Patent ID: 8647356

Claim:
A lancing system, comprising: (a) a lancet comprising: (i) a needle bearing portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a proximal surface having a first diameter, the distal end comprising a distal surface having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter; (ii) a handle portion attached to the proximal end of the needle bearing portion; and (iii) a needle having an exterior portion extending from the distal surface of the needle bearing portion, the exterior portion of the needle having a needle proximal end, a needle distal end, and a longitudinal extent between the needle proximal end and the needle distal end, wherein the needle proximal end is in contact with the distal surface of the needle bearing portion; and (b) a lancing device capable of retaining the lancet and, when actuated, urging it forward to puncture a skin surface of a user, the lancing device having an exit opening, wherein the distal surface of the needle bearing portion protrudes out of the exit opening of the lancing device and contacts the skin surface of the skin of the user when the longitudinal extent of the needle is fully embedded in the skin surface of the user, thereby producing a predictable depth of penetration of the user's skin, wherein the distal surface of the needle bearing portion has an area of up to 12 square millimeters and the longitudinal extent of the exterior portion of the needle is less than about 1.0 millimeter, and wherein protrusion of the needle and the distal surface of the needle bearing portion from the exit opening is limited by contact between an outer surface of the needle bearing portion and an interior surface of the lancing device.