Tape transport lance sampler

US8328736B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Steven N. Roe · San Mateo, US
• Terry A. Beaty · Indianapolis, US
• Uwe Kraemer · Ilvesheim, DE
• Volker Zimmer · Laumersheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 2, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2012
• Expiry date: Jun 21, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/15123
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A lancet-sampler system is configured to automatically remove a protective cover from a lancet and automatically unpack a test pad just prior to use. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces the chance of cross-contamination between the lancet and the test pad. The lancet defines a capillary groove for drawing body fluid from the incision via capillary action and a sample transfer opening for collecting the fluid from the groove. A carrier tape is coupled to the lancet. The carrier tape includes a test pad for analyzing the fluid. The tape is folded around the test pad to form an airtight package. The test pad is located at a position to align with the sample transfer opening when the tape is unfolded. The protective cover covers a portion of the lancet, and when the tape is pulled, the protective cover is automatically pulled from the lancet.