Patent ID: 8216154
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: A61B,A61M,B01L,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of lancing the tissue of a patient comprising: (a) providing a tissue penetration element having a tip configured to penetrate tissue; (b) disposing the tissue penetration element in proximity to the tissue of the patient; (c) initiating a lancing cycle including advancing a tip of the tissue penetration element into the tissue during a penetration stroke and displacing the tissue penetration element proximally over a withdrawal stroke; (d) acquiring tissue data based on an interaction between the tissue penetration element and the tissue during at least a portion of the lancing cycle; (e) using a processor to determine that a skin surface has been contacted by the tissue penetration element when the tip of the tissue penetration element has moved a predetermined distance with respect to an initial position; and position of the tissue penetration element via an electronic drive force generator; (f) using tissue data for feedback control for the processor and provide for velocity control; (g) controlling a tissue penetration element velocity into and out of the tissue to allow for compensation for changes in skin thickness and variations in skin hydration; and (h) achieving spontaneous blood yield.