Patent ID: 7476202

Claim:
A sampling system, comprising: a test strip configured for loading into a lancing device to analyze body fluid from an incision created by the lancing device, wherein the test strip has a strip shape, wherein the test strip has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the test strip includes an end edge at the second end, the test strip including a test area configured to analyze the body fluid, a sampling passageway with an inlet opening that is remotely located from the test area, the inlet opening being defined in the end edge at the second end, the sampling passageway being sized and configured to draw the body fluid via capillary action, the sampling passageway extending from the inlet opening to the test area for transporting the body fluid from the incision to the test area via capillary action, a bottom surface that faces a skin when the test strip is received in the lancing device, and a sealing member projecting outwardly from the bottom surface of the test strip proximal the inlet opening and positioned to seal with the skin when the test strip is pressed against the skin to retain the body fluid at the inlet opening, wherein the sealing member is located on the bottom surface between the first end and the end edge at the second end, wherein the sealing member is made of a deformable material that deforms upon pressing against the skin, wherein the sealing member extends along the bottom surface at a location where the sealing member is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the test strip and the skin when the test strip is pressed against the skin, wherein the sealing member is configured to inhibit flow of the body fluid between the bottom surface of the test strip and the skin; wherein the test strip with the sealing member is configured to be unloaded from the lancing device as a single disposable unit; and wherein the sealing member has a surface that is hydrophobic.