Abstract: This disclosure relates to an analytic test unit for use in a test device for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid, having at least one test element with a carrier film and a reagent layer, the latter being affixed on the carrier side of the carrier film and it being possible to apply bodily fluid on said reagent layer, wherein the light-transparent carrier film can be positioned in the beam path of a photometric measuring unit for optically scanning the reagent layer. According to this disclosure, it is proposed that the carrier film has a surface, modified by a raised surface structure, for reducing reflections in the beam path of the measuring unit.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling unit includes a puncture device including a needle having a sharp needle point and a drive mechanism for operating the needle to puncture a living body surface with the needle point, a tip including an introducing section for introducing a body fluid flowing out from a puncture portion of the living body surface punctured with the needle point, a test paper for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid, and a tip body mounted to a component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or property of the predetermined component detected by the test paper; and a case including a mechanism containing section for containing the puncture mechanism so that the needle point of the puncture mechanism can be moved by the drive means, and a sampling implement containing section for containing the body fluid sampling implement so that the tip can be taken out.

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: An apparatus for sampling and storing biological fluids from a human or animal subject is provided. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a main body, lancet carrier or hub, lancet, lancet trigger, capillary tube, and sample compartments for collecting and storing dried blood and other bodily fluids. The lancet hub supports a lancet and provides for moving the lancet longitudinally between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The device includes a capillary tube having an internal diameter sized to draw and retain fluid from a contacted source using capillary action. The main body of the apparatus further includes a sample compartment for holding sampling and storage materials. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sample compartment can be accessed by lifting sample compartment lid. Also included is a new “fan” or “daisy” shaped collection material format for use in collecting and preserving samples.

Abstract: Described and illustrated herein is an exemplary lancing device. The exemplary lancing device comprises: a first housing having spaced apart proximal and distal ends disposed along a longitudinal axis; a chassis disposed in the first housing in a fixed relationship with the first housing; a movable member disposed in the chassis and configured for movement along the longitudinal axis and in the first housing; a lancet coupled to the movable member; and a lancet depth adjustment member retained by both the first and chassis so that the lancet depth adjustment member is rotatable relative to both housings to provide for a plurality of stop surfaces to the movable member. Other embodiments and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved arterialized earlobe blood collection device, and an improved process for blood analysis. The device and the process of the invention can be used in many unsual and/or risky situations, including collecting arterialized blood in space missions under microgravity environment and within ambulances or the like. The process of the present invention enables easier and faster blood analysis, since the blood collector device of the invention is coupled with an analyzing apparatus so as no blood or needle manipulation is required.

Abstract: A single-use lancet cartridge for inserting into a multi-use lancet driver assembly 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 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. The single-use lancet cartridge is used that contains the multi-use lancet driver assembly.

Abstract: The medical puncturing device (10) includes a housing (12) having a proximal end (18) and a distal end (16) and a skin puncturing assembly (14) within the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier (50) and a skin puncturing element (52). The skin puncturing element is adapted to puncture the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein a distal tip of the skin puncturing element is disposed within the housing, to a puncturing position wherein the distal tip is exposed to puncture the skin of the patient. The carrier is moved from the retracted position to the puncturing position upon radial deformation of the housing. An internal guide (42) may be provided within the housing for guiding the movement of the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position.

Abstract: A composite diagnostic system comprising a support member having a membrane penetration element; a bodily fluid collection point positioned for collection of a bodily fluid released by application of the membrane penetration element to a user's body; a test material positioned in the support member such that in use the bodily fluid is brought into contact with the test material.

Abstract: A meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a memory device, electrical circuitry and a detection device for distinguishing between an alternative site test and a standard site test. The memory device is adapted to store information. The electrical circuitry is adapted to determine the analyte concentration of the fluid sample located on a test sensor. The electrical circuitry is in electronic communication with the memory device. The electrical circuitry communicates the determined analyte concentration to the memory device for storage.

Abstract: Lancing system comprising a needle and a lancing device The lancing device comprises a housing with a housing opening that is surrounded by a housing skin contact surface. A lancing depth reference element with a reference skin contact surface is adapted in such a manner that the reference skin contact surface at a reversal point of the lancing movement is in contact with the skin. The lancing depth is determined by the distance between the reference skin contact surface and the tip of the needle element at the reversal point of the lancing movement. The lancing depth reference element is in a stationary defined position relative to the reversal point of the lancing movement. The lancing depth reference element is adapted to stabilize the skin when pressed against the reference skin contact surface with respect to a skin deformation which occurs upon lancing of the skin.

Abstract: A blood test apparatus has a housing, a blood sensor, and a plurality of connectors. The blood sensor has a plurality of connection terminals that are electrically connected with each electrode of the electrode system; and a reference terminal that serves as a reference. The plurality of connectors are configured to connect to the plurality of connection terminals and the reference terminal of the blood sensor attached at a predetermined position in the blood test apparatus, respectively. And also, relations between the reference terminal and each of the plurality of connection terminals are measured to identify the reference terminal automatically.

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: Analyte monitoring devices and methods therefore are provided. The devices integrate various functions of analyte monitoring, e.g., sample acquisition and testing.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of cartridges each with a distal port and a proximal port. A plurality of penetrating members are provided, each coupled to a cartridge and having a sharpened distal tip and a shaft portion slidably disposed within the cartridge. A seal is formed by a fracturable material between the penetrating member and the cartridge. The seal is positioned at one or both of a distal port or a proximal port of the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. Each cavity has a longitudinal opening that provides access to an elongate portion of the penetrating member. A sterility barrier is coupled to the cartridge. The sterility barrier covers a plurality of the longitudinal openings. The sterility barrier is configured to be moved so that the elongate portion is accessed by the gripper without touching the barrier.

Abstract: A reconfigurable integrated lancet system comprises a testing device having a housing, a lancet holding device frame, a lancet, and at least one connection mechanism. The lancet holding device frame is adapted to fasten around a periphery of the housing of the testing device. The lancet holding device frame has a first lock receiving region. The lancet has a second lock receiving region. The at least one connection mechanism has a first locking end and a second locking end. The first locking end is adapted to interact within the first lock receiving region of the lancet holding device frame, to connect the connection mechanism to the lancet holding device frame. The second locking end is adapted to interact within the second lock receiving region of the lancet, to connect the connection mechanism to the lancet.

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device comprising a lancet which can be advanced against a skin-piercing site to produce a droplet of bodily fluid. A transport medium is positioned sufficiently close to the lancing medium to retain a droplet of bodily fluid therebetween by capillary action. One of the two mediums has hydrophobic material on its surface and the other hydrophilic. Various mechanisms are provided for relatively displacing the lancing and transport medium to move the droplet of bodily fluid away from the skin-piercing end. Furthermore, multiple lancet assemblies may be provided in a barrel or disk configuration and indexed to the displacing mechanisms for sampling a skin site.

Abstract: A safety device for shielding a sharp tip of a tubular needle includes a shaft sized and shaped for being received into the passage of the tubular needle through a first end of the passage and extending to a second end of the passage. A shield is associated with the shaft and is constructed for receiving and substantially shielding the sharp tip of the needle. A catch is associated with the shaft. The catch prevents the withdrawal of the shaft from the passage of the needle when the shield is shielding the sharp tip of the needle.

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 blood test device using a laser as a puncture member. More specifically, in a blood test device using a laser as a puncture member, the skin can be fixed at a definite position by raising the punctured skin under negative pressure, and thus the skin is brought into close contact with a blood sensor and the laser is focused on the vicinity of the blood sensor face. Thus, it is possible to provide a blood test device of the laser puncture type in which the skin can be surely punctured while giving little pain to a patient.

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: A method for producing a membrane ring or test strip ring for a diagnostic test device includes an elongate strip that is divided into segments by cuts running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip, where the cuts are made only as far as a residual width of the strip so that a material bridge remains intact between the segments adjacent to the cuts (24). The strip is closed by bringing its ends together to form a ring where the cut edges of the cuts running towards the material bridges each enclose an acute angle (?). The ring is inserted into a support structure as a membrane ring or test strip ring for the test device.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling unit includes a puncture device including a needle having a sharp needle point and a drive mechanism for operating the needle to puncture a living body surface with the needle point, a tip including an introducing section for introducing a body fluid flowing out from a puncture portion of the living body surface punctured with the needle point, a test paper for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid, and a tip body mounted to a component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or property of the predetermined component detected by the test paper; and a case including a mechanism containing section for containing the puncture mechanism so that the needle point of the puncture mechanism can be moved by the drive means, and a sampling implement containing section for containing the body fluid sampling implement so that the tip can be taken out.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication.

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 lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing an analyte in a body fluid sample using a lancing device (10) having a hollow lancet are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the acts of lancing the skin of a test subject with the hollow lancet (18) having an interior of the hollow lancet (18) that forms a capillary channel, collecting a body fluid sample from the lanced skin in the capillary channel of the hollow lancet (18), and analyzing the body fluid sample for determining the analyte concentration in the body fluid sample while the collected body fluid sample remains in the lancet (18).

Abstract: A lancet magazine is disclosed which includes a housing and a plurality of lancets each of which is enclosed in a sterile chamber of the housing, wherein the chambers each have a puncturing opening which is closed with a foil, wherein the lancets include a sample receiving device for receiving body fluid and the chambers each include a further opening which is closed with a membrane that is permeable to gas and fluid and includes a lower side that faces the lancet and serves to receive body fluid from the sample receiving device and an upper side that serves to transfer body fluid to a test field arranged on the membrane.

Abstract: A high voltage generation circuit for laser puncture in which the voltage for laser puncture can be boosted up to the laser oscillation level in a short time with low power loss. The high voltage generation circuit drives a laser unit for puncturing the skin by oscillating laser light. In the high voltage generation circuit, a capacitor is charged to supply power to the laser unit. A booster circuit supplies a current to the capacitor, and a voltage measurer measures the voltage of the capacitor. A controller controls the booster circuit based on an instruction from a user or the voltage of the capacitor to start precharge of the capacitor with a first current value at a first timing, and to start main charging of the capacitor with a second current value higher than the first current value at a second timing, later than the first timing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for collecting body fluids which has at least one lancet comprising a lancet body with at least two tips of different lengths. The device is characterized in that it has a selection means with the aid of which only one tip is selected before the lancing. This selection means can have different functions and shapes. The selection means is used to select a tip from a plurality of lancet tips which have different lengths and make only this tip available for use in the lancing process. Since the various tips are attached to a lancet body, it is, for example, possible to use a bending element which bends one of the various tips out of the plane of the lancet body in order to provide only one lancet tip for use. This is especially preferable for lancet tips that are arranged linearly relative to one another.

Abstract: A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. Each cavity has a longitudinal opening that provides access to an elongate portion of the penetrating member. A sterility barrier is coupled to the cartridge. The sterility barrier covers a plurality of the longitudinal openings. The sterility barrier is configured to be moved so that the elongate portion is accessed by the gripper without touching the barrier.

Abstract: A container for a diagnostic testing system consists essentially of a media dispenser embedded in the container and configured to house a plurality of test media; a first positioning device arranged on or near a first surface of the media dispenser and configured to push the plurality of test media toward a second surface of the media dispenser; and a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to one of the plurality of test media, the meter including a closure portion configured to close the container.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device includes a penetrating member driver, a cartridge, and a plurality of penetrating members integrated with the cartridge. Each of a penetrating member is coupled to the penetrating member driver when advanced along a path into a tissue target. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held analysis instrument for analyzing a body fluid. The instrument comprises a housing with a housing opening to which a body part, in particular, a finger, can be applied to generate a puncture wound, an analysis unit for analyzing a sample of a body fluid obtained at the puncture wound, and a piercing unit including a lancet and lancet drive for generating a puncture movement of the lancet. The piercing unit, including the lancet drive, is movable between an operating position and a rest position, the piercing unit being located at the housing opening in the operating position in such a manner that by means of the lancet a puncture wound can be generated in a body part pressed against the housing opening, and the piercing unit being remote from the housing opening in the rest position in such a manner that the space in front of the housing opening is free for the analysis unit, so that it can be moved into a position for receiving blood.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a housing containing one or more components configured for at least one of body fluid sampling and analysis. The arrangement includes a housing containing one or more components configured for at least one of body fluid sampling and analysis, and a body attachment element. The housing and the body attachment element are connected by a quick-release mechanism configured to facilitate removal of the housing from the body attachment element.

Abstract: A moving coil tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a magnetic field in a magnetically active region. A cylindrical coil is secured to a translation substrate and disposed at least partially within the magnetically active region. A sharpened member is configured to penetrate tissue and mechanically coupled to the translation substrate.

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 body fluid sampling system is provided for use on a tissue site. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cartridge; a penetrating member driver; a plurality of penetrating members arranged in a radial configuration on the cartridge wherein sharpened distal tips of the penetrating members point radially outward; wherein an active one of the penetrating members may be operatively coupled to the penetrating member driver, the penetrating member driver moving the active one along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stopping in the tissue site, and withdrawing out of the tissue site; and a plurality of analyte detecting members, wherein at least one of the analyte detecting members is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the active one of the penetrating members, wherein the detecting members are not pierced by the active one of the penetrating members.

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: 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. The sample changers 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: A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of cartridges, each with a distal port and a proximal port. A plurality of penetrating members are provided, each being coupled to a cartridge. Each penetrating member has a sharpened distal tip and a shaft portion slidably disposed within the cartridge. A seal is formed by a fracturable material between the penetrating member and the cartridge. The seal is positioned at one or both of a distal port or a proximal port of the cartridge. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of the patient. Contact is made between the tip and the tissue of the patient. The tip is advanced into the tissue during a penetration stroke to a position of maximum inward displacement. The tissue penetration element is allowed to settle upon reaching the point of maximum inward penetration for at least about 1 millisecond with no driving force imposed on the tissue penetration element. The tissue penetration element is displaced proximally over a withdrawal stroke and the tip is removed from the tissue.

Abstract: This invention is regard to an analysis device that analyze a specific component in bodily fluid extracted from the skin using an analysis tool. The analysis device comprise a laser beam oscillation section that emits a laser beam for extracting the bodily fluid from the skin, and a detection mechanism that detects whether or not the analysis tool exists at a target position. The analysis device is adapted to emit the laser beam from the laser beam oscillation section when the analysis tool is detected by the detection mechanism.

Abstract: Blood sample collection apparatus and kits are devised as easy-to-use, reduced pain devices operable by persons not having medical training or other expertise or knowledge. A flexible strip having adhesives on two portions of a first side accommodate therebetween and absorbent pad and substrate with microstructures. The substrate includes microstructures arranged to gently penetrate or pierce skin and cause a small amount of blood to pass to the external surface of a user's flesh. An absorbent pad receives and absorbs a blood sample therein. The absorbent pad may additionally support a plurality of chemical agents which further advances mobility of blood in the collection system. These chemical agents may include anticoagulants and blood anticlotting agents to facilitate blood transfer from a donor to the absorbent pad. Additionally, these systems may also include a blood preservative to stabilize blood collected for an extended shipping and transfer period.

Abstract: A disposable test device consists of a first portion 2 having a fluid application port 5 to which a sample of fluid can be applied, and a handle portion 3 hingedly attached to the first portion 2 at a hinge portion 4 and which normally lies in the plane of the first portion. In use the device is held by the handle portion 3 and the first portion inserted into a measuring instrument. The handle is then deflected downwardly e.g. by the finger of a person to supply a drop of fluid to the port 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancing system, comprising test elements, lancing elements, test elements each assigned to a lancing element and a hand-held device comprising a holder, which during a puncture holds a lancing element and a test element assigned to it, a lancing drive, which during a puncture moves the holder out of a starting position into a piercing position and back into the starting position, a light-sensitive sensor for analyzing a body fluid sample taken up by a test element, and a light source for illuminating the test element. According to the invention, the sensor is disposed in a housing, the outside of which the holder touches in the starting position.