the first electrode pair is positioned between the second electrode pair.

Abstract: A sampling element (110) for generating a sample of a body fluid is disclosed. The sampling element (110) comprises a housing (114), the housing having a chamber (122) with at least one puncture element (112) stored therein. A tip (132) of the puncture element (112) is movable through at least one puncture opening (124) of the housing (114) in order to perforate a skin portion of a user. The sampling element (110) further comprises at least one compression element (150), which is adapted to increase a pressure of the body fluid within a body tissue of the user in a region of puncturing when pressed onto the skin portion of the user. The compression element (150) is movably mounted to the housing (114). The sampling element (110) comprises at least one locking mechanism (168) for releasably locking the compression element (150) in at least two positions. The at least two positions comprise a first position (170) and a second position (172), the second position (172) being offset from the first position (170).

Abstract: A blood glucose monitor includes a can, a replaceable sensor cartridge that includes a frame, an upper spring disposed between the frame and the can, a case for housing the can and sealing the frame, a lower spring disposed between the can and the case, and a meter housing for sealing an upper portion of the frame. The can is capable of accepting the replaceable sensor cartridge. The frame of the removable cartridge has at least at least two walls defining a chamber for accepting a plurality of biosensors, and a bottom portion defining an opening and at least one sealing flange. The frame can further include a desiccant material capable of reducing humidity within the frame. The frame may be dimensioned such that an interference fit constrains the plurality of biosensors prior to inserting the frame within a blood glucose monitor.