Abstract: A method for promoting bodily fluid expression from a target site includes urging a target site of a user's body toward a device for promoting expression of bodily fluid from the target site. The method also includes sequentially increasing an area of contact and applied pressure between a pressure application mechanism of the device and the user's body in the vicinity of the target site, and in a direction toward the target site, thereby urging bodily fluid toward the target site. Thereafter, the target site is lanced.

Abstract: A device for promoting the expression of bodily fluid from a target site on a user's body includes a base and a pressure application mechanism. The pressure application mechanism is attached to the base and urges bodily fluid toward the target site. The pressure application mechanism configured for urging the bodily fluid by sequentially increasing an area of contact and applied pressure between the pressure application mechanism and the user's body in the vicinity of the target site. Moreover, the area of contact and applied pressure sequentially increases in a direction toward the target site.

Abstract: An analyte monitoring system for the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes a housing, a meter for the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample, and a device for promoting the expression of the bodily fluid sample from a target site. The device for promoting expression of bodily fluid has a pressure application mechanism for urging bodily fluid toward the target site attached to the housing. In addition, the pressure application mechanism is configured for urging the bodily fluid by sequentially increasing an area of contact and applied pressure between the pressure application mechanism and the user's body in the vicinity of the target site with the area of contact and applied pressure sequentially increasing in a direction toward the target site.