Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue

A tissue penetrating system, comprising:

• a plurality of disposables each with a distal port and a proximal port;
• a plurality of penetrating members each coupled to a disposable and a penetrating member driver, each penetrating member having a sharpened distal tip and a shaft portion slidably disposed within the disposable;
• a plurality of analyte sensors each being associated with a penetrating member;
• a seal formed by a fracturable material between the penetrating member and the disposable, the seal being positioned at least one of a distal port or a proximal port of the disposable;
• and
• a penetrating member position sensor coupled to the penetrating member driver, the position sensor utilizing position information of the each of a penetrating member to determine a depth of penetration through a skin surface.
• wherein in a first direction the penetrating member moves toward the target tissue at a speed that is greater than a speed at which the penetrating member moves away from the target tissue.