Cap displacement mechanism for lancing device and multi-lancet cartridge

Abstract

A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 562,712, filed Apr. 16, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and procedures and, more particularly to cartridge assemblies for lancing devices for the collection and / or analysis of samples of blood or other bodily fluids. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many medical procedures require puncturing of the skin, and sometimes underlying tissues, of an animal or human subject. For example, a sharp lancet tip is commonly used to puncture the subject's skin at a lancing site to obtain a sample of blood, interstitial fluid, or other body fluid, as for example in blood glucose monitoring by diabetics and in blood typing and screening applications. [0004] In some instances, a person must periodically sample their blood for multiple tes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a lancing device that includes a cartridge for holding a replaceable lancet. The cartridge has a static outer shell and a rotating carrier for advancing and sequentially indexing the lancets through an active position for carrying out multiple lancing procedures. The cartridge also includes recesses or clips for retaining protective endcaps that have been removed from the lancets to prevent rattling around within the housing. The lancing device includes a drive mechanism for propelling the active lancet through its lancing stroke and a one-way clutch or ratchet mechanism to prevent re-use of lancets. The device also includes an advancing and charging mechanism for sequentially indexing the lancet carrier and detaching the endcap of the lancet at a controlled retraction rate during de-capping. The invention also includes an improved activating button and a sterility cap displacement mechanism to prevent contamination or accidental needle sticks."

Problems solved by technology

Because re-use of a lancet can result in infection or spread of blood-borne contaminants, persons requiring repeated testing often must carry around multiple lancets that are separately loaded into a lancing device for each sampling.

This can be inconvenient and may lead to reduced compliance with a prescribed test regimen.

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