Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a memory device, electrical circuitry and a detection device for distinguishing between an alternative site test and a standard site test. The memory device is adapted to store information. The electrical circuitry is adapted to determine the analyte concentration of the fluid sample located on a test sensor. The electrical circuitry is in electronic communication with the memory device. The electrical circuitry communicates the determined analyte concentration to the memory device for storage.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions and comprises a lancet holder, a shaft, at least one spring and a mass. The shaft is attached to the lancet holder and has an enlarged end opposite the lancet holder. The spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has first and second portions. The second portion of the spring is attached to the lancet holder. The spring drives the lancing mechanism between the cocking and puncture positions. The mass is located along the spring with the first and second portions of the spring extending on opposite sides of the mass. The mass is distinct from the lancet holder. The first portion dampens the lancing mechanism when moving from the puncture position to the resting position.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions and comprises a lancet holder, a shaft, at least one spring and a mass. The shaft is attached to the lancet holder and has an enlarged end opposite the lancet holder. The spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has first and second portions. The second portion of the spring is attached to the lancet holder. The spring drives the lancing mechanism between the cocking and puncture positions. The mass is located along the spring with the first and second portions of the spring extending on opposite sides of the mass. The mass is distinct from the lancet holder. The first portion dampens the lancing mechanism when moving from the puncture position to the resting position.

Abstract: A meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a memory device, electrical circuitry and a detection device for distinguishing between an alternative site test and a standard site test. The memory device is adapted to store information. The electrical circuitry is adapted to determine the analyte concentration of the fluid sample located on a test sensor. The electrical circuitry is in electronic communication with the memory device. The electrical circuitry communicates the determined analyte concentration to the memory device for storage.

Abstract: A lancing device comprises a housing, a trigger button, a drive spring and a protective cap. The housing forms an aperture and an opening opposite thereof. A lancet partially extends through the aperture. The trigger button is located near the opening. At least a portion of the trigger button is external to the housing. The drive spring is attached to and connects the lancet and the trigger button. The drive spring moves the lancet from the cocked position to the puncture position. The protective cap is removeably attached to the lancet opposite the drive spring and engages the housing when the cap is removeably attached to the lancet. The cap prevents the drive spring from moving the lancet to the puncture position prior to removing the cap from the lancet.

Abstract: A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions and comprises a lancet holder, a shaft, at least one spring and a mass. The shaft is attached to the lancet holder and has an enlarged end opposite the lancet holder. The spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has first and second portions. The second portion of the spring is attached to the lancet holder. The spring drives the lancing mechanism between the cocking and puncture positions. The mass is located along the spring with the first and second portions of the spring extending on opposite sides of the mass. The mass is distinct from the lancet holder. The first portion dampens the lancing mechanism when moving from the puncture position to the resting position.

Abstract: A meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a memory device, electrical circuitry and a detection device for distinguishing between an alternative site test and a standard site test. The memory device is adapted to store information. The electrical circuitry is adapted to determine the analyte concentration of the fluid sample located on a test sensor. The electrical circuitry is in electronic communication with the memory device. The electrical circuitry communicates the determined analyte concentration to the memory device for storage.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions and comprises a lancet holder, a shaft, at least one spring and a mass. The shaft is attached to the lancet holder and has an enlarged end opposite the lancet holder. The spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has first and second portions. The second portion of the spring is attached to the lancet holder. The spring drives the lancing mechanism between the cocking and puncture positions. The mass is located along the spring with the first and second portions of the spring extending on opposite sides of the mass. The mass is distinct from the lancet holder. The first portion dampens the lancing mechanism when moving from the puncture position to the resting position.

Abstract: A lancing device comprises a housing, a trigger button, a drive spring and a protective cap. The housing forms an aperture and an opening opposite thereof. A lancet partially extends through the aperture. The trigger button is located near the opening. At least a portion of the trigger button is external to the housing. The drive spring is attached to and connects the lancet and the trigger button. The drive spring moves the lancet from the cocked position to the puncture position. The protective cap is removeably attached to the lancet opposite the drive spring and engages the housing when the cap is removeably attached to the lancet. The cap prevents the drive spring from moving the lancet to the puncture position prior to removing the cap from the lancet.

Abstract: A lancing device (10) comprises a main housing (12), a moveable housing (14) and one or more contacting members (68a, 68b, 66a, 66b). The main housing forms an inner cavity (24) enclosing a portion of a lancing mechanism. The lancing mechanism includes a lancet holder (36) attached to a shaft (38) having an enlarged end (40). The main housing further encloses a drive spring (42) surrounding a portion of the shaft. The lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions. The movable housing is adjacent the main housing and moves from a resting position to a cocking position. The moveable housing forms an inner cavity (26) enclosing a portion of the shaft of the lancing mechanism. The contacting member is enclosed within the lancing device. The contacting member has a damping pad (68a, 68b) and a stopper (66a, 66b) and engages a portion of the lancing mechanism when moved from the cocking position to the puncture position.

Abstract: A glucose monitoring system comprising a readhead positioned a predetermined distance from a sample aperture. The readhead comprises first and second LEDs adapted to emit intersecting paths of light. A beam splitter is positioned at the intersection of the light paths. The beam splitter comprises a band pass filter for controlling the center wavelength of a resulting coaxial emitted light for illuminating a sample on the sample aperture. The readhead further comprises a detector which comprises a detector aperture and a molded lens over the detector aperture. A light-scattering section upstream of the lens comprises a plurality of steps having angles greater than 90 degrees to reduce internal stray light.