An electric lancet actuator (16) and method of using same. An embodiment provides control of a lancet (36) used for sampling blood by puncturing the skin. The lancet (36) can be contained within a stationary housing which interacts with the proximal or driving end of lancet (36) and allows the distal or front end of the lancet (36) to protrude beyond the stationary housing and puncture the skin. Electric field coils or solenoids (38) drive the lancet (36) using either magnetic attraction or repulsion.
