Abstract: A syringe includes a plunger having a plunger tube with proximal and distal ends, a center tube with a center passage that extends within the plunger tube, and a balloon disposed over the center tube and sealingly fixed to at least one of the center tube and the plunger tube. The syringe also includes a barrel having a barrel tube having proximal and distal ends and an interior configured to accept a portion of the plunger, a tip fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the barrel tube, a post fixedly attached to the tip and extending within the barrel tube toward the distal end, the tip configured to partially extend into the center passage of the plunger, and a gas passage extending from a proximal end of the tip to the distal end of the post.

Abstract: A keying insert for use with a cartridge assembly containing a fluid. The insert comprises a main body defining a bore that extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the main body and allows the fluid to dispense from the distal end of the cartridge through a septum. The main body includes a septum for sealing the fluid within the cartridge and a coding feature that is keyed to a cartridge holder or other dispense interface.

Abstract: Provided is a platelet-rich plasma separator which can carry out the separation of a platelet-rich plasma with a small number of gamma radiation sterilized instruments and a platelet-rich plasma separation method. The platelet-rich plasma separator comprises a first syringe and a second syringe. The first syringe comprises a first syringe cylinder provided with a first port on which a blood collection needle can be mounted, a first cap detachable from the first port, a first gasket for sealing the first syringe cylinder fluid-tightly, which first gasket is reciprocated within the first syringe cylinder, and a first plunger provided detachably on the first gasket.

Abstract: An extracting device for diagnosis and treatment of diseases includes a tip equipped with a one-way liquid valve; a chamber equipped with a one-way air valve; and an elastic bulb for generating suctioning-pushing pressure when it is squeezed and released. When the user squeezes and releases the elastic bulb, the liquid will be drawn into the chamber through the tip. Additional fluidal material can enter into the bulb. After the liquid or mucus is drawn out, the body function such as nasal breath can be resumed. A specimen can be taken into the chamber through the tip and then transferred to a test tube for laboratory diagnosis. A new method of obtaining and removing body secretion is provided. No any form of electricity is needed. The parts can be easily disassembled for clean for repeated uses as a mucus extractor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for sampling blood by capillarity for separating a plasma phase of the blood from the cell phase. The device is a strip and includes a filter having a membrane with no clumping agents, a prefilter for spreading blood over the surface of the membrane; and an absorbent paper downstream from the filter. The membrane is dimensioned to cover only a part of the surface of the prefilter and the migration of blood by capillarity within the prefilter takes place essentially lengthwise relative to the strip before blood comes into contact with the membrane.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for sampling fluids from subjects. The fluid may be any suitable bodily fluid, e.g., blood or interstitial fluid. In some cases, the subject is a patient. The subject may have a device that can be applied to the skin of the subject (e.g., by the subject, or another person), and the device is able to obtain a sample of fluid. The fluid may be stored within a reservoir in the device, and the fluid may be obtained from the subject at any convenient time, e.g., at home, away from a healthcare setting, etc. In some embodiments, the device, or a portion thereof, may be returned to a clinical and/or laboratory setting to analyze the fluid stored within the device.

Abstract: An integrated-testing system includes a meter, a lancing device and a storage case. The meter includes a housing, a display and a processor. The storage case holds the meter and the lancing device in a relatively fixed position to each other. The meter and the lancing device are maintained in the storage case in the relatively fixed position until a fluid sample is desired, at which time a first portion of the lancing device is advanced to a position external to the storage case to obtain the fluid sample and a second portion of the lancing device remains relatively fixed in the storage case while the fluid sample is obtained.

Abstract: Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.

Abstract: Sampling device for obtaining a sample of an analyte, comprising a feed line (30) and a discharge line (40) as well as an analyte feed chamber (13) in fluidic connection between the feed line and the discharge line, the analyte feed chamber having an opening (14) which is provided with an analyte-permeable membrane (15) to allow the analyte to pass through from a region outside the analyte feed chamber into the analyte feed chamber, the surface area of the opening of the analyte feed chamber being at most 400 times the minimum cross-sectional surface area of the discharge line, more preferably at most 100 times and most preferably 50 to 80 times the minimum cross-sectional surface area of the discharge line. This device will reduce the dead time between the passage of the analyte through the membrane and the detection of said analyte at the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A fluid collection assembly and method for use thereof is provided including a barrel with a plunger rod slidably inserted is disclosed. The assembly and method are particularly useful in the collection of arterial blood. The plunger rod includes a proximal portion, a distal portion with a stopper, and a breakable connector between the proximal and distal portions. In use, the assembly is primed with a liquid anticoagulant, the breakable connection is broken, and a fluid sample is collected with the arterial pressure causing the distal portion of the plunger rod to travel in a proximal direction along the barrel and contact an annular flange extending within the barrel. After collection, a tip cap can be applied to the assembly to prevent any spillage of the fluid sample during handling, storage, and transportation.

Abstract: Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.

Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood from subjects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a substance transfer component (for example, one or more needles or microneedles) and a reduced pressure or vacuum chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some embodiments, the device may contain a “snap dome” or other deformable structure, which may be used, at least in part, to urge or move needles or other suitable substance transfer components into the skin of a subject. In some cases, for example, the device may contain a flexible concave member and a needle mechanically coupled to the flexible concave member.

Abstract: An in-line sampling syringe for selectively introducing and aspirating a fluid from a downstream fluid conduit connected to a catheterized patient. The syringe includes a housing with a distal component defining a distal chamber having a proximal opening and a distal outlet port to be coupled to a downstream fluid conduit; and a pair of proximal wall components assembled together in an airtight manner defining a proximal chamber having a proximal opening for coupling to an external source of fluid and a distal opening that is coupled to the proximal opening of the distal component. The syringe also includes an elongated volume regulator positioned inside the housing. A curved element is positioned at and in alignment with the distal outlet and retention elements are defined in the distal component at the distal outlet port to mount and retain the curved element at the distal outlet port while enabling flow around the curved element relative to the distal outlet port.

Abstract: A lancet carrier for an integrated lancet sensor assembly incorporating a lance cover includes an elongated body with a bottom, an open top, a body open end and a body closed end, a lancet-receiving recess with a recess bottom surface, the recess extending between the open end and the closed end, and a trough-forming member forming a trough with a trough open end in communication with the body open end, the trough-forming member longitudinally extending a predefined distance along the bottom from the body open end, the trough replacing a portion of the recess bottom surface at the body open end.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration assembly including an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The inner cannula is moved only radially about a longitudinal axis thereof with respect to the outer cannula to selectively align inner openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the inner cannula with outer openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the outer cannula to permit aspiration therethrough.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted lancing system for blood extraction can include a tubular body having a vacuum chamber, a lancing mechanism configured to removably couple with a lance, a vacuum mechanism including a piston slideably coupled within the body, a release mechanism for selectively holding the vacuum mechanism in an energized state, and an opening for allowing fluid communication between the vacuum chamber and an atmosphere surrounding the vacuum chamber. The system can include structure for selectively commencing dissipation of the vacuum and a fixed or adjustable depth controller. A method of manipulating a surface for blood extraction can include coupling the lancing system to the surface, blocking the opening, creating a vacuum, moving the lance coupler from a first position distal from the surface to a second position proximal to the surface, maintaining the vacuum for a period of time, and commencing dissipation of the vacuum by unblocking the opening.

Abstract: A device includes a pre-sample reservoir, an actuator mechanism, and a diverter. The pre-sample reservoir can be fluidically coupled to a delivery member to receive and isolate a predetermined volume of bodily-fluid withdrawn from a patient. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled to the pre-sample reservoir such that, when actuated, a negative pressure is formed in the pre-sample reservoir that urges the bodily-fluid to flow into the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter can selectively control fluid flow between the delivery member and the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter includes a flow control mechanism that defines a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The diverter is movable between a first configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the first fluid flow path to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the second fluid flow path to a sample reservoir coupled to the diverter.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A handheld device for drawing, collecting, and analyzing bodily fluid includes a body having a lumen defined therein, a plunger configured to be user-actuated, and a base. Multiple needles are fixed to the plunger, and at least one of the needles is configured to pass through the apertures of the base and penetrate a subject's skin to release bodily fluid when the plunger is actuated. After the plunger is actuated, a mechanism retracts the plunger from the subject's skin and creates a vacuum within the lumen. A network of passages on the base is configured to collect at least some of the bodily fluid and communicate the bodily fluid to one or more sensing areas for analysis.

Abstract: A method of masking pain resulting from a lancing system can include moving a first portion and a second portion of a lancing assembly in a first direction, stopping the first portion from further moving in the first direction, thereby causing a first vibration, allowing the first portion to move in a second direction while the second portion continues moving in the first direction, and lancing a surface with the first portion while the first vibration is occurring. A system for lancing a surface and masking resulting pain may include a device body having an end adapted to sealingly engage the surface, structure for creating a first portion of a vacuum, structure for causing a vibration, and a lancing mechanism adapted to lance the surface while the first portion of the vacuum and the vibration are acting on the surface.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a lancing end, a lancing mechanism including a lancing shaft slideably coupled with the lancing end of the body, a main shaft slideably coupled with the body and having an actuating end disposed inside the body, a piston coupled to the main shaft and disposed within the body, a spring coupled to the piston, a release mechanism adapted to selectively couple with the main shaft, and a depth controller removably coupled to the lancing end of the body. A method can include coupling a lance having a needle and a base to the lancing shaft, choosing to use a depth controller having a spacer with a top surface and an opening, engaging a lancing surface with the depth controller, actuating the lancing mechanism, penetrating the lancing surface, and contacting the top surface of the spacer with the base.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for accessing blood located within a flash chamber of an IV catheter insertion device, the apparatus is separate from the IV catheter insertion device and sized to be attached to a structure of the IV catheter insertion device to secure it thereto. Once secured, movement of the plunger from its rearward position to a forward position presses on a flash plug to expel blood from a flash chamber of the IV catheter insertion device and out through the needle.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a first device body having a lancing end and a free end, the lancing end including a sealing device, a lancing assembly having a lance coupler slideably coupled with the lancing end, a main shaft slideably coupled with the body, a first piston disposed within the body, wherein the lancing assembly is adapted to create a vacuum prior to lancing and dissipate the vacuum at a controlled rate. The system can include a second device body fluidicly coupled to the first device body and having a second shaft and a second piston. A method of extracting blood can include coupling the sealing device to a surface, creating a vacuum, lancing the surface, and dissipating the vacuum at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a lancing end and a free end, a lancing shaft having an actuating end, a stop coupled to the body, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a main shaft having an actuating end, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft, wherein a first portion is coupled to the actuating end of the lancing shaft and a second portion is coupled to the actuating end of the main shaft. A method of extracting blood can include coupling the actuating end of the main shaft to the actuating end of the lancing shaft, moving the lancing shaft toward the free end of the device body, stopping the lancing shaft, uncoupling the actuating ends, and moving the lancing shaft toward a surface to be lanced.

Abstract: A device and method for acquiring tissue or fluid. The device includes an instrument for acquiring tissue or fluid, and a pump. The instrument has a proximal end and a distal end at which the tissue or fluid is first acquired. The pump is connected to the proximal end of the instrument for applying negative pressure for drawing in the tissue or fluid. The pump has a switch for adjusting the amount of pressure. The method includes inserting an instrument into the site of the tissue or fluid to be acquired and exerting a controlled amount of adjustable negative pressure through the instrument to draw back into or onto the instrument the tissue or fluid being acquired.

Abstract: Provided is a device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure, which includes a pump, a gas barrier cover, a first compressible material which expands after compression, and a second material capable of absorbing wound fluids several times its own weight. The first and second materials are arranged inside the cover and form a reservoir connected to the pump. The device also includes an inlet for connecting the reservoir with a wound, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. A third material with high liquid spreading capability is arranged around at least a major part of the first material, and the second material is in the form of at least one layer arranged outside the third material and separated from the first material by the third material.

Abstract: An integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device constructed to permit digital as well as alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis, the device comprising: a housing; at least one skin-penetration member; and a member constructed for the application of circumferential or vacuum pressure to an appendage; wherein the member is detachably or retractably connected to the housing in a manner such that the integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device can perform digital or alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis. Additional arrangements and techniques are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line is described herein. The apparatus includes an introducer and a cannula and is configured to advance the cannula through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the cannula to place the cannula in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced, the cannula is configured to transport a bodily fluid to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: Automated blood sampling systems and methods of use are disclosed which are configured to withdraw and test the blood of a mammal without clotting of the withdrawn blood in a main flow path of the automated blood sampling system. The automated blood sampling systems and methods do not require the use of an anti-blood-clotting solution or drug such as Heparin to avoid clotting of the blood in the main flow path of the automated blood sampling system.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing the malignant potential of a pancreatic cystic lesion in a subject including: detecting a glycan alteration in MUC5AC in a sample of pancreatic cystic lesion fluid from a subject, determining whether the glycan alteration is differentially present in the sample, and diagnosing the malignant potential of the pancreatic cystic lesion. A method of diagnosing the malignant potential of a pancreatic cystic lesion in a subject including: (a) detecting a glycan alteration in MUC5AC in a sample of pancreatic cystic lesion fluid from a subject, (b) detecting CA 19-9 in the sample, (c) determining whether the glycan alteration and CA 19-9 are differentially present in the sample, and (d) diagnosing the malignant potential of the pancreatic cystic lesion. Related methods of treatment and kits also are included.

Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for fluid collection includes a housing having a sidewall defining a hollow bore therein, and an elongate plunger with the distal end of the plunger forming a chamber within the hollow bore for containing a fluid therein. The plunger is adapted for slideable movement within the hollow bore between an initial position and a retracted position. The assembly includes a hub disposed at least partially within the hollow bore and at least partially supporting a cannula therewith. The hub is adapted to automatically transition from an initial position in which at least a portion of the cannula is disposed external to the housing, to a retracted position in which the cannula is fully shielded by the housing, upon transition of the elongate plunger from the initial position to the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site are presented. The apparatus includes a delivery tube that may have at least one lumen. The delivery tube may be operable to transmit reduced pressure to the tissue site and to receive liquid from the tissue site. The apparatus may also include an absorbent material disposed in the at least one lumen. The absorbent material may be operable to absorb the liquid from the tissue site. The delivery tube may be formed with a number of recesses.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder assembly having a holder housing, collar and safety shield. The safety shield is pivotably attached to the collar. The collar is receiving within a recess defined by the annular skirt and needle receiving port of the holder housing. The collar and attached safety shield may thus be rotated about the holder housing and an attached needle assembly, thereby allowing a user to freely position the safety shield during needle insertion and preventing the dislocation of safety shield from the holder housing.

Abstract: A sweat collector for application to a body part of a subject in order to collect sweat therefrom for purposes of analysis, includes a receptacle having an open side for application to the skin of the subject's body part from which the sweat is to be collected; and a port for the introduction of a fluid into the receptacle and into contact with the skin of the subject's body part for enhancing the removal and/or production of sweat thereat. The sweat collector further includes a syringe having an open end insertable into the port for introducing the fluid into the receptacle, and for removing the introduced fluid and the sweat collected therein for analysis. Several embodiments are described, illustrating various ways of attaching the sweat collector to various body parts. Also described is a method of collecting and analyzing sweat from a body part in order to provide information useful in determining the medical condition of a subject.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus includes handles with two members. Each of the handle members includes a proximal actuation end and an opposite distal connection end. The members of the handles are associated with one another (e.g., pivotally, etc.) in such a way that movement of the proximal actuation ends in first directions (e.g., toward one another, away from one another) causes the distal connection ends to move in opposite second directions (e.g., away from one another, toward one another). The distal connection end of the first member may configured for association with the barrel of a syringe, while the distal connection end of the second member may be configured for association with the plunger of the syringe. Association of one or both of the distal connection ends with its respective syringe element may be pivotal. Aspiration methods, including, but not limited to, methods of using such an aspiration apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: A portable sampling or testing device for pharmacokinetics and physiology studies and a method for using the device in conducting tests on stationary or moving animals, or human test subjects, is disclosed. The device includes an apparatus for conducting a test on a freely moving subject, or a device which may be moved by a technician to be positioned over an immobile subject, such as a premature infant or unconscious human subject in an intensive care ward. The device is designed and sized to be mobile. In one embodiment, the device comprises a wheeled cart which may be moved by a human test subject operably connected to it. In another embodiment, the device comprises a wheeled carriage positioned above an animal which wears a sling connected to the device. The device may include an uninterruptible power supply. The method provides for sampling bodily fluids or acquiring physiological readings from the test subject.