Abstract: The present invention consists of an improvement on the pivoting arm of an automatic lancet. Generally an automatic lancet is comprised of a housing having a spring loaded pivoting arm. The arm has a cylindrical holder at the operating end which holds a needle encased in a plastic carrier. Upon releasing the spring, the needle pierces the patient's finger producing a blood sample. To replace the needle generally requires pulling the old needle out with one's fingers and pushing a new one in. The present invention improves the cylindrial holder by adding a plunger inside it. This enables the user to push the old needle out without the necessity of grabbing or touching the old needle. Thus, safety for the medical technician is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A disposable automatic surgical lancet having a plastic spring arm molded integral with a central frame piece which is part of the housing. The free end of the spring arm carries a holder for a lancet blade or needle. The spring arm can be cocked in a retracted, stressed position from which it is released by pushing in on the front wall of the housing. When released, the spring arm carries the lancet blade or needle upward to project through an opening in a concave depression on the top of the housing where the patient's finger tip rests. A lock arrangement inside the housing holds the front wall in its pushed-in position so the lancet cannot be used again inadvertently.