WO2008140464A2

WO2008140464A2 - Multiple-lancet lancing system and a container for a pluality of lancets

Info

Publication number: WO2008140464A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/019446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Weiping Zhong
Original assignee: Bayer Healthcare Llc
Priority date: 2006-09-08
Filing date: 2007-09-06
Publication date: 2008-11-20
Also published as: TW200829216A; WO2008140464A3

Abstract

A container adapted to house a plurality of lancets and including a plurality of chambers. The chambers have a first end and a second end and each chamber houses a lancet. The lancet includes a body and a lance. The body of the lancet receives a force through the first end of the chamber and the lance at least partially extends through the second end of the chamber as a result of the force. The container further includes at least one lancet return mechanism disposed within the container. The lancet return mechanism returns the lance within the chamber after the lance has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber.

Description

MULTIPLE-LANCET LANCING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates generally to lancing devices and, more particularly, to a multiple-lancet container and its method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is of great importance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain physiological abnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol, and bilirubin should be monitored in certain individuals. In particular, determining glucose in body fluids is important to diabetic individuals who must frequently check their blood glucose levels to regulate the glucose intake in their diets.

[003] One method of obtaining a body fluid sample, such as a whole blood sample, is to use a lancing device. The whole blood sample may then be used to determine the glucose concentration of an individual. Existing lancing devices use a lancet to pierce the tissue of the skin, allowing a blood sample to form on the skin's surface. Some existing lancing systems include multiple-lancet containers, housing multiple lancets. These lancing systems may be used more than once, and more specifically may be used as many times as there are number of lancets. However, the multiple-lancet containers used in these lancing systems typically do not include a lancet return mechanism to return the lancet within the container after the lancet pierces the tissue of the skin. Rather, it is the particular lancing device, being adapted for use with a particular multiple-lancet container, that includes the lancet return mechanism. Such multiple-lancet containers are generally only adapted for use with specially designed, corresponding lancing devices that include a lancet return mechanism.

[004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a plurality of lancets within a lancet container including a lancet return mechanism adapted for use in various lancing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets includes a plurality of chambers. The chambers have a first end and a second end and each chamber is adapted to house a lancet. The lancet includes a body and a lance. The body of the lancet is adapted to receive a force through the first end of the chamber and the lance is adapted to at least partially extend through the second end of the chamber as a result of the force. The container further includes at least one lancet return mechanism disposed within the container. The lancet return mechanism is adapted to return the lance within the chamber after the lance has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber.

[006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a multiple-lancet lancing system comprises a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets. The container includes a plurality of chambers and at least one lancet return mechanism. The chambers have a first end and a second end, and each of the plurality of chambers is adapted to contain a lancet. The lancet is adapted to receive a force through the first end of the chamber and is further adapted to at least partially extend through the second end of the chamber in response to receiving the force. The at least one lancet return mechanism is adapted to return the lancet into the chamber after the lancet has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber. The multiple-lancet lancing system further comprises a lancing device forming a cavity and an aperture. The cavity is adapted to receive the container and the aperture is adapted to generally align with at least one of the plurality of chambers. The lancing device has a firing bar and a drive spring. The firing bar is adapted to apply the force to the lancet and extend a portion of the lancet through the aperture, while the drive spring is adapted to cause the firing bar to apply the force to the lancet.

[007] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets comprises the act of providing a container having a plurality of chambers and at least one lancet return mechanism. Each of the plurality of chambers is adapted to house a lancet and at least one of the plurality of chambers contains a lancet. The method further comprises the act of inserting the container into a lancing device. The method still further includes the act of moving, via the lancing device, the at least one lancet within the chamber so that at least a portion of the lancet extends external to the container. The method additionally includes the act of returning the lancet back within the chamber of the container via the lancet return mechanism located within the container.

[008] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a multiple-lancet container.

[0010] FIG. Ib is a cross-sectional view of the multiple-lancet container of FIG. Ia.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a lancing device for use with the lancet container of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lancing system in a cocked position, the lancing system including the lancing device of FIG. 2 and the container of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lancing system of FIG. 3 in a puncture position.

[0014] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a multiple-lancet container, according to another embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lancing device for use with the container of FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lancing system in the resting position, the lancing system including the container of FIG. 5 and the lancing device of FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lancing system of FIG. 7 in a cocked position.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lancing system of FIG. 7 in a puncture position.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multiple-lancet container according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of a multiple-lancet container according to yet another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a multiple-lancet container according to yet another embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of a multiple-lancet container including a magnetic-return system.

[0024] FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of a lancing device, including a magnet, for use with the container of FIG. 13 a. DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention is directed to a lancing device for obtaining a body fluid sample from a test subject. The body fluid generally contains at least one analyte that may then be examined to determine its concentration in the body fluid sample. For example, this sample may be analyzed with a meter and test strip, or similar devices, to determine the concentration of the analyte to be examined. Examples of the types of analytes that may be collected with a lancing device include glucose, lipid profiles (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL), microalbumin, hemoglobin Aic, fructose, lactate, or bilirubin.

[0026] Turning now to the drawings and initially to FIGS. Ia and Ib, a multiple- lancet container 10 having a first end 20 and a second end 18 is disclosed, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The container 10 is adapted to house a plurality of lancets 12 in a plurality of chambers 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 has ten chambers 16 and may correspondingly house up to ten lancets 12. Each of the chambers 16 contains a return spring 24 disposed near the second end 18 of the container 10. The return spring 24 is adapted to provide a return force on the lancet 12 after a portion of the lancet 12 has been fired external to the container 10, as will be described below.

[0027] The container 10 also includes a plurality of lancet apertures 14 adapted to allow a lance 11 of the lancet 12 to extend therethrough. Accordingly, the lancet apertures 14 should be of a larger diameter than that of the lance 1 1. Each lancet aperture 14 is generally aligned with each chamber 16 near the second end 18 of the container 10. The lancet apertures 14 may be included on the container 10 itself or may be included on a separate endpiece. If on a separate endpiece, the endpiece may be removeably attached, molded, or associated with the container 10 in some other way so long as the container 10 functions as will be described below.

[0028] The plurality of lancets 12 may be inserted into the chambers 16 near the first end 20 of the container 10 during manufacture. In one embodiment, the plurality of lancets 12 may be loaded by the user. In some embodiments, the plurality of lancets 12 may be reloaded by the user. The lancet 12 is formed by a body 13 from which the lance 11 extends. The lance 1 1 is adapted to puncture the skin of a test subject when the lance 1 1 is extended through the lancet aperture 14 (illustrated in FIG. 4). When the lancet 12 is placed in one of the chambers 16, the return spring 24 is located between the body 13 of the lancet 12 and the second end 18 of the container 10. The return spring 24 generally has a larger diameter than the lancet apertures 14 such that the return spring 24 remains within the chamber 16 when compressed. The return spring 24 surrounds the lance 11 and is adapted to return the lance 1 1 of the lancet 12 within the chamber 16 after the lance 1 1 has extended through the lancet aperture 14.

[0029J Before use, the container 10 may be initially enclosed by seals. In one embodiment, a seal 26a is provided to cover one or more of the lancet apertures 14 on the second end 18 of the container 10 and a seal 26b is provided to cover one or more of the chambers 16 at the first end 20 of the container 10. The seals 26a and 26b are adapted to inhibit contamination of the lancet 12 prior to use. During use, the seals 26a and 26b are penetrated and allow the lancet 12 to puncture the skin of a test subject. The seals 26a and 26b may be, for example, blister packaging adapted to be perforated by the lancets 12. The seals 26a and 26b may also be metalized plastic film, aluminum film, or plastic film. However, the seals 26a and 26b may be comprised of other materials so long as the seals 26a and 26b function as described herein.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, the container 10 may be used in conjunction with a lancing device 30 to form a lancing system 42 (FIG. 3). The lancing device 30 forms a cavity 32 adapted to receive the container 10. Accordingly, the cavity 32 should be of a form generally corresponding to that of the container 10 to enable a fit therebetween. The lancing device 30 also forms an end aperture 33 and a slot 36. The end aperture 33 is adapted to allow the lance 1 1 of the lancet 12 to extend therethrough (FIG. 4). The slot 36 is adapted to receive an activation mechanism 38 that enables a user to cock (FIG. 3) and fire (FIG. 4) the lancing system 42.

[0031] The activation mechanism 38 is associated with a firing bar 34 provided in a channel 37 of the lancing device 30. The firing bar 34 is adapted to be cocked (FIG. 3) and fired to a puncture position (FIG. 4), via the activation mechanism 38. The firing bar 34 includes a lancet-contact portion 35 on the end nearest the cavity 32. The lancet-contact portion 35 is adapted to puncture the seal 26b on the container 10 (if provided) and make contact with the body 13 of the lancet 12 to fire the lance 11 out of the container 10 and through the end aperture 33 to the puncture position (FIG. 4).

[0032] The force generated to fire the lancet 12 to the puncture position is applied by a drive spring 40. The drive spring 40 facilitates the movement of the firing bar 34 from the cocked position to the puncture position. One end of the drive spring 40 is attached to the lancing device 30 at a first end 44 of the lancing device 30. The other end of the drive spring 40 is attached to the firing bar 34 at the end opposite the end aperture 33. As the user applies a force to the activation mechanism 38 in the direction of arrow A, the drive spring 40 becomes compressed between the firing bar 34 and the first end 44 of the lancing device 30.

[0033] To use the lancing system 42, the container 10, including the lancets 12, is inserted into the lancing device 30 and into the cavity 32. One of the chambers 16, housing one of the lancets 12, is generally aligned with the contact portion 35 of the firing bar 34 at the first end 20 of the container 10. At the second end 18 of the container 10, the chamber 16 and the lancet aperture 14 should be generally aligned with the end aperture 33.

[0034] To fire the lancing system 42, a user applies a force to the activation mechanism 38 in the direction of arrow A. Upon application of the force, the firing bar 34 moves in the direction of arrow A, compressing the drive spring 40 as shown in FIG. 3. The force should be applied to the activation mechanism 38 until the drive spring 40 is sufficiently compressed so as to generate enough power to effectively fire the lancet 12 to the puncture position (illustrated in FIG. 4). Once the lancing system 42 is in the cocked position (illustrated in FIG. 3), the user releases the activation mechanism 38 and the drive spring 40 decompresses forcing the firing bar 34 in the direction of arrow B. The contact portion 35 of the firing bar 34 then breaks the seal 26b of the container 10 (not illustrated) and makes contact with the body 13 of the lancet 12 at the end opposite the lance 11. The contact portion 35 of the firing bar 34 forces the lancet 12 in the direction of arrow B, compressing the return spring 24 between the second end 18 of the container 10 and the body 13 of the lancet 12. The lance 1 1 of the lancet 12 then breaks the seal 26a (not illustrated) and proceeds to extend through the corresponding lancet aperture 14 and the end aperture 33 to the puncture position, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0035] After the lancing system 42 reaches the puncture position, the drive spring 40 exerts a retraction force on the firing bar 34 in the direction of arrow A. As the firing bar 34 moves from the cocked position to the puncture position, the drive spring 40 fully decompresses and the momentum of the firing bar 34 causes the drive spring 40 to extend past its resting position (illustrated in FIG. 2). Thus, after the firing bar 34 has reached the puncture position, the firing bar 34 is retracted, in the direction of arrow A, due in part to the retraction force of the drive spring 40. Once the retraction force of the drive spring 40 moves the firing bar 34 away from the lancet 12, the return spring 24 decompresses and exerts a force on the body 13 of the lancet 12 in the direction of arrow A. The lance 1 1 of the lancet 12 is returned within the chamber 16 of the container 10 as a result of this force. [0036] In some embodiments, the container 10 may be rotated and used again without having to eject or remove the used lancet 12. Referring back to FIG. Ia, the container 10 may be provided with a plurality of indexing holes 28. The indexing holes 28 may be adapted to receive rotatable indexing plugs (not illustrated) associated with the lancing device 30. The association between the indexing holes 28 and the indexing plugs can provide a more stable removable attachment between the container 10 and the lancing device 30. The rotation of the container 10 may be automatic or manual, so that the firing bar 34 and the end aperture 33 are aligned with a different lancet 12 for another use of the lancing system 42.

[0037] In the manual embodiment, a user may grasp and rotate the container 10 until another one of the chambers 16 is aligned with the firing bar 34 and the end aperture 33. In the automatic embodiment, after the used lancet 12 has fired and returned to the chamber 16 of the container 10, there may be a means in the lancing device 30 which automatically rotates the container 10 to align the next available chamber 16 (housing an un-used lancet 12) with the firing bar 34. For example, the activation mechanism 38 may include a mechanism for rotating the container 10 a tenth of a rotation to align the next un-used lancet 12.

[0038] Additional embodiments of the above-described lancing system 42 (i.e., the container 10 and the lancing device 30) may also be used and are contemplated as falling within the present invention. For example, referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, an additional multiple-lancet container 50 is illustrated. As shown, the container 50 is disk-shaped with chambers 52 dispersed in a radial fashion. Aligned with the chambers 52 are a plurality of lancet apertures 53 located at an outer end 56 of the container 50. Return springs 51 may be provided within the chambers 52 as illustrated in FIG. 5b. The lancets 12 may be inserted in the chambers 52 at an inner end 54 of the container 50. The inner end 54 and the outer end 56 of the container 50 may be provided with seals similar to those described in relation to FIG. Ib (i.e., seals 26a and 26b).

[0039] A lancing device 60 corresponding to the container 50 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The lancing device 60 is similar to the lancing device 30, however, certain components are altered so that the lancing device 60 may correspond to the container 50. For example, a cavity 62 adapted to receive the container 50 should correspond to the shape of the container 50 forming a sufficient removable attachment therebetween and enable proper use in accordance with that described above. Accordingly, the lancing device 60 includes an end aperture 64 adapted to generally align with the chambers 52 upon insertion of the container 50 into the cavity 62 of the lancing device 60. As with the previously-described embodiment, the lancing device 60 includes a firing bar 67 including a contact portion 68. The contact portion 68 is adapted to generally align with the chambers 52 upon insertion of the container 50 into the cavity 62 of the lancing device 60.

[0040] To use the lancing system 66 of FIG. 7, the container 50 should be inserted into the cavity 62 of the lancing device 60. The contact portion 68 of the firing bar 67 is adapted to be aligned with the chambers 52 at the inner end 54 of the container 50 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The lancing system 66 is cocked in a manner similar to that of the lancing system 42 as described above. A force is applied to an activation mechanism 70 in the direction of arrow A. A drive spring 72 is provided in the lancing device 60 between the firing bar 67 and a first end 74 of the lancing device 60. As the activation mechanism 70 is moved in the direction of arrow A, the drive spring 72 becomes compressed therebetween (FIG. 8). Once the drive spring 72 is sufficiently compressed, the user may release the activation mechanism 70 resulting in a force exerted by the drive spring 72 on the firing bar 67 in the direction of arrow B. The contact portion 68 of the firing bar 67 breaks the seal (if provided) on the inner end 54 of the aligned chamber 52 and exerts a force on the lancet 12 in the direction of arrow B. The lancet 12 moves in the direction of arrow B compressing the return spring 51 between the lancet 12 and the outer end 56 (FIGS. 5a-b) of the container 50. Upon reaching the puncture position illustrated in FIG. 9, the return spring 51 exerts a return force on the lancet 12 in the direction of arrow A, much in the same way as described above with reference to the lancing system 42.

[0041] Additional embodiments of multiple-lancet containers are illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. A fan-shaped container 80 with a plurality of chambers 82 is illustrated in FIG. 10. Aligned with the chambers 82 are a plurality of lancet apertures 85 located at a second end 86 of the container 80. This embodiment is similar to the cylindrical-shaped container 10. Instead of forming a full circle, the fan-shaped container 80 forms a partial circle. However, the individual chambers 82 may remain generally identical to the chambers 16 provided in the container 10. The lancet 12 may be loaded at a first end 84 of the container 80. A return spring 83 may be disposed within the chamber 82 between a second end 86 of the container 80 and the lancet 12. Seals (not illustrated) may also be provided on the first end 84 and/or the second end 86 to inhibit contamination.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 11 , a rectangular container 90 is illustrated. The container 90 has a plurality of chambers 92 located therewithin. Aligned with the chambers 92 are a plurality of lancet apertures 95 on a second end 98 of the container 90. The lancet 12 may be loaded in the chamber 92 through a first end 94 of the container 90. The chambers 92 include a return spring 96 located between the lancet 12 and the second end 98 of the container 90. Seals (not illustrated) may also be provided at both ends 94, 98.

[0043] A pyramidal-shaped container 100 having a first end 102 and a second end 104 is illustrated in FIG. 12. The container 100 includes a plurality of chambers 103 aligned with a plurality of lancet apertures 105 at the second end 104. Each chamber 103 includes a lancet 12 and a return spring (not illustrated). The return spring is located between the lancet 12 and the second end 104 of the container 100. The shape of this container 100 somewhat resembles the cylindrical-shaped container 30. The main difference here being the difference in diameter of the second end 104 compared to the first end 102.

[0044] Different lancing devices (not illustrated) may be provided for use with each of the above-described multiple-lancet containers 80, 90, and 100. Each lancing device would be adapted to receive the respectively shaped lancet container. The contact portion of the firing bar and the end aperture would be adapted to alignment with the chambers of each container. The functionality of the lancing system (containers 80, 90, or 100 and corresponding lancing device) would generally remain the same. The contact portion of the firing bar would generally be adapted to contact the lancet 12 and move the lancet 12 to a puncture position. The lancet 12 moves toward the second end of the container with the lance 1 1 of the lancet 12 extending through the end aperture on the lancing device, compressing the return spring therebetween. The return spring then exerts a force on the lancet back in the direction of the first end, returning the lance 11 of the lancet 12 within the chamber. All the lancing systems may have corresponding components on the container and the lancing device to enable rotation (manual or automatic) for re-use of the lancing system.

[0045] In some embodiments, a lancet return system incorporating a magnet may be used instead of, or in addition to, the return spring. Referring now to FIGS. 13a and 13b, a multiple-lancet container 1 10 and a lancing device 130 are illustrated with a magnetic lancet return system. Magnets may be dispersed in various locations in the container 110 and/or the lancing device 130. In some embodiments, a magnet 109 may be included in a position generally surrounded by chambers 1 16 of the container 1 10. Preferably, the magnet 109 is located near a first end 120 of the container 1 10. An embodiment where an additional magnet is located within the lancing device 130 is illustrated in FIG. 13b, where a magnet 1 15 is included in a contact portion 135 of a firing bar 134. [0046] The body 113 of the lancet 112 in this embodiment includes an iron- containing metal 1 14, being adapted to attraction by the magnet 109. Examples of non- limiting iron-containing metals that may be used include iron and steel. The iron-containing metal 114 included in the lancet 112 is adapted to assist the return of the lancet 112 within the chamber after the lance 1 1 1 has been fired at least partially external to the container 1 10. The return of the lancet 112 is assisted by the magnets provided in the container 1 10 (e.g., magnet 109) and/or the lancing device 130 (e.g., magnet 115). The magnetic lancet return system may also operate in conjunction with the retraction force of a drive spring 140 as will be described below.

[0047] Use of a multiple-lancet lancing system embodying the magnetic lancet return system is similar to that embodying the spring lancet return system. The container 1 10, including one or more lancets 1 12, is inserted into the lancing device 130. The lancing system is cocked and fired via a user activation mechanism 138 in a similar way to that described in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Upon entering the puncture position, the magnet 109 exerts a magnetic return force on the lancet 1 12 due to the iron-containing metal 114 included therewith. Accordingly, the lancet 112 moves in the direction of arrow A due to this magnetic return force after the lancet 112 reaches the puncture position.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the lancet 112 may be moved in the direction of arrow A due to the magnetic return force provided by the magnet 115 included within the contact portion 135 of the firing bar 134. Upon entering the puncture position, the drive spring 140 exerts a retraction force on the firing bar 134 in the direction of arrow A (as described above). As the firing bar 134 moves from the cocked position to the puncture position, the drive spring 140 fully decompresses and the momentum of the firing bar 134 causes the drive spring 140 to extend past its resting position. Thus, after the firing bar 134 has reached the puncture position, the firing bar 134 is retracted, in the direction of arrow A, due to the retraction force of the drive spring 140. Accordingly, as the firing bar 134 moves in the direction of arrow A, the magnet 115 embodied in the firing bar 134 exerts a magnetic return force on the lancet 1 12 due to the metal 1 14 included therewith. As such, a magnetic return force may be exerted on the lancet 1 12 in the direction of arrow A by the magnet 109 located within the container 1 10 and/or the magnet 1 15 located within the lancing device 130. Additional and/or alternative magnets may be provided in other locations to assist the return of the lancet 112 upon being fired at least partially external to the container 110. Furthermore, the return spring 24 may be used in addition to the magnetic lancet return system to provide an even greater return force on the lancet 1 12 to return the lancet 112.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT A

[0049] A container adapted to house a plurality of lancets, the container comprising: a plurality of chambers, the chambers having a first end and a second end, each chamber being adapted to house a lancet, the lancet including a body and a lance, the body of the lancet is adapted to receive a force through the first end of the chamber, the lance being adapted to at least partially extend through the second end of the chamber as a result of the force; and at least one lancet return mechanism disposed within the container, the lancet return mechanism being adapted to return the lance within the chamber after the lance has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT B

[0050] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container is generally cylindrically-shaped.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT C

[0051] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the plurality of chambers is sealed at the second end.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT D

[0052] The container of Alternative Embodiment C, wherein the plurality of chambers is further sealed at the first end.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT E

[0053] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the at least one lancet return mechanism includes a return spring, the return spring being disposed in at least one of the plurality of chambers between the body of the lancet and the second end of the container.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT F

[0054] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container further includes a magnet near or at the first end of the container.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT G

[0055] The container of Alternative Embodiment F, wherein the lancet includes an iron-containing metal, the lancet return mechanism comprising the magnet disposed in the container near the first end of the container and the iron-containing metal included in the lancet. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT H

[0056] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container is generally cylindrically-shaped.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT I

[0057] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container is generally disk-shaped.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT J

[0058] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container is generally fan-shaped.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT K

[0059] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container is generally rectangular-shaped.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT L

[0060] The container of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the container is adapted to be rotated, the second end of the container including indexing holes adapted to assist in rotating the container.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT M

[0061] A multiple-lancet lancing system, comprising: a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets, the container including a plurality of chambers and at least one lancet return mechanism, the chambers having a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of chambers being adapted to contain a lancet, the lancet being adapted to receive a force through the first end of the chamber, the lancet being further adapted to at least partially extend through the second end of the chamber in response to receiving the force, the at least one lancet return mechanism being adapted to return the lancet into the chamber after the lancet has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber; and a lancing device forming a cavity and an aperture, the cavity being adapted to receive the container, the aperture being adapted to generally align with at least one of the plurality of chambers, the lancing device having a firing bar and a drive spring, the firing bar being adapted to apply the force to the lancet and extend a portion of the lancet through the aperture, the drive spring being adapted to cause the firing bar to apply the force to the lancet. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT N

[0062] The multiple-lancet lancing system of Alternative Embodiment M, wherein the plurality of chambers of the container is sealed at the first end and the second end of the container.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT O

[0063] The multiple-lancet lancing system of Alternative Embodiment M, wherein the at least one lancet return mechanism includes a return spring, the return spring being disposed in at least one of the chambers between the body of the lancet and the second end of the container.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT P

[0064] The multiple-lancet lancing system of Alternative Embodiment M, wherein the at least one lancet return mechanism includes a magnetic system, the magnetic system including a magnet disposed in the container and an iron-containing metal disposed in the lancet.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT Q

[0065] The multiple-lancet lancing system of Alternative Embodiment P, wherein the magnetic system further includes a magnet disposed within the lancing device.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT R

[0066] A method of using a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets, the method comprising the acts of: providing a container including a plurality of chambers and at least one lancet return mechanism, each of the plurality of chambers being adapted to house a lancet, at least one of the plurality of chambers containing a lancet; inserting the container into a lancing device; moving, via the lancing device, the at least one lancet within the chamber so that at least a portion of the lancet extends external to the container; and returning the lancet back within the chamber of the container via the lancet return mechanism located within the container.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT S

[0067] The method of Alternative Embodiment R, further comprising the act of providing a lancing device forming a cavity and an aperture, the cavity being adapted to receive the container, the aperture being adapted to generally align with at least one of the plurality of chambers, the lancing device having a firing bar and a drive spring. ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT T

[0068] The method of Alternative Embodiment S, wherein the moving the at least one lancet within the chamber is in response to the drive spring moving the firing bar of the lancing device in the direction of the lancet.

[0069] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments and methods thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container adapted to house a plurality of lancets, the container comprising: a plurality of chambers, the chambers having a first end and a second end, each chamber being adapted to house a lancet, the lancet including a body and a lance, the body of the lancet is adapted to receive a force through the first end of the chamber, the lance being adapted to at least partially extend through the second end of the chamber as a result of the force; and at least one lancet return mechanism disposed within the container, the lancet return mechanism being adapted to return the lance within the chamber after the lance has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is generally cylindrically-shaped.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of chambers is sealed at the second end.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the plurality of chambers is further sealed at the first end.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one lancet return mechanism includes a return spring, the return spring being disposed in at least one of the plurality of chambers between the body of the lancet and the second end of the container.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further includes a magnet near or at the first end of the container.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the lancet includes an iron- containing metal, the lancet return mechanism comprising the magnet disposed in the container near the first end of the container and the iron-containing metal included in the lancet.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is generally cylindrically-shaped.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is generally disk- shaped.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is generally fan- shaped.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is generally rectangular-shaped.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is adapted to be rotated, the second end of the container including indexing holes adapted to assist in rotating the container.

13. A multiple-lancet lancing system, comprising: a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets, the container including a plurality of chambers and at least one lancet return mechanism, the chambers having a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of chambers being adapted to contain a lancet, the lancet being adapted to receive a force through the first end of the chamber, the lancet being further adapted to at least partially extend through the second end of the chamber in response to receiving the force, the at least one lancet return mechanism being adapted to return the lancet into the chamber after the lancet has at least partially extended through the second end of the chamber; and a lancing device forming a cavity and an aperture, the cavity being adapted to receive the container, the aperture being adapted to generally align with at least one of the plurality of chambers, the lancing device having a firing bar and a drive spring, the firing bar being adapted to apply the force to the lancet and extend a portion of the lancet through the aperture, the drive spring being adapted to cause the firing bar to apply the force to the lancet.

14. The multiple-lancet lancing system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of chambers of the container is sealed at the first end and the second end of the container.

15. The multiple-lancet lancing system of claim 13, wherein the at least one lancet return mechanism includes a return spring, the return spring being disposed in at least one of the chambers between the body of the lancet and the second end of the container.

16. The multiple-lancet lancing system of claim 13, wherein the at least one lancet return mechanism includes a magnetic system, the magnetic system including a magnet disposed in the container and an iron-containing metal disposed in the lancet.

17. The multiple-lancet lancing system of claim 16, wherein the magnetic system further includes a magnet disposed within the lancing device.

18. A method of using a container adapted to house a plurality of lancets, the method comprising the acts of: providing a container including a plurality of chambers and at least one lancet return mechanism, each of the plurality of chambers being adapted to house a lancet, at least one of the plurality of chambers containing a lancet; inserting the container into a lancing device; moving, via the lancing device, the at least one lancet within the chamber so that at least a portion of the lancet extends external to the container; and returning the lancet back within the chamber of the container via the lancet return mechanism located within the container.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the act of providing a lancing device forming a cavity and an aperture, the cavity being adapted to receive the container, the aperture being adapted to generally align with at least one of the plurality of chambers, the lancing device having a firing bar and a drive spring.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the moving the at least one lancet within the chamber is in response to the drive spring moving the firing bar of the lancing device in the direction of the lancet.