Devices and methods for expression of bodily fluids from an incision

A method for expressing and testing bodily fluid obtained from an incision in the skin, the method comprising:

• attaching a first disposable test strip to a lancing device with a lancet, the first disposable test strip including a test strip integrally formed with a first constricting member, a first capillary tube, and a first test area;
• bulging the skin toward an opening to the first capillary tube and expressing bodily fluid from the incision by pressing skin-engaging surfaces of the first constricting member against the skin;
• moving the skin-engaging surfaces from initial, outer positions to constricting, inner positions, wherein the opening to the first capillary tube is located on the surface of the first test strip adjacent the first constricting member;
• lancing the bulged skin with the lancet to create an incision;
• drawing the bodily fluid by capillary action from the skin through the opening and along the first capillary tube to the first test area, the first test area being in fluid communication with the first capillary tube;
• testing the bodily fluid in the first test area;
• removing the first test strip from the lancing device and disposing of the first test strip;
• and
• attaching a second disposable test strip to the lancing device, the second disposable test strip including a second constricting member, a second capillary tube, and a second test area.

An apparatus for expressing and testing bodily fluid obtained from an incision in the skin, the apparatus comprising:

• a lancing device for forming an incision in the skin;
• and
• an integrated test strip with a bottom surface;
• said test strip attached to said lancing device during sampling with said test strip bottom surface facing the skin, said integrated test strip including:
• a constricting member for constricting the skin, said constricting member integrally formed with said test strip and extending from said test strip bottom surface to at least two skin-engaging surfaces,
• a fluid passageway for collecting bodily fluid, said fluid passageway integrally formed with said test strip and including an opening on the surface of said test strip adjacent said constricting member, wherein said skin-engaging surfaces move closer together and draw the skin inward toward said opening as said at least two skin-engaging surfaces contact and are pressed against the skin,
• a test area including a test reagent for testing bodily fluid, said test area integrally formed with said test strip and in fluid communication with said fluid passageway;
• and
• wherein said integrated test strip, said constricting member, said fluid passageway and said test area are removable from said lancing device as a single unit and are disposable as a single unit.