Abstract: The present invention utilizes a novel reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is made from a pierceable self-sealing material which may be in the form of a long, narrow tube. The may contains a single reagent within the entire length of the tube or the tube may be segmented into a plurality of distinct chambers. Numerous tests can be performed within a given tube, separated either by distance or a physical barrier, with no degradation or interference between the testing sites. The test results may be conveniently determined using any of the known detection methodologies, including photometric, electromechanical, spectrophotometric, and nephlometric detection mechanisms.

Abstract: A skin piercing device which converts a longitudinal linear motion of a blade within the housing of the device into a vertical linear motion which, in consequence of the placement of biasing member, restraints and stops in the device, results in the ejection of the blade out of the housing and into the patient's skin and back again into the housing in a rapid "in-out" fashion. The dimensions of the restraints and stop s are individually controllable and, as a result, it is possible to achieve a length of cut which is independent of the depth of cut.

Abstract: There is described a skin piercing device which converts a longitudinal linear motion of a blade within the housing of the device into a vertical linear motion which, in consequence of the placement of a spring, restraints and stops in the device, results in the ejection of the blade out of the housing and into the patient's skin and back again into the housing in a rapid "in-out" fashion. The dimensions of the restraints and stops are individually controllable and, as a result, it is possible to achieve a length of cut which is independent of the depth of cut.