Mechanical device for mixing a fluid sample with a treatment solution

1. A device for preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte meter, comprising:

a first portion, comprising:

a septum piercing projection,

a capillary channel, and

a vent on an outer surface of the first portion; and

a second portion, comprising:

a treatment solution chamber, and

a septum sealing the treatment solution chamber, wherein the vent is open when the first portion of the device is initially inserted into the second portion of the device, and wherein the vent is closed when the first portion of the device is fully inserted into the second portion of the device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the vent permits air to escape from within the second portion of the device as the first portion of the device is inserted into the second portion of the device.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the vent comprises a slot extending along a portion of the outer surface of the first portion of the device.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the slot extends from a leading edge of the outer surface part way along the length of the outer surface of the first portion of the device.

5. The device of claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the device is positioned against an inner surface of the second portion of the device when the first portion of the device is fully inserted into the second portion of the device.

6. A device for preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte meter, comprising:

a first portion having a capillary channel dimensioned to receive a fluid sample therein, and having a vent on an outer surface;

a second portion having a treatment solution chamber enclosed by first and second septums, wherein the first portion penetrates the first septum when the first portion is inserted into the second portion such that contents of the treatment solution chamber mix with contents of the capillary channel, wherein the vent is open when the first portion of the device is initially inserted into the second portion of the device, and wherein the vent is closed when the first portion of the device is fully inserted into the second portion of the device; and

a mechanism for penetrating the second septum such that contents of the treatment solution chamber and the capillary channel can be ejected from the device.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the vent permits air to escape from within the second portion of the device as the first portion of the device is inserted into the second portion of the device.

8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the vent comprises a slot extending along a portion of the outer surface of the first portion of the device.

9. The device of claim 7 , wherein the slot extends from a leading edge of the outer surface part way along the length of the outer surface of the first portion of the device.

10. The device of claim 7 , wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the device is positioned against an inner surface of the second portion of the device when the first portion of the device is fully inserted into the second portion of the device.

11. A device for preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte meter, comprising:

a first portion having a capillary channel dimensioned to receive a fluid sample therein;

a second portion having a treatment solution chamber enclosed by first and second septums, wherein the first portion penetrates the first septum when the first portion is inserted into the second portion such that contents of the treatment solution chamber mix with contents of the capillary channel; and

a plunger having a mechanism for penetrating the second septum such that the contents of the treatment solution chamber and the capillary channel are ejected through the plunger.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the mechanism for penetrating the second septum comprises a spike on the plunger.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the plunger comprises a central flow channel, and wherein the spike is positioned adjacent to the central flow channel.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein a sharp end of the spike is positioned over the central flow channel.