Abstract:
An integrated lancing test strip device includes a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test strip coupled to the lancet for analyzing body fluid. A retention mechanism acts as a detent to hold the lancet in a static position relative to the test strip before forming the incision. The retention mechanism is configured to release the lancet for retracting the lancet relative to the test strip to reduce smearing of body fluid by the lancet during collection of the fluid with the test strip. In one form, the retention mechanism includes breakable tabs that are broken to release the lancet, and the lancet is retracted via translational movement. The retention mechanism in another form includes one or more dimples that release the lancet when the lancet is retracted via rotational motion. In a further form, the entire integrated device is rotated to collect fluid.
Abstract:
A lancet enclosed in a sterility sheet forms a lancet packet to maintain the sterility of the lancet and prevent the lancet from unintentionally piercing the sterility sheet prior to lancet actuation. In one form, the lancet is immobilized by hot tack welding a portion of the sterility sheet to the lancet. Alternatively, portions of the sterility sheet are hot tack welded together through an opening in the lancet to limit movement of the lancet.
Abstract:
A lancet integrated test element tape (19) includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge (60) includes a supply compartment (62) configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment (54) in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.