Patent ID: 6837858
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus suitable for obtaining a sample of blood for analysis in a diagnostic test, comprising: (a) a housing having a sealable chamber located therein and a sealable opening in fluid communication with said sealable chamber, (b) a power source positioned in said housing, (c) a vacuum pump positioned in said housing, said vacuum pump operably connected to said power source, said vacuum pump in communication with said sealable chamber, (d) a lancing assembly positioned in said housing, said lancing assembly both capable of moving a lancet towards said sealable opening at a sufficient speed to form an opening in said skin and capable of moving said lancet away from said sealable opening, whereby said lancet forms an unobstructed opening in skin when said skin is adjacent said sealable opening, and (e) electronics in said housing for controlling power for said pump, whereby said electronics controls said pump to maintain a vacuum at a specified level.