SAMPLING DEVICES AND METHODS UTILIZING A HORIZONTAL CAPILLARY TEST STRIP

摘要

Systems and methods for the sampling of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include test strips which are positioned adjacent to the skin and which include features to inhibit the passage of the bodily fluid between the skin and the underside of the test strip. One system utilizes a sealing member (3 4) located on the bottom surface (15) of the test strip (10) and positioned to provide a fluid tight seal with the skin. A second system includes a recesse d surface (62) aligned with the inlet opening (59) of the test strip (50) to preclude contact of the bodily fluid directly with the bottom surface (55) o f the test strip (50). A third system involves the use of a hydrophobic surfac e (55) on the underside of the test strip (50) to inhibit wicking of the bodil y fluid along the test strip. The present invention further encompasses the combination of the foregoing sampling systems with each other, and with incising, expressing and/or testing systems and methods, particularly in a single, integrated device.