Method and apparatus for lancet launching device integrated onto a blood-sampling cartridge
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus ( 2 ) for obtaining a sample of blood. An embodiment includes an apparatus ( 2 ) which integrates lancing ( 12 ), sample collection, and analysis. The presence of patients finger on the active sampling area can be sensed by monitoring the pressure applied by the finger on the device ( 2 ).
1. A method of sampling comprising of the steps of:
loading a disposable cartridge with an embedded lancet into a lancing device;
placing a piece of skin on a surface of said cartridge, the surface being ergonomically contoured to a finger;
initiating a lancing cycle by prompting a sensor on said lancing device;
activating a launcher;
lancing said skin to obtain a blood sample;
unprompting said sensor upon retraction of said lancet;
collecting said blood sample; and
disposing said cartridge.
2. A method of sampling according to claim 1 further comprising of the step of:
analyzing said blood sample.
3. A method of sampling according to claim 1 further comprising of the step of:
informing a user to remove said skin when said lancing cycle is complete.
4. A method of sampling according to claim 3 wherein:
informing said user further comprises giving an audible signal when said lancing cycle is complete.
5. A method of sampling according to claim 3 wherein:
informing said user further comprises giving a visual signal when said lancing cycle is complete.
6. A method of sampling according to claim 1 wherein:
activating said launcher comprises applying pressure through said skin to said surface.
7. A method of sampling comprising of the steps of:
loading a disposable cartridge with an embedded lancet into a lancing device;
initiating a lancing cycle and activating a sensor on said lancing device by placing a piece of skin on a surface of said cartridge, the surface being ergonomically contoured to a finger;
lancing the skin surface of the finger to obtain a blood sample;
unprompting said sensor upon retraction of said lancet;
collecting said blood sample; and
transferring said cartridge for analysis.
8. A method of sampling according to claim 7 further comprising of the step of:
analyzing said blood sample.
9. A method of sampling according to claim 7 further comprising of the step of:
informing a user to remove said skin when said lancing cycle is complete.
10. A method of sampling according to claim 9 wherein:
informing said user further comprises giving an audible signal when said lancing cycle is complete.
11. A method of sampling according to claim 9 wherein:
informing said user further comprises giving a visual signal when said lancing cycle is complete.
12. A method of sampling according to claim 7 wherein:
activating said launcher comprises applying pressure through said skin to said surface.