Abstract: A lancet having a conical body incorporating multiple lancet gauge levels defining specific penetration depths to generate varying sample production. The conical body has a narrow tip and a large base, and may be formed of a polymeric material.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

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 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: 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.