Abstract: A portable diagnostic and medication delivery system that includes a housing and a monitor disposed in the housing for monitoring a characteristic of a bodily fluid sample obtained from an individual. A medication delivery pen and a lancer are each removably mounted to the housing. The monitor, which may be integrated into the housing, may monitor blood glucose levels, for example, and the pen may be employed for the delivery of insulin.

Abstract: A catheter designed for improved patency characteristics under forces normally exerted upon the catheter during use. The catheter features an inner wall having one or more protuberances running lengthwise in a manner parallel with the central axis of the catheter. The protuberances include a tip, a root defined along the inner wall, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the tip and the root. The roots of adjacent protuberances are spaced from one another. A fluid path is established between the inner wall and the opposed sidewalls of adjacent protuberances. The opposed sidewalls can be straight. Alternately, at least one of the opposed sidewalls includes a non-linear portion along its length. In response to a force normally exerted upon the catheter during use, the spacing between adjacent roots and, if so provided, the non-linear portion of an opposed sidewall prevents the opposed sidewalls from entering into total contact with one another, thereby preventing occlusion of the fluid path.