Abstract: A lancing system can include a first device body having a lancing end and a free end, the lancing end including a sealing device, a lancing assembly having a lance coupler slideably coupled with the lancing end, a main shaft slideably coupled with the body, a first piston disposed within the body, wherein the lancing assembly is adapted to create a vacuum prior to lancing and dissipate the vacuum at a controlled rate. The system can include a second device body fluidicly coupled to the first device body and having a second shaft and a second piston. A method of extracting blood can include coupling the sealing device to a surface, creating a vacuum, lancing the surface, and dissipating the vacuum at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling unit includes a puncture device including a needle having a sharp needle point and a drive mechanism for operating the needle to puncture a living body surface with the needle point, a tip including an introducing section for introducing a body fluid flowing out from a puncture portion of the living body surface punctured with the needle point, a test paper for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid, and a tip body mounted to a component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or property of the predetermined component detected by the test paper; and a case including a mechanism containing section for containing the puncture mechanism so that the needle point of the puncture mechanism can be moved by the drive means, and a sampling implement containing section for containing the body fluid sampling implement so that the tip can be taken out.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a lancing end and a free end, a lancing shaft having an actuating end, a stop coupled to the body, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a main shaft having an actuating end, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft, wherein a first portion is coupled to the actuating end of the lancing shaft and a second portion is coupled to the actuating end of the main shaft. A method of extracting blood can include coupling the actuating end of the main shaft to the actuating end of the lancing shaft, moving the lancing shaft toward the free end of the device body, stopping the lancing shaft, uncoupling the actuating ends, and moving the lancing shaft toward a surface to be lanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved arterialized earlobe blood collection device, and an improved process for blood analysis. The device and the process of the invention can be used in many unsual and/or risky situations, including collecting arterialized blood in space missions under microgravity environment and within ambulances or the like. The process of the present invention enables easier and faster blood analysis, since the blood collector device of the invention is coupled with an analyzing apparatus so as no blood or needle manipulation is required.

Abstract: A lancet device is configured for performing a puncture by mounting a lancet including a puncture needle to the tip of a puncture body holder. The lancet device has a simple configuration that makes it possible to strengthen the retaining force for retaining the lancet when the lancet is used. In the lancet device, an insertion portion of a puncture body that is inserted into a mounting portion of the puncture body holder is retained by means of the frictional force. A fastening member provided in a main body side makes contact with the outer peripheral portion of the mounting portion of the puncture body holder and inwardly fastens the mounting portion when the fastening member is moved in the puncture direction relative to the puncture body holder.

Abstract: A single-use lancet cartridge for inserting into a multi-use lancet driver assembly includes an elongated lancet housing with an open end, a lancet within the lancet housing and movable between a retracted and resting orientation to a piercing orientation through the open end, and a re-use prevention component incorporated within the lancet cartridge and oriented to cooperatively engage with a driver piston of the multi-use lancet driver assembly only one time thereby preventing the lancet from being moved into a piercing orientation a second time. The single-use lancet cartridge is used that contains the multi-use lancet driver assembly.

Abstract: A blood test apparatus has a housing, a blood sensor, and a plurality of connectors. The blood sensor has a plurality of connection terminals that are electrically connected with each electrode of the electrode system; and a reference terminal that serves as a reference. The plurality of connectors are configured to connect to the plurality of connection terminals and the reference terminal of the blood sensor attached at a predetermined position in the blood test apparatus, respectively. And also, relations between the reference terminal and each of the plurality of connection terminals are measured to identify the reference terminal automatically.

Abstract: Lancing system comprising a needle and a lancing device The lancing device comprises a housing with a housing opening that is surrounded by a housing skin contact surface. A lancing depth reference element with a reference skin contact surface is adapted in such a manner that the reference skin contact surface at a reversal point of the lancing movement is in contact with the skin. The lancing depth is determined by the distance between the reference skin contact surface and the tip of the needle element at the reversal point of the lancing movement. The lancing depth reference element is in a stationary defined position relative to the reversal point of the lancing movement. The lancing depth reference element is adapted to stabilize the skin when pressed against the reference skin contact surface with respect to a skin deformation which occurs upon lancing of the skin.

Abstract: A lancet assembly comprises a housing and a needle carriage movably housed within the housing, the needle carriage adapted to support a needle thereon, the needle carriage having a first end and a second end generally opposite thereto. A needle is mounted to the needle carriage and a guide element is positioned within the housing for guiding the needle carriage for reciprocating translation. A pivotal drive cam is provided for driving the needle carriage in translation and has a cam lobe for engaging the second end of the needle carriage, wherein the needle carriage is guided by the guide element and driven in translation by the pivotal drive cam such that the guidance and drive are kept separate. The pivotal drive cam can be moved between a cocked, retracted position, a fired, retracted position, and an extended position in between the cocked retracted position and the fired, retracted position.

Abstract: A disposable lancing device including: a lancet housed in a housing and urged by a spring member such that a puncture member provided at a distal end of the lancet is adapted to extend out from the housing so as to carry out a puncturing operation; a locking ring disposed within the housing such that the lancet is allowed to displace in an extension direction through the locking ring; a locking protrusion provided to the lancet and adapted to be engaged by the locking ring so as to hold the lancet in a puncture-ready position located deep in the housing with the spring member being compressed; and an operating member adapted to carry out the puncturing operation by rotating the locking ring so as to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking ring and displace the lancet in the extension direction by means of the spring member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancet, which has a lancet tip at a front end and which on an upper face comprises a contact surface for placing a test element thereon and at least one channel for receiving a sample, wherein an upwardly open section of the channel runs in the contact surface. According to the invention, the channel has another upwardly open channel section which runs on the upper face of the lancet in or adjacent to a surface area that is lower than the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is arranged between the lancet tip and the lower surface area. The invention further relates to a system comprising such a lancet and a test element, and to a method for transferring a liquid sample from a channel of a lancet which is designed as a groove or slot to a test element.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of cartridges each with a distal port and a proximal port. A plurality of penetrating members are provided, each coupled to a cartridge and having a sharpened distal tip and a shaft portion slidably disposed within the cartridge. A seal is formed by a fracturable material between the penetrating member and the cartridge. The seal is positioned at one or both of a distal port or a proximal port of the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. Each cavity has a longitudinal opening that provides access to an elongate portion of the penetrating member. A sterility barrier is coupled to the cartridge. The sterility barrier covers a plurality of the longitudinal openings. The sterility barrier is configured to be moved so that the elongate portion is accessed by the gripper without touching the barrier.

Abstract: A lancet structure for making an incision at a skin site and transporting an amount of blood from the incision away from the skin site and methods of utilizing and making such a lancet structure are disclosed. The lancet structure may comprise an elongated body having a first surface and a second surface, a skin penetrating end for making the incision, a through bore extending from the first surface to the second surface, and a blood transport portion extending from the skin penetrating end to the through bore along the first surface. The blood transport portion is configured to transport the amount of blood away from the skin site via a capillary force to the through bore, and the through bore is configured to transport the blood to the second surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blood lancet device that is used to collect a small quantity of blood from a human body. More specifically, it relates to a blood lancet device that: can control the depth of the lancet needle's penetration of the skin; can push the lancet to eject; can accurately collect blood by ensuring linear motion; and can reduce the pain involved in blood collection.

Abstract: A lancet is pressed against a puncture needle cartridge while fitting a puncture needle loading inlet of the lancet to the axis of a puncture needle on the puncture needle cartridge. In order to facilitate the operation, one of plural puncture needles, arranged in parallel, is tilted up from its initial position at a predetermined angle, and the puncture needle is guided into a puncture needle holding rod of the lancet. Simultaneously, the puncture needle is pressed up to a position where the rear end part of the needle pushes the bottom surface of a puncture needle loading chamber of the puncture needle holding rod, whereby the puncture needle is loaded. When discarding a used puncture needle, the puncture needle is inserted into a lancet guide member of the puncture needle cartridge, whereby the puncture needle is reliably captured to be discarded.

Abstract: A lancet device for generating a puncture wound in a skin surface, comprising a housing, in which a lancet can be moved on a puncturing path, a lancet drive with a drive rotor that can be driven by a drive spring, a lancet coupling mechanism that transforms a rotational motion of the drive rotor into a puncturing and returning motion of the lancet during a working cycle of the lancet drive, a reference element that is mobile relative to the lancet and relative to the housing and is fixed in a defined position relative to the lancet drive during the puncturing and rests against the surface of the skin with a contact surface thereof such that a puncture wound with a reproducible puncturing depth is generated by the puncturing motion, and a reference element coupling mechanism that is coupled to the lancet drive in order to move the reference element. The invention further relates to a suitable lancet drive assembly for a lancet device of this type.

Abstract: A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contoured scalpel handle. The contoured shape of the handle provides for increased contact area with the user's hand using a larger diameter central portion and a smaller diameter trough. The generally circular cross-section allows rotation of the angle of the blade relative to the tissue without the need to change the grip on the handle. The contoured handle can be used as an adapter sleeve in which a scalpel handle can be inserted or can include a blade mounting element on which a blade is directly mounted.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling unit includes a puncture device including a needle having a sharp needle point and a drive mechanism for operating the needle to puncture a living body surface with the needle point, a tip including an introducing section for introducing a body fluid flowing out from a puncture portion of the living body surface punctured with the needle point, a test paper for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid, and a tip body mounted to a component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or property of the predetermined component detected by the test paper; and a case including a mechanism containing section for containing the puncture mechanism so that the needle point of the puncture mechanism can be moved by the drive means, and a sampling implement containing section for containing the body fluid sampling implement so that the tip can be taken out.

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: 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: An apparatus and method for analyzing an analyte in a body fluid sample using a lancing device (10) having a hollow lancet are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the acts of lancing the skin of a test subject with the hollow lancet (18) having an interior of the hollow lancet (18) that forms a capillary channel, collecting a body fluid sample from the lanced skin in the capillary channel of the hollow lancet (18), and analyzing the body fluid sample for determining the analyte concentration in the body fluid sample while the collected body fluid sample remains in the lancet (18).

Abstract: A lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a puncture wound for obtaining a sample of a body fluid from a body part in which a skin opening is created at a puncture site in the epidermis in a skin-opening step. Then, in a sample collection step a sample collection puncture is executed by using a puncture element with which the skin opening is deepened with the puncture element, thereby creating a puncture wound for obtaining the sample. The invention also relates to a handheld apparatus for implementing this method.

Abstract: A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. Each cavity has a longitudinal opening that provides access to an elongate portion of the penetrating member. A sterility barrier is coupled to the cartridge. The sterility barrier covers a plurality of the longitudinal openings. The sterility barrier is configured to be moved so that the elongate portion is accessed by the gripper without touching the barrier.

Abstract: The invention provides for a lancet device and/or a cap assembly for a lancet device which includes a member capable of being removably mounted to a body of the lancet device. An alternate site testing (AST) cap can be mounted to the member. A method of using the lancet device includes mounting the member to a body of the lancet device, placing the alternate site testing (AST) cap against a skin surface, and forming a puncture in the skin surface with the needle. A method the lancet device includes mounting the member to a body of the lancet device and mounting the alternate site testing (AST) cap onto the member.

Abstract: A moving coil tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a magnetic field in a magnetically active region. A cylindrical coil is secured to a translation substrate and disposed at least partially within the magnetically active region. A sharpened member is configured to penetrate tissue and mechanically coupled to the translation substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held analysis instrument for analyzing a body fluid. The instrument comprises a housing with a housing opening to which a body part, in particular, a finger, can be applied to generate a puncture wound, an analysis unit for analyzing a sample of a body fluid obtained at the puncture wound, and a piercing unit including a lancet and lancet drive for generating a puncture movement of the lancet. The piercing unit, including the lancet drive, is movable between an operating position and a rest position, the piercing unit being located at the housing opening in the operating position in such a manner that by means of the lancet a puncture wound can be generated in a body part pressed against the housing opening, and the piercing unit being remote from the housing opening in the rest position in such a manner that the space in front of the housing opening is free for the analysis unit, so that it can be moved into a position for receiving blood.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device includes a penetrating member driver, a cartridge, and a plurality of penetrating members integrated with the cartridge. Each of a penetrating member is coupled to the penetrating member driver when advanced along a path into a tissue target. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for positioning a body part (16) on an analytical device (14) for body fluids includes a flexible compression element (24) for pressing against the body part (16) while increasing the pressure and a rigid support part (26) to hold the compression element (24) on a housing (12) of the analytical device (14). The compression element (24) has an engaging member (34) for the body part (16) which can be pressed into the housing (12) such that a withdrawal region (56) of the body part (16) is exposed in the interior (18) of the housing (12) in order to remove liquid.

Abstract: A lancet including a needle; a body for holding the needle; and a cap for shielding at least the tip of the needle; the body and/or the cap being moulded, wherein the body and the cap are bonded together during moulding, and wherein, at the interface between the body and the cap, the bonding force per area unit is less than within both the body and the cap. Also a lancet including: a needle; a body for holding the needle; and a cap for shielding at least the tip of the needle, wherein the body has a first engagement formation and the cap has a second engagement formation, wherein the engagement formations are formed such that, once the cap has been removed from the remainder of the lancet, the engagement formations can be made to engage with each other so that the cap is carried by the body.

Abstract: An introduction assembly and method for the insertion of medical instruments through a thoracic passage into a selected one of either the left or right atrium of the heart. Catheters or other instruments dedicated to performing required cardiac maneuvers are passed through an introductory sheath having a distal end disposed within the targeted atrium. Upon completion of the required cardiac maneuvers the instruments are removed from the atrium and a closure assembly is passed through the introductory sheath into a closing relation to an entry site, formed in the pericardium and corresponding atrium wall, to facilitate healing thereof. The introductory assembly and method facilitates the concurrent, operative disposition of a plurality of catheters or other instruments into the interior of the selected atrium through different thoracic passages and entry sites thereby allowing synergistic interaction between the multiple catheters in the performance of the required cardiac maneuvers.

Abstract: An integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device constructed to permit digital as well as alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis, the device comprising: a housing; at least one skin-penetration member; and a member constructed for the application of circumferential or vacuum pressure to an appendage; wherein the member is detachably or retractably connected to the housing in a manner such that the integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device can perform digital or alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis. Additional arrangements and techniques are also described.

Abstract: A puncture instrument includes a needle assembly, a hub passage for axially guiding a hub, a needle passage communicating with the hub passage and having a distal end opening for allowing the tip end of a needle to project instantaneously therethrough, two arms having first junctions connected to the hub and inclined rearward in a direction away from the hub in an initial state, two push rods connected to second junctions of the arms and extending rearward, a button for pushing the push rods forwardly, and fulcrum members disposed more closely to the distal end than the arms for abutment against portions of the arms when the arms are moved. When the push rods are pushed forwardly by the button, the arms push the needle assembly forwardly, thereafter have portions thereof brought into abutment against the fulcrum members, and turn to pull the needle assembly rearward.

Abstract: A lancet having a slider with a puncture needle holding mechanism at one end thereof, and having a cam ring with a continuous cam groove, rotatable about a support shaft, and with a cam ring claw and an anti-return claw restricting the rotation. The lancet also having a ring spring applying a force to rotate the cam ring, having a rotatable stopper arm holding and releasing the rotation of the cam ring, and having a rotatable ratchet restricting the direction of rotation of the cam ring. A puncture needle unit including a puncture needle body integrally molded with a protrusion fitted to the lancet, a rotation stop rib, a puncture needle, and a puncture needle cap lightly pressed into the puncture needle body.

Abstract: There is provided a lancet firing device comprising a projection, configured to project into an interior cavity of a lancet body when a lancet having a lancet body is loaded into the firing device; and means to grip an inner wall of the lancet body, the means being disposed on the projection.

Abstract: A lancing device and method for self-collecting a sample of body fluid by penetrating a body tissue at a sampling site. The invention includes a housing geometry configured for ease of use at different sampling sites on the body, even by persons having reduced dexterity and/or poor vision. Depth of penetration is selectively controlled by adjusting the stroke range of a spring-driven lancet carrier. A pressure applicator is included for stimulating flow of the body fluid. A transparent portion permits observation of the sampling site.

Abstract: A cartridge for a consecutive acupuncture device includes a needle storage space in which at least one needle is stored, a charge slot serving as a passage for connecting the needle storage space with a striking position in order to allow sequentially loading of the needles at the striking position, and a catch step formed on at least part of the charge slot in order to prevent the neighboring needle from being discharged together when the needle is loaded at the striking position and then is struck and administered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a puncture aid comprising a housing in which a lancet holder with a lancet is displaceably mounted, the lancet holder being connected to a spring element. The lancet holder has at least one bearing element and the housing has a support surface arranged such that the bearing element rests on the support surface in a first position of the lancet holder. A trigger unit is provided, actuation of which transfer the lancet holder to a second position by means of a relative rotational movement of the bearing element and the support surface, so that the bearing element falls from the support surface in the second position of the lancet holder, and the tensioned spring element at least partially relaxes and moves the lancet holder such that the tip of the lancet emerges from the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of cartridges, each with a distal port and a proximal port. A plurality of penetrating members are provided, each being coupled to a cartridge. Each penetrating member has a sharpened distal tip and a shaft portion slidably disposed within the cartridge. A seal is formed by a fracturable material between the penetrating member and the cartridge. The seal is positioned at one or both of a distal port or a proximal port of the cartridge. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.

Abstract: A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of the patient. Contact is made between the tip and the tissue of the patient. The tip is advanced into the tissue during a penetration stroke to a position of maximum inward displacement. The tissue penetration element is allowed to settle upon reaching the point of maximum inward penetration for at least about 1 millisecond with no driving force imposed on the tissue penetration element. The tissue penetration element is displaced proximally over a withdrawal stroke and the tip is removed from the tissue.

Abstract: There is provided a process of producing a lancet which suppresses curving (or flexing) of the front end portion of the pricking member. In the production of a lancet by injection molding of a resin with a pricking member inserted in a mold, upon forming at least a portion of a lancet cap in which portion a molten resin supplied to the mold surrounds a front end portion of the pricking member, a mold is used which is configured such that at least a portion of the molten resin which forms said portion of the lancet cap flows along the front end portion including a leading end of the pricking member toward its leading end.

Abstract: A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of the patient. Contact is made between the tip and the tissue of the patient. The tip is advanced into the tissue during a penetration stroke to a position of maximum inward displacement. The tissue penetration element is displaced proximally over a withdrawal stroke at an average velocity that is substantially lower than an average velocity of the tissue penetration element during the penetration stroke. The tip is removed from the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling system is provided for use on a tissue site. A container has at least one guide chamber and a driver. A plurality of penetrating members are included. At least one sample receiving unit is configured to be coupled to the driver and advanced out of the guide chamber of the container and receiving body fluid at a receiving site. A penetrating member is integrated with the sample receiving unit to carry out a lancing movement towards a body part containing the body fluid.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: A blood glucose sampling device is provided. The blood glucose sampling device includes a sensor cartridge having a plurality of blades oriented in a common direction of rotation about a central point. Each blade includes a test strip having a test region defined radially from the central point at a proximal end and a capillary aligned with a distal end of the test region and extending to an outer edge of the blade. Each blade also includes a cleaning element positioned adjacent to the test strip. A lancet is affixed to a lancet cartridge and aligned with the capillary formed in the test strip. A housing removably encloses the cartridges and includes an outer grip that surrounds a circumference of the housing and is shaped to fit between a thumb and finger. A test passage formed in the outer grip through which the test strip and lancet are positioned.

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin; and a plasticizer; wherein the resin and plasticizer are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic that is formed to provide the device. A disposable device includes a multidose syringe, a specimen tube, a scalpel, a lancet, a sharps container, or a suction canister. A method of disposing of an item includes providing an item made from a biodegradable resin and a plasticizer that are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; sterilizing the item utilizing radiation or ethylene oxide gas; shredding the item; and composting the item into a compost end product, thereby disposing of the item.