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 lancing device including a spring-driven lancet translationally mounted within a housing. The lancet has at least one resilient finger extending outwardly therefrom and engageable within a cooperating recess formed in the housing to prevent re-use of the lancing device. A depth-adjustment knob is optionally included for contacting the housing to limit the travel of the lancet and thereby control the depth of penetration.

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: 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 blood withdrawal system for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes including a lancing device having a housing with an opening and a support surface, and a lancet holder movably mounted in the opening including a lancet and a bearing member that rests on the support surface. The device further includes a trigger unit which, when moved linearly, causes a rotational movement to initiate a lancing process.

Abstract: A device for sampling and/or analyzing blood or other body fluid of a subject. A housing contains a plurality of lancets and optionally includes test elements to take up a sample of blood, an evaluation system and a display. A complete system that can be handled as a single device, for example in the form of a wristwatch, includes a multiplicity of test elements and lancets, which can be brought successively to a working position to perform multiple measurements. A cassette or carrier includes multiple lancets and/or test elements, for insertion into the device.

Abstract: An endcap for a lancing device, having a base portion and pivoting tip member pivotally mounted to the base portion. The base portion and the pivoting tip member each having openings therethrough which, when aligned, allow passage of a lancet tip. After lancing the skin at a sampling site, the lancing device is rocked back and forth, with a contact face of the pivoting tip member maintained in contact with the skin surrounding the sampling site to enhance sample collection and prevent premature wound closure.

Abstract: A lancing device and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in sampling of body fluids. Sequential lancets of the cartridge are translationally retracted along a storage path, pivoted into an angularly offset firing path, and translationally propelled by a drive mechanism to lance the subject's skin.

Abstract: A sampling device (20) having a housing (24) with a lancet cartridge (22) mounted therein. The lancets (26) of the lancet cartridge (22) are interconnected by a flexible web (28). The lancet cartridge (22) is not positively engaged within the housing (24) and can be easily removed. The housing (24) has an opening (42) with an adjacent flexible or compressible fin (60) for dampening the motion of the lancet (26). The lancet cartridge (22) has at least one lancet (26) with an endcap, and the housing has a cap-removal mechanism (74) for separating the endcap from the housing (24). Anti-tampering features prevent opening of the device when the lancet cartridge (22) is oriented with a lancet (26) in a firing position.

Abstract: A sampling device having a lancing apparatus, and optionally a detector and a meter. The lancing apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge of lancets, each lancet having an independent arming and drive mechanism enabling non-sequential and/or simultaneous firing of lancets. A lancet retainer independently associated with each lancet is movable to uncover an opening through which the lancet tip passes, and to release the lancet for activation. The lancets can be actuated in any order, and multiple lancets can be simultaneously actuated, if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood analyzer (2) that comprises a device (6) for taking a blood sample, equipped with pricking elements (8, 114, 122, 232), and test means (10) for receiving a minimum amount of blood. Said test means (10) and the pricking elements (8, 114, 122, 232) are disposed on a support (50) which can be rotated with respect to the housing base (4) and can be inserted in the analyzer along with said support. The test means (10) and the pricking elements (8, 114, 122, 232) can be brought into working positions (32, 34) relative to the housing base that are different from one another by rotating the support (50).

Abstract: A lancing device has a carousel of lancets removably received in a housing. In exemplary embodiments, the lancing device includes a sterility cap positioning mechanism that removes sterility caps from the lancets for actuation and afterwards replaces the sterility caps onto the lancets. Preferably, the lancing device includes a lancet advancing mechanism that automatically advances sequential lancets of the lancet carousel for charging and actuating, and a drive mechanism for actuating the lancets. Also provided are replacement lancet carousels, which include a cylindrical carrier with axial openings and a plurality of the lancets axially oriented in the openings.

Abstract: A device (302) for sampling and/or analyzing blood or other body fluid of a subject. A housing (306) contains a plurality of lancets (308) and optionally includes test elements (324) to take up a sample of blood, an evaluation system and a display. A complete system that can be handled as a single device, for example in the form of a wristwatch, includes a multiplicity of test elements (324) and lancets (308), which can be brought successively to a working position to perform multiple measurements. A cassette or carrier (320) includes multiple lancets (308) and/or test elements (324), for insertion into the device.