Abstract: A lancet type device having a movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet tip extends beyond the end of a lancet body. The device includes an actuating mechanism that moves and retracts the sharp distal lancet tip linearly into and out of contact with a patient's skin. The actuating mechanism includes an arm with a substantially "V" shaped groove. In one embodiment, the arm extends away from and pivots around the proximal end of the device. In another embodiment, the arm moves transversely across the device. A cylindrical cam follower protrudes from the lancet body. Contact between the groove and the cam follower moves the cam follower, and consequently the lancet body, in a linear direction along the axis of the lancet body.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing movement of a sharp lancet tip out of a lancet device of the type having a linearly movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet device has a patient contacting or distal end and an opposed proximal end. The lancet device has a lancet that is substantially encased in an elongated molded plastic lancet body. The lancet has a sharp tip that extends beyond the end of the lancet and is enclosed in a removable cap. The distal end of the lancet has a pair of retainer arms that extend away from the lancet body on opposite sides of the lancet body parallel to the axis of the lancet body. The distal end of the retainer arms extend slightly beyond the distal end of the lancet body and are curved toward the axis of the lancet body to contact the outer surface of the cap. Each retainer arm has a stop, located near the distal end of the retainer arms. The distal end of the lancet body fits in a chamber in the lancet device.