Abstract: A lancing device is used with a lancet for lancing body tissue to result in a wound for bleeding. The lancing device has a cantilevered priming arm having a first arm portion that is generally parallel to an internal channel of the device and a second arm portion that is generally perpendicular to the internal channel. The second arm portion is connected to a lancet carrier and movement of the first arm portion toward the internal channel draws the lancet carrier to a primed position and stores energy in a lancet driver.

Abstract: Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element (10) having a fluid pathway (11) for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of the fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving element (40) being spaced from the fluid pathway so that fluid in the pathway will not contact the fluid receiving element initially. The fluid receiving element may have a test zone (45) for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid from the channel is contacted with the fluid receiving element either by bringing the fluid receiving element and the fluid into mechanical contact or by electrically transporting fluid from the channel onto the fluid receiving element.

Abstract: A blood component measurement device (10) has a puncturing unit (18) provided inside a housing (12) and having a puncture needle (16); a button unit (20) for advancing and retreating the puncture needle (16); a contact mechanism (68) coming into contact with the skin of a person to be measured; and a holder (14) for displaceably holding the puncturing unit (18). The blood component measurement device (10) also has an introduction section (94) at the substantially center of a contact member (70). After the skin is punctured by the puncture needle (16) provided at the substantially center of the mechanism (68), the introduction section (94) introduces blood to testing paper (100) when the contact member (70) of the contact mechanism (68) is displaced in a sliding manner along a guide member (72).

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element (LIT) includes an incision forming member that has a cutting end configured to form an incision in tissue. A test element is attached to the incision forming member to test fluid from the incision. The test element has a sampling end with a sample opening through which the fluid is collected. The test element is bendable from a first state where the cutting end of the incision forming member is retracted from the sampling end of the test element to a second state where at least a portion of the cutting extends past the sampling end of the test element to form the incision in the tissue.

Abstract: The invention is related to a lancet wheel (1) having a plurality of lancets (2) in a ring-shaped arrangement, the lancets (2) comprising a lancet body (4) that ends in a lancet tip (3). A lancet wheel (1) according to the invention has a carrier (5) that carries the lancets (2), whereby the lancets (2) are connected to the carrier (5) via bars (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) that allow for mobility of the lancets (2) relative to the carrier (5).

Abstract: A lancet device for obtaining a blood sample from a finger or at an alternate site of a patient. The lancet device includes a body and a lancet, the lancet being movable between a retracted position in which the lancet tip is disposed within the body and an extended position in which the lancet tip extends beyond the body. The device is cocked by compressing a U-shaped spring steel accessible on opposite sides of the body, the U-shaped spring steel being coupled to the lancet. Once cocked, a pawl retains the U-shaped spring steel in a compressed state. The device is fired by contacting the patient where sampling is to occur with one end of an actuator, the opposite end of the actuator serving to release the pawl from the U-shaped spring steel.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a blood withdrawal system for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes. The blood withdrawal system comprises housing with a lancet, which can be moved within the housing. The housing also includes a lancet drive with a drive spring and a cocking mechanism that includes an actuation element. The blood withdrawal system of the present invention also includes a lancet ejection mechanism that can be moved from an active position to remove the lancet to a passive position where such removal of the lancet is not possible.

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 centesis instrument, wherein a patient applies a contact part to a palm, a finger, or an arm in the state of gripping an outer tube by hand and presses the outer tube against its measured portion. A third coiled spring is compressed to increase spring power. When the outer tube reaches a prescribed position, the tip face of the vertical portion of a centesis button reaches a hole part, and a projected part is allowed to be pressed. When the patient presses a button body from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the button body by using a finger at that position, a locking piece is separated from a locking part and the centesis needle of a centesis needle unit is instantaneously projected from the opening part of the contact part to the measured portion by the spring power of the third coiled spring for centesis. Thus, a prescribed amount of blood can be taken out from the measured portion.

Abstract: A patient's skin puncturing device comprises a body (1), inside of which a puncturing needle (4) and at least one turned down arm (5, 6) are guided, and a push button (2). Between body (1) and button (2) activating elements (10, 11, 12, 13) are placed. Activating elements enable push button (2) to be forced into body (1) when a pre-set thrust force is exceeded. Needle (4) is driven by push button (2) by a membrane (9), which is broken after resting the needle (4) upon an abutting surface (16) in body (1). After breaking membrane (9) and the patient's skin puncture by the needle (4), needle (4) is withdrawn inwards the body (1) due to a transfer of a thrust force from push button (2) by turned down arm (5, 6) guided in the body (1).

Abstract: For an assembly for receiving body fluids comprising a sampling element (10) that has a collecting area (12) for collecting body fluid obtained by a puncture, it is proposed that the collecting area is formed by a longitudinal slot (12) which is elongated as a capillary that is open on both sides via side openings (28, 30) on the sampling element (10).

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: Caps and cap assemblies for lancing devices with adjustable modes of use are disclosed herein. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, an adjustable cap assembly for a lancing device having a housing is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least one cap comprising a cap body with a skin-engaging end that defines a piercing aperture, an end opposite the skin-engaging end configured to removably engage an end of the housing and a lancet receiver within the cap body and configured to receive a lancet. The at least one cap is configured to adjust a penetration depth of the lancet with axial movement of the cap relative to the housing and to adjust an effective size of the piercing aperture with the lancet receiver.

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 onsite 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 method and apparatus (2) for obtaining a sample of blood. An embodiment includes an apparatus (2) which integrates lancing (12), sample collection, and analysis. The presence of patients finger on the active sampling area can be sensed by monitoring the pressure applied by the finger on the device (2).

Abstract: A lancing unit (U) includes a support member (1) provided with engagement means (19A) which is inserted into a housing (4) of a lancing apparatus (A) for engagement with an engagement surface (24a) of a lancing member (2) when the lancing member (2) is mounted to a movable member (5) of the lancing apparatus. The removal of the lancing member (2) from the movable member (5) after the lancing member (2) is mounted to the movable member (5) can be easily and reliably performed by inserting the engagement means (19A) into the housing (4) and then pulling the engagement means out of the housing (4).

Abstract: A self-powered lancing drive system and lancing technique uses permanent magnets to initially store the potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy for extending a lancet during lancing. This self-powered lancing drive system is a pure permanent magnet drive that is highly reliable under numerous operating conditions. Permanent magnets can produce stronger magnetic fields at smaller sizes as compared to electromagnets. In one form, the lancing system has a drive permanent magnet that is kept fixed or stationary while the lancet magnet travels along the firing path. With the drive magnet being stationary, the lancet experiences fewer fluctuations in the magnetic field. The lancet vibrates less and is driven straighter into the tissue. In another form, a retraction magnet is positioned at the end of the firing path of the lancet, near the tissue, to enhance retraction of the lancet.

Abstract: A single-use skin pricking device (7) comprising a housing (8), a lancet (1) disposed (5) within the housing (8), biasing means (11) coupled between the housing (8) and the lancet (1), and a trigger (12) mounted to the housing (8) for relative movement therewith. The trigger (8) is releasably coupled to the lancet (1) such that movement of the trigger (8) in a first direction moves the lancet (1) in a direction to compress the biasing means (11), and then causes release of the lancet (1) from (10) the trigger (8) whereby the biasing means (11) drives the lancet (1) in a second direction substantially opposite to said first direction.

Abstract: An actuator for driving a test element is disclosed. The test element can comprise a lancet for perforating the skin of a living organism. The actuator can comprise an engaging part for engaging and driving the test element in a lancing motion. The actuator can further comprise a lancing actuator and a lancing spring. The lancing actuator can bias the lancing spring by executing a forward movement and thereby can exert a biasing force on the engaging part. The actuator can further comprise a latch element. The latch element can be a force-sensitive latch element for exerting a retention force to hold back the engaging part. The retention force can counteract the biasing force. The latch element can release the engaging part when the biasing force exerted by the lancing actuator exceeds the retention force exerted by the latch element, thereby allowing the test element to perform the lancing motion.

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: A blood sampling needle has a shell, a trigger seat, a needle stand, an elastic resetter and a safety switching member. The shell is provided with inner wall, retaining space, needle outlet and insertion end. A through-flange is formed into the shell. The through-flange and inner wall form a release groove with a tapered end-face. The trigger seat is mounted into the retaining space in a moveable state. The trigger seat has a control end and a rod. An axial chamber is opened on the rod so that two elastic release blades are formed on the rod, and also accommodated correspondingly into the release groove. An abutting bevel edge is formed at the bottom of the elastic release blade, and mated with the tapered end-face of the release groove in an oblique surface. The present invention saves structural members, reduces fabrication cost with better safety and applicability.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end that includes a blade tip opening. A trigger is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. During movement of the blade member, the guiding arrangement ensures that blade member maintains substantially the same orientation with respect to the body. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of lancing devices for use with a lancet having a lancet body and a sharp tip covered by a removable cap. One lancing device comprises a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a drawer received within the housing at the first end and movable between an open position and a closed position, the drawer having a drawer face and a drawer body, the drawer body configured to receive the lancet, and a decapping arm disposed within the housing and connected to the housing via a pivot at the second end of the housing, the decapping arm movable about the pivot between a storage position and a decapping position.

Abstract: Provided are skin incision instrument to efficiently incise minimal portions and a method for incising skin with the skin incision instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed are cap embodiments each comprising a body having a skin-engaging end defining a piercing aperture, a lancet receiver, and an intermediate member. A first cam path is located on one of the lancet receiver and the intermediate member, and a first cam follower is located on the other of the lancet receiver and the intermediate member that engages the first cam path. A second cam path is located on one of the cap body and the intermediate member, and a second cam follower is located on the other of the cap body and the intermediate member that engages the second cam path. The first and second cam paths are configured such that rotation of the intermediate member by an actuating mechanism causes the cap body to move forward and rearward and the lancet receiver to move forward and rearward. Also disclosed are lancing devices and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lancet system having a lancet tip, a lancet body, and an outer body or housing which surrounds the lancet tip and in which the lancet tip is movable. The outer body or housing comprises deformable material which can be pierced by the lancet tip during a puncture operation to produce an outlet opening. The outlet opening can be widened during the puncture operation by a thickened or widened portion of the lancet body that at least partially protrudes through the opening. Other embodiments of the present invention include a pricking aid and/or lancet system provided as a magazine for holding a plurality of lancets.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

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 of includes a drive force generator for advancing the lancet along a path into the tissue site, and a sensor configured to detect lancet position along said path during the lancing cycle.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: Single-use lancet device includes a body. A movable skin engaging member is at least partially disposed inside the body and includes a lancet opening through which a lancet needle extends. A holding member can move at least between a retracted position and an extended position. The skin engaging member is structured and arranged to retract into the body. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

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 a drive force generator and a penetrating member operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing with a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. The drive force generator is configured to be controlled to follow a predetermined velocity trajectory into the tissue and out of the tissue. A tissue stabilizing member is associated with the device and at least partially surrounds an impact location of the penetrating member on the tissue site.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method for producing an analytical system, and to a analytical system for detecting an analyte in a body fluid. The analytical system comprises a test element and a lancet which is movable relative to the test element and which is received on the test element. The lancet is connected to the test element via an elastomer spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health monitoring device for measuring blood or tissue indicators and a strip cassette. The device comprises a body having first and second openings, a piercing means being connected to the body and having a piercing head, the piercing means being arranged to extend from the first opening and cockable and releasable for piercing the skin with the piercing head, and a space, into which a number of sensor strips can be arranged so that the strips can be brought out from the body one at a time. The device further comprises a shutter that is functionally connected to the body and has a first position arranged to tightly close the first and second openings, and a second position for allowing one sensor strip to be pushed from the first opening into sampling position and for exposing the first and second openings.

Abstract: A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips.

Abstract: Lancets and methods of use are provided. Embodiments include lancets including a sleeve mounted to an elongated body having a needle terminating in a sharp tip.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a diagnostic test element for analyzing a body fluid in which a lancing member that can puncture a body part is provided with a collecting channel for body fluid obtained by the puncture, wherein the collecting channel exhibits capillary action, and wherein a sensor member for an optical or electrochemical measurement is connected to the lancing member. According to the invention, the sensor member and the lancing member can be joined together as interlocking connecting components wherein a measuring element of the sensor member is inserted into the collecting channel through an insertion opening of the lancing member.

Abstract: A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips.

Abstract: A lancet device generally includes a housing having opposing lateral sides extending between a forward end and a rearward end, and a shield coaxially and movably associated with the housing. The housing includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending along a portion of at least one of the opposing lateral sides. The plurality of longitudinal ribs form a finger grip on at least one of, and typically both of the opposing lateral sides. The shield is generally movable from a first position in which the shield extends outwardly from the forward end of the housing to a second position in which the shield is at least partially moved within the housing, based on axial pressure applied by the user against the finger grip formed by the longitudinal ribs.

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: A lancet instrument detachably fitted to a lancing apparatus, comprising a lancet having a lancet body with a sharp lancet tip at its tip, a lancet hub fixed to the lancet body so that the lancet tip is exposed, and an elastic deformation part extended from the lancet hub in the tip direction and elastically deformable so that the distance thereof from the lancet body can be changed, a ring-like member fitted to the outer periphery of the elastic deformation part and releasable in the tip direction by changing the distance between the elastic deformation part and the lancet body, and a casing having a ring-like member contact part storing the lancet so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction and formed in the inner peripheral part thereof so that the ring-like member is brought into contact therewith and stopped to move in the tip direction and a tip opening through which the lancet tip can be projected.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device having an outer housing, a lancet holder that engages a lancet and constrains the lancet along a controlled and pre-defined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off-axis torsion springs working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: A lancet-sampler system is configured to automatically remove a protective cover from a lancet and automatically unpack a test pad just prior to use. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces the chance of cross-contamination between the lancet and the test pad. The lancet defines a capillary groove for drawing body fluid from the incision via capillary action and a sample transfer opening for collecting the fluid from the groove. A carrier tape is coupled to the lancet. The carrier tape includes a test pad for analyzing the fluid. The tape is folded around the test pad to form an airtight package. The test pad is located at a position to align with the sample transfer opening when the tape is unfolded. The protective cover covers a portion of the lancet, and when the tape is pulled, the protective cover is automatically pulled from the lancet.

Abstract: A puncture instrument includes a movable body movably disposed in a case, and a needle unit held by the movable body and having a needle. When a distal end face of the movable body is brought into abutment against a region to be punctured and the case is advanced toward the region to be punctured, the case is advanced together with the needle unit, and the tip end of the needle becomes protruded from the movable body and punctures the region to be punctured. An arm of the needle unit is abutted against and turned about a fulcrum member, thereby withdrawing the needle rearwardly.

Abstract: An integrated lancing test strip device includes a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test strip coupled to the lancet for analyzing body fluid. A retention mechanism acts as a detent to hold the lancet in a static position relative to the test strip before forming the incision. The retention mechanism is configured to release the lancet for retracting the lancet relative to the test strip to reduce smearing of body fluid by the lancet during collection of the fluid with the test strip. In one form, the retention mechanism includes breakable tabs that are broken to release the lancet, and the lancet is retracted via translational movement. The retention mechanism in another form includes one or more dimples that release the lancet when the lancet is retracted via rotational motion. In a further form, the entire integrated device is rotated to collect fluid.

Abstract: A lancet-sampler system is configured to automatically remove a protective cover from a lancet and automatically unpack a test pad just prior to use. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces the chance of cross-contamination between the lancet and the test pad. The lancet defines a capillary groove for drawing body fluid from the incision via capillary action and a sample transfer opening for collecting the fluid from the groove. A carrier tape is coupled to the lancet. The carrier tape includes a test pad for analyzing the fluid. The tape is folded around the test pad to form an airtight package. The test pad is located at a position to align with the sample transfer opening when the tape is unfolded. The protective cover covers a portion of the lancet, and when the tape is pulled, the protective cover is automatically pulled from the lancet.

Abstract: Lancing system for withdrawing body fluid having a lancing element and a lancing instrument , which includes a lancing drive, by which a lancing movement of a lancing element is driven. The lancing drive comprises a drive source and a transmission having a housing coupling mechanism which includes at least two transmission links, a housing bearing, and a coupling element adapted for coupling a lancing element thereto. A lancing depth limiting stop is positioned in the housing so that a stop surface of the lancing element contacts the lancing depth limiting stop during the forward phase of the lancing movement. The housing coupling mechanism comprises a length compensation device to ensure a distance adaptation of the spacing between the lancing element and a housing bearing of the housing coupling mechanism during contact of the stops and further movement of the lancing drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing combined puncturing and measuring devices for detection of an analyte in liquid. The combined puncturing and measuring devices generally comprise a support and a detection element. Recesses which define puncturing points are formed on one face of the band-shaped support material. A detection element is applied to the band-shaped support material. Individual puncturing/measuring disposable bodies are separated either singly or in groups from the band-shaped support material at a separating line.