Abstract: Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a collection zone for receiving body fluid, and the device further comprising a fluid receiving means remote spaced apart from the collection zone so that body fluid in the collection zone will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. The collection zone takes up a very small volume of body fluid of about 10 to 500 nl in a very short time period of less than 0.5 seconds. The fluid receiving means may have a test zone for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid sample from the collection zone is automatically or manually transported to the fluid receiving means to contact the fluid with the test zone.

Abstract: An integrated lancing test strip includes a test strip and a lancet packet coupled to the test strip. The lancet packet includes a sterility sheet enclosing a lancet to maintain the sterility of the lancet and prevent cross-contamination between the test strip and the lancet. The sterility sheet allows the lancet to be sterilized separately from the test strip. The sterility sheet gives the integrated strip a low profile, which is attractive for packaging multiple integrated strips in cassettes, drums, magazines or the like. In one form, the integrated strip is loaded in a meter that includes an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the test strip relative to the skin being sampled. This allows the user to adjust the position of the test strip so as to not apply excessive pressure against skin, which could hamper bleeding from the incision in the skin.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for invasive reduced-pain blood sampling and testing, the devices including, a horizontally-disposed finger support element configured to support the finger thereupon, a finger holding element adapted, in a closed position, to radially grip the finger on said support element near to a tip thereof and configured to force blood into said tip, a lancet housing element disposed vertically underneath the finger support element for piercing the finger tip with a lancet while said finger tip is gripped by said finger holding element and supported by said finger support element; and a test strip conveying element adapted to be received by the finger support element after retraction of the lancet housing element thereby bringing a test strip into direct contact with a predetermined volume of blood from said finger support element thereby effecting a blood test.

Abstract: A blood test apparatus having a simple constitution whereby stable measurement can be conducted by surely sampling the blood in an amount being small but sufficient for the test without placing too much burden on a patient. When a first skin contact sensor of this apparatus detects the skin, driving of a negative pressure unit is initiated (time point 166a). Thus, the skin rises and comes into contact with a second skin contact sensor (time point 166b). After piercing into the skin at time point 166c, the negative pressure supply is once ceased. Next, the negative pressure is applied again at time point 166d for a definite period of time. Thus, the opening in the skin is broadened, which facilitates the flow out of the blood (16).

Abstract: A microsampler puncturing system for collecting a body fluid from a body part is described, comprising a sample collection unit having a piercing element, and a puncturing instrument having a drive, by which a sample collection unit is movable on a movement path for piercing the piercing element into the skin of the body part and withdrawing it in a piercing and retraction movement, a setting device for setting the puncturing depth of the piercing wound to be generated, and a control device for controlling the piercing and retraction movement having the following sequentially executed movement phases: a forward phase, a retraction phase, and a collecting phase (S). The setting device is settable independently of the chronological mean <dr> of the defined residual puncturing depth (dr), with reference to the collecting phase.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for obtaining and analyzing a blood sample contains a supply of lancets and test strips, which are located alternately on a carrier band. A lancet or alternatively a test strip may be clamped on a holder, which is mounted so it is movable. The movement controller of the holder comprises a three-dimensional control curve and a guide element, which engages at different depths in the control curve as a function of its relative position. The control curve comprises two guide paths, which run on different parallel planes. The contour of the first guide path determines the movement path of the lancet and the contour of the second guide path determines the movement path of the test strip. The test strip executes a transverse offset perpendicular to the puncture axis of the lancet.

Abstract: A lancing device for generating a puncture wound in a body part to obtain a body fluid sample for analytical or diagnostic purposes, in particular, by using integrated disposables that comprise a lancing element as well as an associated test element is disclosed. In order to achieve a high success rate in obtaining the body fluid sample, a drive can be designed such that the lancing element or the test element can be moved into a contact position while remaining in a position near the body part contact opening during a deployment period. If the amount of sample obtained in a lancing movement is inadequate to carry out the analysis or diagnosis, the lancing element can be brought into contact with the sample by a user by manual positioning the lancing device to manually take up a sample obtained by manually milking the sampling site in the region of the puncture wound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the expression of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include devices which bear against the skin in a manner to retain the fluid adjacent the incision site and urge the fluid inwardly toward the incision. Systems utilize a constricting member, a bi-stable expression member, or a pressing member. The present invention further encompasses combinations of the foregoing expression systems with each other, as well as with other expression devices known in the art. Moreover, the invention includes the combination of the expression systems with incising, sampling and/or testing systems, particularly in a single, integrated device. The present invention also contemplates the associated methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision, including in combination with methods for incising, sampling and/or testing of the bodily fluid.

Abstract: Devices and processes for the analysis of a body fluid are provided. Embodiments include integrated devices that include two or more analyte testing components. Also provided are processes of analyte testing devices.

Abstract: A device for sampling body fluid, the device comprising, a main body, a lancet disposed within the main body, a carrier disposed within the main body fixedly attached to the lancet, a biasing means in communication with the lancet and the carrier, an annular space disposed within the main body adjacent the lancet, and a means for measuring a body fluid. Wherein the means for measuring the body fluid may include micro-porous test strips, an electronic testing device, an optical/reflectance testing measuring device, or a visual inspection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable hand-held analytical device for analysis of a medically significant component of a sample, the device including a housing having a loading opening for receiving a replaceable drum cartridge containing analytical consumables, whereby the housing comprises on an outer side a dispensing opening through which the consumables can be pushed by means of a removal facility. The device includes a loading opening which is closeable by means of a lid, which upon closing effects a linear motion of a pushing part which moves the drum cartridge to a working position, in which it can be rotated about its geometric longitudinal axis.

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: The present invention provides an analyte test device (5) for determining concentration of an analyte in a physiologic fluid. The analyte test device (5) includes a test meter (7) and a lancet device (10, 110). The lancet device (10,110) has an integral lancet (20,120), a lancet casing (40,140) and a test strip (60). The lancet (20,120) is locked onto the lancet casing (40,140) by a catch (32,132). When the lancet device (10) is inserted into a receptacle (R) on the test meter (7), a spigot (Q) unlocks the catch (32) from the lancet casing (40) so that the lancet (20) takes on the characteristic of a probe (P) that is connected to a lancet firing mechanism disposed in the test meter (7). Alternatively, a collar (C) on the probe (P) disengages the catch (132) from the lancet casing (140) when the lancet device (110) is inserted into the test meter (7).

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of the fluid.

Abstract: A body fluid collecting device is used by mounting a tip with a puncture needle and a front end opening at the front end portion thereof for allowing the puncture needle to pass therethrough. The device additionally includes a device body, having a contact part for fitting skin thereto, a tip mounting part having a storage space formed therein capable of storing the tip, a pump for depressurizing the inside of the storage space, and a movable means. The movable means is capable of moving the front end portion of the tip mounting part along a longitudinal direction of the puncture needle, and within a specified range, when the storage space is depressurized by the pump under a condition in which the tip is stored in the storage space, the skin is fitted to the contact part, and the front end opening is sealed.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a means of easily removing a portion of blood bleeding from pierced skin, which has not been taken into a blood sensor but remained on the skin, in a blood test with the use of a blood test apparatus. By using this means, it becomes unnecessary in the blood test to separately prepare a paper sheet, etc. for wiping off. More specifically speaking, a blood test apparatus wherein a blood sensor is provided within a blood sensor unit detachable to the blood test apparatus body and the blood sensor unit has a part to be in contact with the skin in the test and an absorption means. It is favorable that the part to be in contact with the skin in the test serves as the absorption means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing integrated, diagnostic test elements (1) which have a lancing area (2) and a detection area (3). The lancing area is used to generate an opening in the skin and the detection area is used to detect an analyte in a body fluid. The selective sterilization sterilizes the lancing area but not the detection area by electron radiation. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of screening the detection area on the test element against electron radiation and subsequently irradiating the test element with electron radiation. The invention additionally concerns a method according to the invention in which the test elements and lancing areas are in a connected arrangement and are brought into the radiation area by moving the entire arrangement. Finally the invention concerns a diagnostic test element which has been produced according to the inventive method.

Abstract: A sensor device has a needle-integrated type sensor element which is detachably mounted therein and which has a sensor chip, a lancet needle fixed to an end portion of the sensor chip, and a flow path forming element provided compressibly and restorably at the end portion of the sensor chip, to which the lancet needle is fixed. The sensor device includes a puncture mechanism (a drive spring) configured to cause the sensor element to puncture a target, and a pressing mechanism (a pressure spring) configured to urge the sensor element to the extent that the sensor element is prevented from being detached from the target by a restoring force of the flow path forming element after the target is punctured.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A blood test device (21) ensuring successful measurement wherein fingers scarcely slip out from the blood test device and blood never sticks to other sites in the course from the puncture of the patient's skin to the completion of the blood test. This blood test device (21) comprises a cartridge (24) in which sensors (23) pooling blood oozing out from the punctured skin are stored in a layered state, a transport unit transporting a single sensor sheet (23) from the inside of the cartridge (24) to the outside, a holder (25) holding the transported sensor (23), a laser emitting unit (26) puncturing the skin in the state where the sensor (23) is held by the holder (25), and a pump (28) keeping the inside of the holder (25) and the inside of the cartridge (24) under negative pressure.

Abstract: A sensor for blood component analysis, which allows even a trace amount of blood to be led to an analysis portion reliably. The sensor for blood component analysis includes a substrate, a spacer, and a cover. The cover is disposed on the substrate with the spacer intervening between the cover and the substrate, whereby a space that serves as an analysis portion and a channel for leading blood to the analysis portion is formed inside the sensor. Through holes are formed in the substrate and the spacer, respectively, so that a common through hole through which a needle of a lancet can pass is formed when the spacer is disposed on the substrate. The through hole of the spacer communicates with the channel and a top of the through hole of the spacer is covered with the cover, whereby a lancing portion is formed by the common through hole and a portion of the cover covering the top of the through hole of the spacer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a component measuring instrument with which a predetermined component in blood can be measured securely and in a short time. The component measuring instrument, which is used by mounting therein a chip having a puncture needle, includes: a specimen sampling portion application portion to which a specimen sampling portion to be punctured is applied; a puncturer for moving the puncture needle; pressure reducer for putting the punctured portion of the specimen sampling portion punctured by the puncture needle, together with a containing space for the puncture needle, into a reduced-pressure condition; measurer for measuring the amount of a predetermined component in the blood sampled from the punctured portion; and a chip retracting mechanism for moving the chip in a direction away from the specimen sampling portion while maintaining the reduced-pressure condition generated by the pressure reducer.

Abstract: A piercing device, a blood inspection device, and a piercing method that facilitate timing management for piercing. The piercing device has a housing (22), a laser emission device (26) being piercing means provided in the housing (22), a holding section (25) provided facing the laser emission device (26), negative pressure means (28) for applying negative pressure to a negative pressure chamber (28a) provided at the holding section (25), an electric circuit section (27) for controlling the negative pressure means (28), a first skin sensor (28b) for causing the laser emission device (26) to prepare for operation, and a timer (27k) for automatically outputting a preparation-for-piercing-is-ready signal based on an output from the first skin sensor (28b). Based on the output from the timer (27k), the laser emission device (26) being the piercing means emits a laser beam (26h) to perform piercing.

Abstract: A blood sampling device includes a lancet having a skin piercing member disposed at an end thereof. The lancet is slidable within and releasably engaged with an elongated lancet guide that remains stationary with use of the device. A shell is axially movable relative to the lancet guide between a rest position and an actuate position, with the lancet being spring loaded within the lancet guide by movement of the shell from the rest position to the actuate position.

Abstract: A device for expressing blood from a wound site formed in dermal tissue is constructed, in one embodiment, in the shape of a cap which can be removably mounted onto a lancing instrument. The blood expression device includes an annular support member and a plurality of movable fingers integrally formed onto the support member in a spaced apart relationship, the free ends of the plurality of fingers together defining a generally circular opening. Each finger is adapted for pivotal displacement in such a manner that its free end projects into the circular opening. In use, the free ends of the plurality of fingers are disposed in contact against the dermal tissue immediately surrounding the wound site. As the device is urged downward onto the dermal tissue, the free ends of the plurality of fingers collapse inward and pinch into the dermal tissue so as to create a uniform ring of pressure around the wound site which, in turn, results in the expression of blood.

Abstract: An analyte and detecting apparatus has a housing and a disposable positionable in the housing. A penetrating member driver is positioned in the housing. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the disposable. Each a penetrating member is configured to be coupled to the penetrating member driver. A plurality of sampling chambers are provided with each one including an analyte sensor. A cam disk indexing and drive mechanism is included.

Abstract: A body fluid collecting device which is easy to operate to collect body fluid and which is capable of detecting specific components in body fluid with a small amount of sample includes a sensor to detect a prescribed component in the body fluid, and a first supporter to support the vicinity of the measuring part of the sensor and a second supporter to support the sensor at a place closer to the proximal end than the first supporter. The first and second supporters form between them a non-contact space, wherein the first supporter has at its proximal end a concave that communicates with the non-contact space.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a bodily fluid is described, which contains at least one lancing element, such as a lancet, stored in a first magazine, and at least one test element with a detection area, stored in a second magazine, the detection area containing reagents if necessary for use in detecting the analyte. The system also includes a housing, which encloses at least part of the first magazine and the second magazine and includes an opening for placement of a body part. At least one of the lancing elements and at least one of the test elements are located below the opening, and one of the magazines is located at least partly between the opening and the other magazine. The two magazines may at least partially overlap. The lancing element and the test element may be moved toward the opening so the body part resting on the opening can be lanced with the lancing element and the emerging bodily fluid can be collected using the test element at the same opening.

Abstract: An integrated medical testing device includes a testing meter and lancing device, the meter having a housing, a display, a test element opening, a firing mechanism and a navigation mechanism integrated with a lancing device. The lancing device is at least partially located in the housing and includes a tip having an opening through which a lancet extends upon firing. Various mechanisms can be used to extend the tip from the housing and to prime and fire the lancing device. The lancing device can accommodate a single lancet or a cartridge having multiple lancets. If a cartridge is used, various mechanisms can be utilized to position an unused lancet for firing after a test has been conducted. The relative locations of the lancing device and test element opening are such that the integrated meter and lancing device can be used with a test element inserted in the test element opening. The integrated meter and lancing device can include status indicators that reflect the state of the lancing device.

Abstract: An analyte and detecting apparatus includes a housing, an access door and a front end aperture. A module is positionable in the housing. A penetrating member is positioned in the module and upon launch passes through the front end aperture. An analyte sensor is positioned in the module. A penetrating member driver is configured to be coupled to the penetrating member. A mechanism is included that moves an arm coupled to the penetrating member driver into a launch position and allows motion of the penetrating member driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a puncturing system with a support tape (1) that supports a plurality of lancets (2), a first reel (3) onto which the support tape (1) with unused lancets (2) is wound, a second reel (4) on which portions of the support tape with used lancets (2) are to be wound, a winding mechanism which, by turning the second reel (4), brings the lancets (2) supported by the support tape (1) to a position of use one after another and thus unwinds the support tape (1) from the first reel (3) and winds it onto the second reel (4), a puncturing drive mechanism (7) with which lancets (2) located in the position of use are accelerated in order to puncture the skin. According to the invention, the support tape (1) between the first and second reels (3, 4) is twisted only in one direction of rotation by at least a quarter turn, preferably by at least a half turn.

Abstract: A body fluid testing device includes a test strip, an incision forming member, and a housing. The test strip includes an expression surface. In addition, the test strip is attached to the housing to form a cavity, and the cavity slidably receives the incision forming member. The body fluid testing device is positioned over the incision site where the incision forming member makes an incision. The user presses the expression surface against the skin to express body fluid. The cavity collects body fluid via capillary action, and the test strip analyzes the body fluid.

Abstract: Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a collection zone for receiving body fluid, the device further comprising a fluid receiving means remotely spaced apart from the collection zone so that body fluid in the collection zone will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. The collection zone takes up a very small volume of body fluid of about 10 to 500 nl in a very short time period of less than 0.5 seconds. The fluid receiving means may have a test zone for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid sample from the collection zone is automatically or manually transported to the fluid receiving means to contact the fluid with the test zone.

Abstract: A puncturing device for generating a puncture wound to sample a body fluid is provided and comprises a press-on part or contact element to be pressed against a body part to generate a puncture, a test sensor for measuring a test parameter value, and an analytical unit for determining whether the value of the measured test parameter satisfies a predefined minimum requirement for successful sampling. In one embodiment, the value of the test parameter is monitored during a waiting period by the test sensor once the value satisfies the predefined minimum requirement. After the waiting period has elapsed, so long as the values of the test parameter monitored during the waiting period are in a range of values that predicts sampling to be successful, the analytical unit initiates a puncture.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a test sample from a specimen using a lancet system includes engaging a lancet driver against a drive wing of a lancet system, the lancet system having a major portion of a lancet member slidably engaged within a lancet carrier and a sensor strip with a sample chamber attached to the lancet carrier, the lancet system having a lance connected to a first end of a lancet body of the lancet member wherein the lance is movable from a retracted position within the lancet carrier to an extended position outside the lancet carrier, the drive wing extending outwardly and transversely from the lancet body, the major portion of the lancet member having a sinuous portion with a distal end restricted from movement by the lancet carrier, the sinuous portion being non-compressible when initially disposed within the lancet carrier wherein the drive wing prevents the sinuous portion from being compressed, moving the drive wing with the lancet driver a predetermined distance causing the lancet tip to move

Abstract: A blood analysis device wherein a part carrying blood attached thereto can be localized to thereby facilitate handling after using and, in the case of incorporating blood collected from the punctured skin, the blood is held in a skin-puncturing device or the like so that an uncontaminated holding area can be enlarged and the degree of freedom in handling can be elevated. A blood analysis device (A) which comprises a plate type device body (100) having a blood collection port (4) for incorporating blood and a ventilation hole (5) formed at a certain distance apart in a face (1a) and a passage (6) located inside for connecting the blood collection port (4) to the ventilation hole (5), and a blood analysis section (7) located within the passage (6) for analyzing the blood having been incorporated via the blood collection port (4).

Abstract: A lancet having a slider with a puncture needle holding mechanism at one end thereof, and having a cam ring with a continuous cam groove rotatable about a support shaft, and with a cam ring claw and an anti-return claw restricting the rotation. The lancet also having a ring spring applying a force to rotate the cam ring, having a rotatable stopper arm holding and releasing the rotation of the cam ring, and having a rotatable ratchet restricting the direction of rotation of the cam ring. A puncture needle unit including a puncture needle body integrally molded with a protrusion fitted to the lancet, a rotation stop rib, a puncture needle, and a puncture needle cap lightly pressed into the puncture needle body.

Abstract: A device for receiving a body fluid for analysis, comprising a container and at least one sample-receiving unit which can be impinged upon by the body fluid at a receiving point and which can be extracted from a guide chamber of the container by means of a drive unit. According to the invention, a coupling device is provided in order to couple the sample receiving unit to the drive unit to ensure back and forth movement between the guide chamber and the receiving point.

Abstract: A blood testing device that can perform blood testing having lighting intensity independent of the number of times of piercing. The blood testing device (21) has a cover unit (20) removably installed on negative pressure chambers (25a, 25b). The cover unit (20) has a circular tube section (20b) surrounding the optical axis of a laser unit (26) and having a predetermined length in the direction of the optical axis, a cover glass (20d) placed on the optical axis of the laser unit (26) so as to be located at that end of the circular tube section (20b) which is on the laser unit (26) side, and a slit (20e) for interconnecting the inside of the circular tube section (20b) and the negative pressure chamber (25a) outside the circular tube section (20b).

Abstract: A blood analysis device that can be used by one hand and has enhanced operability. The blood analysis device includes a body case (2) having a blood collection window (1), a finger cover (3) formed integrally with the body case (2) and covering a finger that faces and is in contact with the blood collection window (1), pressing means (5) for pressing the finger, which is inserted in the finger cover, toward the blood collection window (1), a recessed finger hold section (21) formed in a side face of the body case (20), and a pedestal-shaped piercing section (22) provided at the recessed finger hold section (21) and having a piercing opening (22a).

Abstract: Bodily fluid is sampled by causing a lancet mounted in a housing to be displaced toward a skin surface. A vacuum mechanism disposed on the housing is utilized to create a suction in the area to be incised causing bodily fluid to pool. The vacuum mechanism may then be deactivated thereby releasing the vacuum force on the skin, or repeatedly activated and deactivated. After the vacuum device has been utilized, the lancet is advanced to form an incision. The vacuum device may be activated, activated and deactivated, or repeatedly activated and deactivated after forming the incision. The sample may be withdrawn from the incision through a capillary tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the expression of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include devices which bear against the skin in a manner to retain the fluid adjacent the incision site and urge the fluid inwardly toward the incision. Systems utilize a constricting member, a bi-stable expression member, or a pressing member. The present invention further encompasses combinations of the foregoing expression systems with each other, as well as with other expression devices known in the art. Moreover, the invention includes the combination of the expression systems with incising, sampling and/or testing systems, particularly in a single, integrated device. The present invention also contemplates the associated methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision, including in combination with methods for incising, sampling and/or testing of the bodily fluid.

Abstract: A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.

Abstract: A disposable device for analyzing body fluid especially for blood sugar tests includes a container which can be inserted into a measuring apparatus, a sampling member provided in the container to pierce skin of a body part and sample body fluid, and a test member for receiving body fluid obtained by the skin-piercing. In one form, the test member is fixed in a retaining chamber of the container, and the sampling member is configured in the same retaining chamber such that it is separated at a distance from the test member in an initial state and is in contact with the test member to transfer body fluid in a transfer state after the skin-piercing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood. An embodiment consists of an apparatus which integrates lancing, sample collection, and analysis. The presence of patients finger on the active sampling area can be sensed by monitoring the pressure applied by the finger on the device.

Abstract: A blood test device by which the amount of plumped skin at a puncture site for conducting a blood test or collecting the blood can be controlled at a constant amount so that a blood component can be accurately measured. Namely, a blood test device comprising: a housing; an inner tube provided in one side of the housing; a reciprocating unit which reciprocates within the inner tube; a blood collection needle connected to the reciprocating unit; a blood sensor facing to the blood collection needle and being located at the tip of the inner tube; a measurement circuit to which a signal is fed from the blood sensor; and a negative pressure unit driven by the measurement circuit; which further has an outer tube that is a tube covering the inner tube, having an opening in the tip side of the inner tube, being capable of relatively moving to the inner tube, and being provided so as to return to a definite relative position.

Abstract: A lancet device for generating a puncture wound in a skin surface, comprising a housing, in which a lancet can be moved on a puncturing path, a lancet drive with a drive rotor that can be driven by a drive spring, a lancet coupling mechanism that transforms a rotational motion of the drive rotor into a puncturing and returning motion of the lancet during a working cycle of the lancet drive, a reference element that is mobile relative to the lancet and relative to the housing and is fixed in a defined position relative to the lancet drive during the puncturing and rests against the surface of the skin with a contact surface thereof such that a puncture wound with a reproducible puncturing depth is generated by the puncturing motion, and a reference element coupling mechanism that is coupled to the lancet drive in order to move the reference element. The invention further relates to a suitable lancet drive assembly for a lancet device of this type.

Abstract: The invention concerns a disposable diagnostic part comprising a lancing element (14) which is designed for puncturing the skin (26) and has a collecting channel (16) for taking up body fluid, and comprising a detection element (18) which has a test layer (42) provided with reagents for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid and is disposed in the collecting channel (16). In order to ensure an improved stability and biocompatibility it is proposed that the detection element (18) is provided with a sealing layer (20) that is applied to the test layer (42) and covers the reagents.

Abstract: A cartridge for a device includes a generally cylindrical cartridge body. A plurality of generally axially movably mounted lancets or lancet needles are included. A plurality of biasing members are utilized with each being adapted to apply a biasing force to one of the lancets or lancet needles. A lancet device includes a housing comprising a trigger and a generally cylindrically-shaped cartridge comprising a plurality of lancet needles and a plurality of springs and being adapted to rotate between different positions.