Abstract: A lancet-release mechanism is adapted to be incorporated into a lancing device. The lancing device is adapted to receive a lancet assembly therein. The lancing device is adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The lancet-release mechanism comprises a lancet holder and a cantilever beam. The lancet holder forms a central aperture. The central aperture is adapted to receive the lancet assembly therein. The lancet holder further forms a plurality of protuberances thereon. The cantilever beam has a projection extending therefrom. The projection is adapted to engage the plurality of protuberances located on the lancet holder. The projection is adapted to separate the plurality of protuberances from each other so as to enlarge the central aperture.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

Abstract: A lancet magazine for use in a lancing aid is described comprising a plurality of lancets each having a lancet body at the proximal end of the lancet and a lancet tip at the distal end of the lancet, where the proximal end of the lancet points in the direction of the proximal end of the housing of the lancet magazine and the distal end of the lancet is aligned in the direction of the distal end of the housing and the lancets in the unused state are completely surrounded by the housing. Furthermore, an extension unit is movably connected to the housing in such a manner that the housing can be extended by movement of the extension unit in the direction of the distal end of the housing such that the lancet is prevented from emerging from the lancet magazine.

Abstract: An agent injection device is provided that is capable of injecting an agent to a known predetermined tissue depth. An injection member has an elongate injection shaft with an outlet port configured to dispense an agent at a controllable time. A controllable driver is coupled to the elongate injection shaft and is configured to drive the injection member into target tissue. A velocity control system is in communication with the controllable driver and is configured to control the velocity of the elongate injection shaft.

Abstract: A lancing device comprising a lancet holder for holding an exchangeable lancet and comprising a drive means for driving the lancet holder. The drive means has two spring elements comprising a lancing spring element for accelerating the lancet holder in the lancing direction and a restoring spring element for accelerating the lancet holder counter to the lancing direction. The drive means has a carriage unit with a spring-tensioning carriage part and a lancing carriage part, and the spring-tensioning carriage part and the lancing carriage part are arranged to be displaceable in translation relative to one another and form a lancing spring element receiving region and a restoring spring element receiving region. The lancing spring element receiving region can be reduced by translational displacement of the spring-tensioning carriage part relative to the lancing carriage part, in order to pre-tension the lancing spring element within the lancing spring element receiving region.

Abstract: A lancet device includes a housing with a cantilever spring extending therein and defining a lancet having a puncturing end on the cantilever spring. An actuator extends within the housing through an opening at the forward end. The actuator includes an interfering engagement with the cantilever spring. Movement of the actuator into the housing through the forward end pivots the cantilever spring against its relaxed condition and then releases the engagement with the cantilever spring, thereby permitting the cantilever spring to pivot the lancet structure to an extended position with the puncturing end extending through the forward opening, and to return to the relaxed condition retracting the puncturing end back within the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical aimer including a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a handle coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft. The handle includes a mechanism for coupling the shaft to the handle and releasing the shaft from the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancet having a flat shaft (1) which has an upper side (1c) and a lower side (1b), the shaft (1) forming at a front end (2) a cutter (1a) which ends in a point (2), the cutter (1a) having on the underside (1b) two cutting edges (4), which run together at the point (2), and the shaft (1) having at least one depression (3) on its underside (1b) to receive a sample. The invention provides for the shaft, on its upper side (1c), to merge into the cutter (1a) at two edges (5) which run together at a vertex (6), and for the upper side (1c) of the cutter (1a) between the vertex (6) and the front end (2) to be curved convexly, as seen in cross section.

Abstract: Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.

Abstract: A portable lancing aid for providing liquid samples comprises a lancet system having at least one lancet, a tensioning device, and an electromechanical actuator. The tensioning device can be tensioned by the electromechanical actuator. The portable lancing aid may further include an energy source for storing electrical energy that is connected to the electromechanical actuator. Additionally, the portable lancing aid may include an interface for charging the energy source where the interface is externally accessible from the lancet system. The invention is ergonomical and easy to handle for children and patients with physical limitations. Furthermore, a lancing system for collecting liquid samples is provided with a portable lancing aid that is detachably mountable to a charging station for charging the portable lancing aid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pricking device (1) for taking a blood sample, comprising a movable holding device (10) for pricking means (5), a linear guide element (11) for guiding the movable holding device, means (12) for driving the movable holding device and a release device (31) for releasing the pricking movement (6) of the pricking means. When the release device has been manually actuated, the movable holding device can be moved in a translatory manner by the drive means. Said drive means comprise a curved path (20) in which the movable holding means is directly engaged, enabling the pricking device to have a particularly simple structure.

Abstract: Improved lancet configurations and protective lancet endcap configurations are disclosed. In example forms, one or more flexing cantilevers project from the lancet body for coupling with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. A gripping handle extends from a sterility cap for ease of removal from and replacement over the lancet tip. A lancet body has a smoothly curved wave contour with at least one crest and at least one trough for engagement with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device.

Abstract: A method for producing analytical aids for obtaining bodily fluid, in particular lancets or microsamplers, in which the aids are formed as a shaped part (10) from a flat metallic material by material separation on shaped part edges (28), wherein at least one sharp shaped part edge (28) is finished by laser irradiation, a laser beam (36) is guided repeatedly over the shaped part (10) along an irradiation path (38) in irradiation intervals, and the shaped part edge (28) is rounded by the cumulative energy input of the laser beam (36).

Abstract: A surgically invasive pointed article for skin penetration and its fabrication method are presented. The present invention comprises a protruding sharp end portion and a body portion, the protruding sharp end portion comprising at least one penetration tip that can be disabled after use. The tip disablement after use is an effective safety measure in eradicating accidental injuries and re-use. The tip disablement can be carried out manually by the user or automatically if the article is used with a custom-made tip-disabling applicator. The skin penetration device can be used as a lancet for blood sampling, a needle for immunization and skin allergy testing, or a skin breaching device for transdermal drug delivery. The second aspect of the invention is a method for preparing the surgically invasive pointed article for skin penetration.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of the fluid. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, penetrating member performance or a penetrating member setting.

Abstract: A lancing device integrated with a sensing strip and method of making and using the same are provided. A lance and analyte sensing strip are combined in a single, preferably disposable, device. In a preferred embodiment, a slot is provided in a support member so the lance can be engaged by a lance driver and driven into the skin producing a bodily fluid sample from a wound. The sensing area of the sensing strip is adjacent to the wound location reducing dexterity requirements for patients.

Abstract: Arrangements are provided including a base having a bore disposed therein extending from a first surface of the base through a second surface of the base, a fluid transport tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a lumen having an inner diameter, at least the second end of the tube being received within the bore of the base, and at least one fluid transport enhancing groove having at least a first section disposed in the second surface of the base and in fluid communication with the bore.

Abstract: A lancing device (A) includes a lancing adjustment mechanism for adjusting the lancing depth of a lancet (L) into a target portion (99) by operating an operation member (20c). The lancing adjustment mechanism is designed to provide a nonlinear relationship between the lancing depth of the lancet (L) into the target portion (99) and the operation amount of the operation member (20c). With this arrangement, it is possible to suitably adjust bleeding at the lanced portion, thereby improving the operationality of the lancing device (A).

Abstract: A puncturing apparatus includes a housing having a first case and a second case, the housing configured to move at least one of the first case and the second case so that the cases are in an overlapping state in which the first case and the second case overlap one another or a non-overlapping state. A puncturer is housed in the housing and a puncture starting mechanism, having a puncturing button, is configured to activate the puncturer. A first safety section is configured to prevent at least one of the puncturing opening and the puncturing button from being exposed, by placing the first case and the second case in the overlapping state, and a second safety section is configured to disable operation of the puncture starting mechanism in the non-overlapping state of the first case and the second case.

Abstract: A puncturing system includes a carrier tape carrying multiple lancets and having position marks, a housing comprising a conveying facility for positioning the lancets and a housing opening, a puncturing drive for accelerating a lancet positioned in a usage position, a storage medium for storing distance values that depend on distances between the lancets of the carrier tape and position marks allocated to the respective lancets, a sensor for detecting position marks in a detection position through which the position marks proceed upon motion of the carrier tape, and a control unit that controls the conveying facility. To position a lancet in the usage position, the control unit stops the conveying facility upon the carrier tape moving a positioning distance. The length of the positioning distance depends on the distance between the lancet to be positioned and the detected position mark and is determined by the control unit.

Abstract: A lancet-release mechanism is adapted to be incorporated into a lancing device. The lancing device is adapted to receive a lancet assembly therein. The lancing device is adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The lancet-release mechanism comprises a lancet holder and a cantilever beam. The lancet holder forms a central aperture. The central aperture is adapted to receive the lancet assembly therein. The lancet holder further forms a plurality of protuberances thereon. The cantilever beam has a projection extending therefrom. The projection is adapted to engage the plurality of protuberances located on the lancet holder. The projection is adapted to separate the plurality of protuberances from each other so as to enlarge the central aperture.

Abstract: A body fluid sensing device with a body fluid capture structure and a body fluid measurement sensor positioned in the body fluid capture structure. A capacitance sensor is coupled to the body fluid measurement sensor. The capacitance sensor is used to assist in the positioning of a body part relative to the body fluid capture structure.

Abstract: A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip.

Abstract: A surgical tunneler assembly is used to pass a cable or other elongate member through the skin. A surgical tunneler may include a lance including a first segment, a second end segment, and a connector on each one of the first end segment and the second end segment. A cable adapter includes a lance connection portion and a cable connection portion. The lance connection portion engages and disengages the connectors. The cable connection portion engages and disengages a cable. A handle engages and disengages the lance.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancing device (1) for collecting body fluid samples with a) a body (2), at the end (3) of which an endcap (4) is arranged, said endcap having a positioning surface (5) with an outlet opening (6), b) a socket (7) to receive at least one lancet (8), which is interchangeably clamped in the body (2), c) a clamping device (9) and a release mechanism (10), with which the lancet (8) is clamped inside the body (2) and the lancing procedure with the lancet (8) is initiated, the tip (8?) of said lancet emerging through the outlet opening (6) during the lancing procedure, d) an ejection device (12) to eject a used lancet (8), the endcap (4) being functionally coupled with the ejection device (12) in such a way that, when the ejection device (12) is actuated, said endcap is held pivotably on the body (2) so that it can swing out of the path of the lancet (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides a lancet (X1) which includes a case (1) including an internal space (10), and a lancing unit (2) which includes a lancing needle (20) and which is movable within the internal space (10) in an advancing direction from a wait position to an advanced position. The case (1) includes a main body (11) accommodating the lancing unit (2), and a cap (12) which is molded integral with the main body (11) and detachable from the main body (11). The lancing unit (2) includes a cover portion (22) for covering a portion of the lancing needle (20) on the advancing side, for example. The cover portion (22) is detachable together with the cap (12) by exerting a rotational force for rotating the cap (12) and a pulling force for causing relative movement of the cap (12) in the advancing direction for exposing a front end of the lancing needle (20).

Abstract: A lancet carrier for an integrated lancet sensor assembly incorporating a lance cover includes an elongated body with a bottom, an open top, a body open end and a body closed end, a lancet-receiving recess with a recess bottom surface, the recess extending between the open end and the closed end, and a trough-forming member forming a trough with a trough open end in communication with the body open end, the trough-forming member longitudinally extending a predefined distance along the bottom from the body open end, the trough replacing a portion of the recess bottom surface at the body open end.

Abstract: An inventive lancet device for producing a puncture wound, in particular for collecting a sample of a body fluid which has a magazine holder for a lancet magazine containing a plurality of lancets. The lancet device can be alternatively operated such that either a new lancet is used for each puncture process by automatically advancing the lancet magazine stepwise or the automatic stepwise advance of the lancet magazine can be suppressed or deactivated so that, if desired, several punctures can be carried out with the last used lancet before an unused lancet is used at a desired time.

Abstract: A pricking system includes lancets for producing a prick wound, sampling devices for collecting a sample of a body fluid from the prick wound, a housing having an opening for application of a body part in which the prick wound is to be produced, a drive arranged in the housing for moving one of the lancets to produce the prick wound and to then move one of the sampling devices to the prick wound so produced, a coupling part for coupling to the drive one of the lancets for a pricking movement and then coupling to the drive one of the sampling devices for a sampling movement, the coupling part being moved, during the pricking movement and the sampling movement, respectively, from a starting position into an end position by an advancing movement, and from the end position back into the starting position by a reversing movement, respectively, and a motion control which, during the sampling movement, causes the coupling part to reach an end position that differs from the end position reached by the coupling part d

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention includes a medical instrument for insertion into a subject including an elongate body which includes a proximal end and a distal end, a broad face, a narrow face, a lateral side and a counter-lateral side, said faces and sides defining a trapezoid shape along the length of the elongate body. The broad and narrow faces are generally parallel to one another and the lateral and counter-lateral sides each connect between the broad and narrow faces. The distal end of the instrument includes a cutting edge and is provided for insertion into the subject, wherein an incision made in a target area of the subject results in a linear penetration in the target area. An aperture may be disposed at or near the distal end of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present application, a color changeable dye can comprise a redox indicator, a reduction reaction initiator, an electron donor, an oxygen scavenger, an indicator barrier agent, a thickening agent and an agent to facilitate mixing. The color changeable dye is a first color in the presence of oxygen, capable of changing to a second color upon reduction in a substantially oxygen free environment, and capable of changing back to the first color after exposure to oxygen for a period of time corresponding to the intended use time of a disposable or limited use product. Methods of making and using the color changeable dye and apparatuses incorporating such dye are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for withdrawing body fluids. The system includes a drive unit having a plunger which is moved from a resting position into a lancing position in order to carry out a lancing process and a lancing unit containing a lancet with a needle. The plunger and lancet are coupled together by a form fit in order to carry out a lancing process. The invention additionally concerns a method for temporarily extending a needle from a device for withdrawing body fluid as well as a lancing unit that can be attached to the drive unit.

Abstract: An electric lancet actuator and method of using same. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood by puncturing the skin. The lancet can be contained within a stationary housing which interacts with the proximal or driving end of lancet and allows the distal or front end of the lancet to protrude beyond the stationary housing and puncture the skin. Electric field coils or solenoids drive the lancet using either magnetic attraction or repulsion.

Abstract: A lancet having a lancet body and a sharp lancing tip extending from the lancet body, the lancet body including at least one flexing engagement fin, which is resiliently deformable upon insertion into a receiver of a lancing device. The outer dimension of the lancet effectively self-adjusts to conform to a wide range of receiver inner dimensions, and as such, the lancet of the present invention enables universal application with a larger range of lancing devices than previously known lancets.

Abstract: A lancing device includes a housing (10, 12) and a lancet holder movably mounted within the housing. The lancet holder has a forward portion defining a socket (30) for partially surrounding and retaining in use the rear portion of a lancet. A lancet release element (40, 42) can be moved forward to cooperate with lugs on the socket to expand it to allow insertion and/or removal of the lancet with minimal insertion or withdrawal force.

Abstract: A device and method for lancing a patient, virtually simultaneously producing and collecting a small fluid sample from a body. The device comprises a blood collection system including a lancing needle (16), drive mechanism (11), kneading or vibration mechanism (25), optional suction system (7), and sample ejection mechanism. The device is preferably sized to be hand-held in one hand and operable with one hand. The device can optionally contain integral testing or analysis component (83) for receiving the sample and providing testing or analysis indication or readout for the user. A method involves piercing the skin at a rapid rate, kneading the surrounding area by ultrasonic action, piezoelectric or mechanical oscillation to stimulate the blood flow from the wound, drawing the fluid using a pumping system.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical instrument for assaying body fluids, the instrument having the following features: a) a housing provided with a receiving element for engaging a body part, b) an abutment for the body part which can be moved between a release position and an operating position relative to the receiving element, c) a lancing unit having a lancing element that can pierce the body part resting against the abutment in a linear lancing stroke, d) a test tape unit having a test tape for receiving body fluid issuing from the body part, and e) a detection unit for examining the body fluid applied to a section of the test tape.

Abstract: There is provided a lancet comprising a lancet body, a lancet cap and a pricking component. In the lancet, the lancet body and the lancet cap are made of resin and the pricking component is made of metal. The pricking component is situated in both of the lancet body and the lancet cap, and the tip of the pricking component is covered with the lancet cap. The lancet body of the lancet is thin except for a rim portion of the body, and the rim portion of the lancet body has such a form that the rim portion extends symmetrically from the thinned portion of the lancet body.

Abstract: An insertion system for inserting a sensor into fatty tissue, comprising an insertion device and an insertion needle containing a sensor, wherein the insertion device comprises a holder for the insertion needle, and a piercing mechanism so as to move the holder, with the needle held by the same, in a feed direction for a puncture. The piercing mechanism changes the feed direction during the puncture so that, at the end of the puncture, an insertion needle held by the holder is oriented obliquely or perpendicular to the initial feed direction. Also provided are methods for controlling a needle moved by an insertion device.

Abstract: A puncture needle cartridge 20 detachably mounted on a puncturing device body to form a puncturing device is provided with a needle body 21 having a puncturing portion 212a, and also with a casing 22 for housing the needle body 21 and having openings 223, 224 that are respectively formed in front of and behind the needle body 21. The needle body 21 is mounted so as to be movable between a retracted position, wherein the tip 212c of the puncturing portion is retraced in the casing 22, and an extended position, wherein the tip 212c of the puncturing portion is projected outward from the casing 22 by receiving a pressing force from the puncturing device body. The needle body 21 has a biasing means for biasing the needle body 21 from an extended position towards a retracted position. The puncture needle cartridge can be mass-produced at low cost, and enables a user to perform puncturing safely and easily.

Abstract: A sampling module includes a module body portion with a lancet channel, a lancet slidably disposed within the lancet channel. A cover sheet is disposed over the lancet and a lancet channel that captures the lancet shaft in the lancet channel, and a sample reservoir for collection of a sample obtained by lancing a patient with the lancet.

Abstract: A puncture device capable of preventing needle stick accidents and of reducing the burden on patients during operation. In this puncture device, a puncture needle cartridge comprises: a lancet body having a puncture needle at one end with the other end being to be held by a puncture instrument body; a protective cap; and a puncture needle holder engaged with the lancet body to rotate together with the lancet body about a rotation axis P. A mounting member rotates together with the puncture needle holder with a boss guided by a slit through being pressed by the puncture needle cartridge in a direction of mounting in a case, and is mounted in the case. The protective cap, formed integrally with the lancet body, is prevented from rotating by being grasped and is separated from the lancet body with the rotation of the mounting member.

Abstract: A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the capture of bodily fluid upon lancing of a patient. In one embodiment, the fluid sample capture aperture mesh (320) ring is placed in the pathway of a finger penetrating member (340). The aperture mesh ring has a center clearance area that allows the penetrating member to pierce the skin unobstructed. The aperture mesh ring may contain a series of fluid sampling meshes as to allow the release bodily fluid to “wick” into the fluid sampling meshes for transport to the respective sensor. The invention may also relate to a method of improving the fluidic flow through a membrane mesh structure for the transportation of bodily fluids from a point of sampling to a point of measurement.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inserting a needle capable of obtaining automation of tissue sample collection or drug injection and operation stability by applying a link mechanism between a needle inserted into a specific part of a human body and a power source for providing a drive force. The apparatus includes a needle unit inserted into a human body, a drive unit configured to provide a drive force to the needle unit such that the needle unit reciprocates between an insertion position at which the needle unit is inserted into the human body and a withdrawal position at which the needle unit is withdraw to the outside of the human body, and a guide unit including a plurality of guide links each having at least two links relatively rotated by the drive force of the drive unit and radially disposed around the needle unit, and configured to guide the needle unit such that the needle unit translates between the insertion position and the withdrawal position in a longitudinal direction of the needle unit.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted lancing system for blood extraction can include a tubular body having a vacuum chamber, a lancing mechanism configured to removably couple with a lance, a vacuum mechanism including a piston slideably coupled within the body, a release mechanism for selectively holding the vacuum mechanism in an energized state, and an opening for allowing fluid communication between the vacuum chamber and an atmosphere surrounding the vacuum chamber. The system can include structure for selectively commencing dissipation of the vacuum and a fixed or adjustable depth controller. A method of manipulating a surface for blood extraction can include coupling the lancing system to the surface, blocking the opening, creating a vacuum, moving the lance coupler from a first position distal from the surface to a second position proximal to the surface, maintaining the vacuum for a period of time, and commencing dissipation of the vacuum by unblocking the opening.