Devices and methods for expression of bodily fluids from an incision

摘要

Systems and methods for the expression of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include devices which bear against the skin in a manner to retain the fluid adjacent the incision site and urge the fluid inwardly toward the incision. Systems utilize a constricting member, a bi-stable expression member, or a pressing member. The present invention further encompasses combinations of the foregoing expression systems with each other, as well as with other expression devices known in the art. Moreover, the invention includes the combination of the expression systems with incising, sampling and/or testing systems, particularly in a single, integrated device. The present invention also contemplates the associated methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision, including in combination with methods for incising, sampling and/or testing of the bodily fluid.

主权项

1. A method for expressing and testing bodily fluid obtained from an incision in the skin, the method comprising:
attaching a first disposable test strip to a lancing device with a lancet, the first disposable test strip including a test strip integrally formed with a first constricting member, a first fluid passageway, and a first test area; bulging the skin toward an opening to the first fluid passageway and expressing bodily fluid from the incision by pressing skin-engaging surfaces of the first constricting member against the skin and moving the skin-engaging surfaces toward one another, wherein the opening to the first fluid passageway is located on the surface of the first test strip adjacent the first constricting member; lancing the bulged skin with the lancet to create an incision; drawing the bodily fluid by capillary action from the skin through the opening and along the first fluid passageway to the first test area, the first test area being in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway; testing the bodily fluid in the first test area; removing the first test strip from the lancing device and disposing of the first test strip; and attaching a second disposable test strip to the lancing device, the second disposable test strip including a second constricting member, a second fluid passageway, and a second test area.