Blood sampler and component tester with guide member

A device for testing the concentration of a blood component present in a blood sample, said device comprising:

• a member adapted for application against the skin of a patient, said member carrying a reagent that indicates the concentration of a blood component in a blood sample placed in contact therewith;
• a lance for piercing the skin of a patient, said lance having a proximal end a distal end;
• and
• a flexible dome-shaped member for translating said lance between a first position where the distal end of said lance is positioned on one side of said reagent carrying member and a second position where the distal end of said lance is positioned on another side of said reagent carrying member said dome-shaped member being coupled to the proximal end of said lance;
• a substrate comprising a layer of material that is positioned between said dome-shaped member and said reagent carrying member;
• said substrate includes an opening, said opening being aligned with said lance such that said lance extends through said opening when said lance is in said second position;
• and
• a hub member for guiding said lance through said substrate, said hub member having a central aperture aligned with said opening in said substrate.

A diagnostic system including a plurality of disposable modules that are coupled in series, each module comprising:

• a member that carries a reagent which changes color according to sugar present in a substance placed in contact therewith;
• an actuator coupled to said reagent carrying member;
• a layer of material positioned between said actuator and said carrying member, said layer of material including an aperture;
• a lance that extends from said actuator in a direction toward said reagent carrying member;
• and
• means for guiding said lance through said aperture.

A method for monitoring blood glucose level in a pate int comprising the steps of:

• providing a module with a carrier carrying a sugar sensitive reagent, a lance movingly mounted relative to the carrier, and a guide member;
• placing the module against the skin of a patient;
• guiding the lance in the guide member toward the carrier;
• reciprocating the lance through the carrier a distance sufficient to puncture the patient's skin and draw a capillary blood sample;
• applying at least a portion of the blood sample to the reagent.