Patent ID: 8025628

Claim:
A method, comprising: holding a lancet in a fixed position relative to a test strip of an integrated lancing test strip device where at least a portion of the lancet extends from a distal end of the test strip in an extended state, wherein a retention mechanism holds the lancet in the extended state; forming an incision in tissue with the portion of the lancet extending from the test strip in the extended state, wherein during said forming the incision the lancet and the test strip move in unison towards the tissue due to the retention mechanism holding the lancet in the extended state; releasing the lancet from the fixed position by releasing the retention mechanism; retracting the lancet relative to the test strip after said forming the incision, wherein said retracting includes translationally moving of the lancet relative to the test strip; and collecting body fluid from the incision with the test strip after said retracting the lancet.