Self optimizing lancing device with adaptation means to temporal variations in cutaneous properties

1. A method for lancing tissue comprising the steps of:

selecting a desired profile from a set of alternative profiles having characteristic phases for lancet advancement and retraction;

lancing a user according to said profile using an electronic drive force generator;

determining a lancing profile trait during each of said characteristic phases;

optimizing said profile for subsequent lancing based upon said profile trait as a function of the characteristic phases for lancet advancement and retraction; and

subsequently lancing the user according to the optimized profile.

2. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 wherein: said profile trait comprises success of obtaining a blood sample from said user.

3. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 wherein: said profile trait comprises blood volume obtained from said user.

4. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 wherein: said profile trait comprises pain perceived by said user.

5. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 wherein: said profile trait comprises a relative time associated with skin deformation.

6. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 wherein: said profile trait comprises dwell time in said tissue of said user.

7. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 , wherein: said characteristic phases comprise a completed cycle of advancing and retracting said lancet into and out of a tissue to obtain a blood sample.

8. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 1 , wherein: said characteristic phases further comprising: a lancet introduction phase comprising a longitudinal advancement of the lancet in a first direction into said tissue; a lancet rest phase comprising a termination of said longitudinal advancement of said lancet wherein said lancet reaches a maximum depth of tissue penetration and becomes relatively stationary; and a lancet retraction phase comprising a longitudinal retraction of said lancet in a second direction opposite said first direction out of said tissue.

9. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 8 , wherein: said lancet introduction phase comprises a first time duration; and said lancet retraction phase comprises a second time duration which is relatively longer than said first time duration.

10. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 8 , wherein: said lancet introduction phase further comprises: a lancet launch phase comprising a longitudinal advancement of the lancet in said first direction from a stationary loaded lancing position toward the tissue; a tissue contact phase including a point of initial contact between said distal end of said lancet and the tissue; a tissue deformation phase comprising deforming said tissue while longitudinally advancing said lancet in said first direction; a tissue lancing phase comprising penetrating said tissue while longitudinally advancing said lancet in said first direction.

11. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 10 , wherein: said introduction phase varies according to said tissue deformation phase, such that said lancing follows said profile.

12. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 10 , wherein: said introduction phase varies according to said tissue contact phase, such that said lancing follows said profile.

13. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 8 , wherein: said lancet retraction phase further comprises:

a primary lancet retraction phase comprising a longitudinal retraction of the lancet in said second direction from a relatively stationary position during said rest phase where said skin pushes said lancet in said second direction ; a secondary lancet retraction phase comprising a longitudinal retraction of the lancet in said second direction from said position where said skin stops pushing said lancet in said second direction to a position and said lancet is pulled out of said skin in said second direction; and a lancet exit phase comprising a exit of the lancet from the skin.

14. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 13 , wherein: said retraction phase varies according to said primary retraction phase, such that said lancing follows said profile.

15. A method for lancing tissue according to claim 13 , wherein : said retraction phase varies according to said secondary retraction phase, such that said lancing follows said profile.