Method and apparatus for a body fluid sampling device using illumination

1. A body fluid sampling device for extracting bodily fluid from an anatomical feature, said device comprising:

a penetrating member driver for driving a penetrating member to create a wound to extract said bodily fluid;

a light source positioned to indicate a point of sampling where said wound will be created, said light source indicating said point of sampling with a beam of light and

a sample chamber that includes electrodes, a volume no greater than 1 μL and an analyte detecting member, the sample chamber being positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by said penetrating member, and determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 μL of the fluid, wherein when the penetrating member is removed from the sample chamber, the electrodes remain in the sample chamber and the volume of the sample chamber is less than 1 μL;

a position sensor coupled to the penetrating member drive, the position sensor utilizing position information of the penetrating member to determine a depth of penetration through a skin surface, the depth of penetration providing a volume of sample of less than 1 μL in the sample chamber.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source is selected from one of the following: a LED, incandescent, fluorescent, or electroluminescent light source.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises at least a first light source and a second light source.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises at least a first light source projecting a first color and at least a second light source projecting a second color.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source provides a first color and a second color, wherein said second color is used when the device is aimed at a desired position, said first color being used during other conditions.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source provides a first color and a second color when the device is aimed at a desired position, only said first color being used during other conditions.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a cartridge having a plurality of penetrating members, said cartridge adapted for use with the penetrating member driver.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said driver comprises an electromechanical driver.

9. The device of claim 1 further comprising a sensor for receiving scattered light reflected from tissue at the point of sampling.

10. The device of claim 1 further comprising an optical train for directing light from the light source towards the point of sampling.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source is configured to provide a plurality of individual beams or a continuous ring or other shape of light.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source projects a continuous ring or other shape of light.

13. The device of claim 1 further comprising a housing containing said driver wherein a portion of said housing is made of a clear material.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein said light source is also used to provide illumination for analyte measurement.

15. A method comprising:

providing a penetrating member driver;

using a light source to project a beam which indicates a point of sampling of a penetrating member actuated by said driver;

aiming said driver to position said point of sampling at a desired location; actuating said driver to advance said penetrating member and create a wound in tissue at the point of sampling; and

receiving fluid from the wound at a sample chamber that includes electrodes, a volume no greater than 1 μL and an analyte detecting member, wherein when the penetrating member is removed from the sample chamber, the electrodes remain in the sample chamber and the volume of the sample chamber is less than 1 μL;

determining a concentration of an analyte in the fluid in the sample chamber using a sample of less than 1 μL of the fluid; and

utilizing a position sensor coupled to the penetrating member drive to determine a depth of penetration of the penetrating memberthrough a skin surface, the depth of penetration providing a volume of sample of less than 1 μL in the sample chamber.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said driver comprises an electromechanical driver.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said light source projects a beam which shows one of the following at the point of sampling: an X, a cross, a logo, an icon, a circle, a smiley face, a dot, or an arrow.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said light source projects a beam having one of the following colors: red, green, blue, gold, yellow, pink, purple or white.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising using the beam of light to indicate readiness for service to the operator.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising using the beam of light to indicate proximity of an anatomical structure.