Abstract: A device is disclosed for obtaining body fluid, in particular blood, comprising a lancing element having a tip for puncturing the skin of a body part and an actuator coupled with the lancing element for a forward and backward movement of the lancing element, where the lancing element can be inserted into the skin up to an optionally adjustable puncture position. The actuator is adapted to drive the lancing element forwardly to a penetration speed of at most 0.7 m/s when the lancing element penetrates the skin.

Abstract: A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a part of a subject is provided. An invasive or non-invasive sample of blood may used for this determination. Also provided is a device for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a subject.

Abstract: Provided are a decompression mechanism capable of performing a desired pressure reduction by simple operation and having improved operability, a puncture device, a blood analysis device, and a sensor mounting mechanism. A needle puncturing device includes: a piston having at one end thereof an end part for forming a part of a sensor mounting mechanism and at the other end an end part for slidably supporting a rod of a lancet section; a cylinder for slidably containing therein the end section of the piston; and packing mounted to the inner periphery of the end part of the piston and maintaining the air-tightness of the outer periphery of the rod. When the piston is moved in the direction toward the cylinder with a skin contact part in contact with the skin, the volumes of an internal space and a pressure reduction chamber are increased to produce a reduced pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a vacuum container configured to provide and substantially maintain a built-in vacuum pressure; a contact member configured to contact and substantially enclose a surface area; a vacuum device configured to couple the built-in vacuum pressure to the surface area thereby applying a suction force over the surface area; and a conduit coupled to the vacuum container; wherein the vacuum container is also configured to retain a substance collected from adjacent the surface area, wherein the conduit is configured to direct the substance to the vacuum container, and to maintain substantially the same level of vacuum pressure as the vacuum container, wherein the vacuum container comprises a collapsible container, and wherein the collapsible container comprises a spring member configured to maintain a tension in a wall of the vacuum container.

Abstract: A supply of lancets for a multi-use lancing device are carried by a tape and sequentially brought from a storage position to an activating position by advancing the tape around a bend. The lancets are non-circular in cross-section along their longitudinal lengths, and in their activating position they extend from the tape such that their sharp tips are available for lancing tissue. The carrying tape can be arranged in reel-to-reel format in a housing having a lancing opening. The lancets can be integral with the tape and activated to move the lancet through the lancing opening by moving the tape along its tape path or by translating a dedicated service loop of the tape. The lancets can also be independent from the tape and activated through the lancing opening by a separate lancing actuator. A test media can be included on the carrying tape and the housing can contain a sensor to yield an integrated lancing and testing device.

Abstract: A skin penetrating system is provided with a drive force generator and a disposable housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the disposable housing member. Each penetrating member is coupled to the drive force generator. A plurality of analyte detecting members are each associated with a penetrating member and are positioned in the disposable housing member. Each analyte detecting member is positioned in a sample chamber with a volume of less than 1 ?L, The sample chambers have openings for transport of a body fluid into the sample chamber. Each analyte detecting member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of a body fluid disposed in the sample chamber. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test device, in particular for blood sugar tests, comprising a lancing element which is provided with a lancing component for producing a skin puncture, and a protecting element shielding the lancing element at least in the area of the lancing component. According to the invention it is proposed that the lancing element has a collecting structure for collecting body fluid from the skin puncture and that the protecting element comprises a protecting foil to cover the collecting structure and a holding body for holding the protecting foil on the lancing element.

Abstract: A device for use with a penetrating member driver to penetrate tissue is provided. A plurality of penetrating members are coupled to a single cartridge and are operatively couplable to the penetrating member driver. The penetrating members are movable to extend radially outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. A plurality of analyte sensors are coupled to the single cartridge and are positioned on the cartridge to receive body fluid from a wound in the tissue created by the penetrating member.

Abstract: In combination, a blood glucose testing meter comprising a slot for receiving a test strip, a display, one or more control devices, and a battery compartment and a lancing device for releasable coupling to the blood glucose test meter over the battery compartment. The lancing device releasably couples directly to the testing meter over the battery compartment. Optionally, the lancing device is mounted to a mounting clip releasably coupled to the testing meter over the battery compartment. The lancing device comprises a housing, a lancet opening disposed at one end of the housing, an energizing member for charging the lancing device, and a release button for activating a lancet within the lancing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lancet device that can solve the problem of falling or losing a cover when mounting or separating a lancet and reduce the pain that accompanies blood-taking. A lancet device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a lancet holder having a lancet seat to mount a lancet at one end; an operating mechanism disposed at the other end of the lancet holder and loading and releasing the lancet holder along a predetermined path; and an a housing receiving the operating mechanism and having one end coupled to the lancet holder, and further includes a cover that covers the housing so that the lancet holder is received in the housing, is at least partially connected with the housing in order not to separate from the housing in use, and has protrusions on the front part.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a property of a blood sample is shown. The apparatus comprises of a housing having an aperture; a shaft mounted inside the housing; a testing member rotatably mounted on the shaft; an actuating member coupled to the housing and configured to exert a force against the testing member; and a lancet for eliciting a blood sample fixedly coupled to and protruding substantially radially from the testing member and configured to co-rotate with the testing member. The apparatus is further configured such that the lancet is aligned with the aperture in the housing when the testing member is in a first position. The testing member is configured, in the presence of a force exerted against the testing member by the actuator member, to translate to a second position in which the lancet is in a skin penetrating position.

Abstract: A blood testing device in which a blood sensor does not contaminate a piercing section when discarded. The blood testing device (11) is provided with the piercing section (13) having an upper holder (13a) and a lower holder (13b), and also with a connector (18). In piercing operation, the connector (18), the upper holder (13a), and the lower holder (13b) sandwich and hold the sensor (24). To discharge the sensor, the lower holder (13b) is pivoted so as to be separated from the upper holder (13a), which creates a space between the lower holder (13b) and the upper holder (13a) to expose the sensor (24).

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

Abstract: A blood test device by which the amount of plumped skin at a puncture site for conducting a blood test or collecting blood can be controlled so that a blood component can be accurately measured. The blood test device includes: 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. An outer tube, that is a tube covering the inner tube, has an opening in the tip side of the inner tube, is capable of moving relative to the inner tube, and is provided so as to return to a definite relative position. The negative pressure provider can apply a negative pressure to the inside of the outer tube.

Abstract: A lancing device is adapted for use in firing a lancet into the skin of a patient to acquire a blood sample and, subsequent thereto, calculating and displaying the concentration of glucose in the acquired sample. In one embodiment, the device comprises a lancet and a torsion spring coupled to the lancet through a lancet holder. The torsion spring includes inner, middle and outer rings which are concentrically configured, a plurality of activation spring arms which connect the middle and outer rings and a plurality of return spring arms which connect the inner and middle rings. In use, the plurality of activation and return spring arms can be independently transformed between energized and de-energized states using a single, button-shaped mechanism. Rotation of the mechanism is used to energize the activation and return spring arms.

Abstract: Lancet device including a skin engaging end that includes a lancet opening through which a lancet needle may extend, a movably mounted holding member configured to receive a lancet, and a combined triggering and cocking system structured and arranged to move the holding member to a retracted position during a cocking phase and to cause the holding member to move to an extended position during a triggering phase. A method of puncturing a surface of skin using the lancet device includes disposing the skin engaging end against a user's skin and manually activating the combined triggering and cocking system. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliciting a blood sample comprises: a housing; a shaft mounted within the housing; an aperture in the housing, the aperture being configured to receive a part of a user; a member rotatably mounted on the shaft; a lancet protruding from one position at an edge of the member, and a blood collection part located at a second, different position at the edge of the member. The apparatus is configured such that: when the member is in a first rotational position the lancet is shielded by the housing, when the member is in a second rotational position the lancet is operable to lance the part of the user received at the aperture, and when the member is in a third rotational position the blood collection part is presented such as to receive blood from the part of the user received at the aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliciting a blood sample comprises: a member rotatably mounted on a shaft and configured to rotate between a first position and a second position; and a curved lancet protruding from the member and configured to co-rotate with the member such as to provide skin penetration by the lancet when the member is in the second position. At least 1 mm of the end portion of the curved lancet is coincident with a line that is concentric with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A puncture set includes a puncture needle unit and puncture device. The puncture needle unit includes a puncture needle and a tubular casing, with the puncture needle having a needle hub and a needle body possessing a needle point. The tubular casing movably receives the puncture needle and has an opening from which the needle point can project. The puncture device has a housing, an installation section at which the casing is removably installed, and a plunger having a connection section connected to the needle hub in an installed state where the casing is installed on the installation section. Casing-side projections project from the outer periphery of the casing and are circumferentially arranged. Installation section-side projections project from the inner periphery of the installation section and are circumferentially arranged. In the installed state, at least one installation section-side projection is located between adjacent casing-side projections.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a test strip and a meter. The test strip is capable of being inoculated by the fluid sample. The test strip includes a test element, which contains at least one reagent adapted to cause a reaction when brought into contact with the analyte. The meter includes a read-head, a repositioning device, and a display. The read-head is capable of producing a signal indicative of the reaction between the analyte and the at least one reagent. The display is capable of displaying the analyte concentration. The repositioning device is adapted to move the test strip from a loading position to a testing position. The testing position positions the test element proximate to the read-head.

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 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: A single-use lancet cartridge for inserting into a multi-use lancet driver assembly of a meter housing includes an elongated lancet housing with an open end, a lancet within the lancet housing and movable between a retracted and resting orientation to a piercing orientation through the open end, and a re-use prevention component that is a rotated drive wing incorporated within the lancet cartridge and oriented to cooperatively engage with a driver piston of the multi-use lancet driver assembly only one time thereby preventing the lancet from being moved into a piercing orientation a second time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancing system for collecting samples of a body liquid having a receptacle for accommodating a lancet supply strip with a plurality of lancets, arranged transversely to the lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip, a feed mechanism for transporting a lancet supply strip, placed in the receptacle, to move the lancets of the lancet supply strip one after the other to a puncturing position, and a lancing drive for causing a lancet, which occupies a puncturing position, to perform a puncturing movement. The lancing system is characterized by a bending mechanism for bending a section of the lancet supply strip in lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip and for thereby separating a lancet tip of a lancet from the lancet supply strip for a puncturing action.

Abstract: A blood sampling device designed to divert attention from the pain involved in the puncture of the skin tissue by increasing comfort when lancing the skin by affecting the sensation and perception of pain. Projections on the distal end of a skin pricker contact the skin surface to confuse the nerves in the area of the prick to make the prick less noticeable.

Abstract: Instrument for producing a sample of body liquid for analysis by piercing the skin with a lancing element having a skin piercing tip. The instrument has a housing and a lancing drive for driving a lancing element connected thereto in a puncturing movement. A pressure ring surrounds a skin contact opening and is adapted for pressing against the skin such that the skin bulges into the opening for promoting expression of body fluid. The skin contact opening has an opening area corresponding to a circle with a diameter of at least 3 mm and at most 8 mm, and the instrument comprises a pressing force control device for controlling the pressing force between the pressure ring and the skin at the time of triggering the puncturing movement, to be at least 3 N and at most 8 N.

Abstract: A supply of lancets for a multi-use lancing device are carried by a tape and sequentially brought from a storage position to an activating position by advancing the tape around a bend. The lancets are non-circular in cross-section along their longitudinal lengths, and in their activating position they extend from the tape such that their sharp tips are available for lancing tissue. The carrying tape can be arranged in reel-to-reel format in a housing having a lancing opening. The lancets can be integral with the tape and activated to move the lancet through the lancing opening by moving the tape along its tape path or by translating a dedicated service loop of the tape. The lancets can also be independent from the tape and activated through the lancing opening by a separate lancing actuator. A test media can be included on the carrying tape and the housing can contain a sensor to yield an integrated lancing and testing device.

Abstract: A blood analysis device wherein a carrying part blood attached thereto can be localized to thereby facilitate handling after using. When 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 increased. A blood analysis device which comprises a plate type device body having a blood collection port for incorporating blood and a ventilation hole formed at a certain distance apart in a face and a passage located inside for connecting the blood collection port to the ventilation hole, and a blood analysis section located within the passage for analyzing the blood having been incorporated via the blood collection port.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a part of a subject is provided. An invasive or non-invasive sample of blood may be used for this determination. Also provided is a device for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a subject. The device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, a holder, a detector and a processing system.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical device containing a lancet comprising a lancet needle and a lancet body, the lancet needle being movable relative to the lancet body and the lancet body being composed, at least in the area of the tip of the lancet needle, of an elastic material in which the tip of the lancet needle is embedded, and an analytical test element which is permanently connected to the lancet body. In addition the invention concerns an analytical device containing a lancet comprising a lancet needle and a lancet body which is in the form of a hollow body in the area of the tip of the lancet needle and surrounds the tip of the lancet needle, the lancet needle being movable relative to the lancet body and the hollow body being composed at least partially of an elastic material, and an analytical test element which is permanently connected to the lancet body. Finally the invention concerns a process for manufacturing such an analytical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compression device for stimulating the efflux of a body fluid from a body part. The device has a compression unit with a pressure-application region made of a deformable material, the region being formed to generate a repulsive force between the body part and the compression unit. The repulsive force passes through a force maximum then decreases to serve as an indication that the body part is guided sufficiently firmly and far enough onto the compression unit.

Abstract: The invention proposes a medical system which comprises a central control unit which is set up to display at least one diagnostic measured value using a display element. The medical system also comprises at least one invasive unit, wherein the invasive unit has at least one invasive consumable. The invasive consumable is set up to invasively intervene in a tissue of a patient. The invasive unit has at least one contactlessly readable electronic identifier for storing at least one piece of information. The central control unit is set up to electronically read the at least one piece of information in the electronic identifier. The central control unit and the invasive unit are functionally independent of one another such that the respective function of the central control unit and of the invasive unit can be performed independently of the presence of the respective other unit.

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 portable measuring system which analyzes a liquid sample for at least one analyte. The portable measuring system has a substantially moisture-proof housing with an internal atmosphere. The housing prevents moisture from the air and water vapor from penetrating into the housing. The portable measuring system also has at least one test element support inserted into the internal atmosphere of the housing. The test element support is equipped with a retaining structure and a test element that is supported by the retaining structure. The test element support is designed such that, after insertion into the internal atmosphere, the test element is exposed to the internal atmosphere. A release mechanism is also provided which can convey at least one test element into an application position within the internal atmosphere of the housing. In this application position, the liquid sample can be applied to the test element.

Abstract: A lancet assembly includes a lancet, a lancet engaging part, and a lancet case housing the lancet and the lancet engaging part. In the lancet assembly of the present invention, the lancet engaging part and the lancet cap are disposed such that they are capable of making contact with each other. When the lancet engaging part is forced to move forward with respect to the lancet in a pricking direction, the lancet cap is pressed by the lancet engaging part, and thereby the bridging component is broken so that the lancet cap is separated from the lancet body. When the lancet engaging part is forced to further move forward, the separated lancet cap moves to the position off a pricking pathway of the pricking component within the lancet case.

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. Thus, the skin rises and comes into contact with a second skin contact sensor. After piercing into the skin, the negative pressure supply is once ceased. Next, the negative pressure is applied again for a definite period of time. Thus, the opening in the skin is broadened, which facilitates the flow out of the blood.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for positioning a body part (16) on an analytical device (14) for body fluids includes a flexible compression element (24) for pressing against the body part (16) while increasing the pressure and a rigid support part (26) to hold the compression element (24) on a housing (12) of the analytical device (14). The compression element (24) has an engaging member (34) for the body part (16) which can be pressed into the housing (12) such that a withdrawal region (56) of the body part (16) is exposed in the interior (18) of the housing (12) in order to remove liquid.

Abstract: A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.

Abstract: A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.

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: Methods and systems to collect a sample of bodily fluid from a patient using an integrated needle and test strip assembly are provided. The test strip and needle form one unit that captures the sample of blood or interstitial fluid from the patient once the apparatus is pressed to the skin. The hollow needle includes more than one opening at a distal end, each opening coming into contact with the bodily fluid when disposed within a cutaneous or subcutaneous layer of the patient's skin. The sample may flow through the needle onto a test region by capillary action and/or the positive pressure of the bodily fluid (e.g. blood or interstitial fluid) relative to the external environment. The disclosed test strip includes at least one reaction site for testing analyte concentrations and a means for interfacing with many commercially available test strip meters to provide readout of the analyte concentration.

Abstract: A method is provided for collecting a small blood sample by painlessly puncturing a finger. When the skin of a human being is punctured by a needle or another device at the depth that does not exceed 0.5 mm, pain accompanying the puncture is diminished or decreased. Regardless of an error in the depth of the puncture, the depth of puncture must not exceed this depth. The puncture site is located on the dorsal surface of a finger, in the area from the finger joint (IP joint of thumb, DIP joint of fingers other than thumb) to the proximal nail wall and the area extending from the proximal nail wall to the lateral nail wall.

Abstract: Provided are a decompression mechanism capable of performing a desired pressure reduction by simple operation and having improved operability, a puncture device, a blood analysis device, and a sensor mounting mechanism. A needle puncturing device (100) is provided with: a piston (121) having at one end thereof an end part (121a) for forming a part of a sensor mounting mechanism (130) and at the other end an end part (121b) for slidably supporting a rod (112) of a lancet section (111); a cylinder (122) for slidably containing therein the end section (121b) of the piston (121); and packing (125) mounted to the inner periphery of the end part (121b) of the piston (121) and maintaining the air-tightness of the outer periphery of the rod (112).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing an injection, the apparatus including a front end, a vibrator mechanism selectively vibrating the front end during an injection and a syringe holder holding a syringe during an injection through the front end while the front end is vibrated.

Abstract: A system is provided for withdrawing small amounts of body fluid from an animal or human. The system includes a holder and a disposable lancing unit attached to the holder. The lancing unit also includes an open capillary channel for transporting the body fluid and piercing the skin.

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.