Patent ID: 8197422

Claim:
A meter system, comprising: a supply magazine storing a plurality of lancet integrated test elements in a stacked manner; the lancet integrated test elements each including a test strip for testing a body fluid sample, the test strip being generally flat, the test strip having a sample opening at one end and side edges, and a lancet coupled to the test strip for forming an incision where the body fluid sample is drawn, the lancet being configured to extend proximal the sample opening; a meter having a connector portion configured to operatively couple to the lancet integrated test element, the meter being configured to fire the lancets on the lancet integrated test elements; a transport mechanism to transfer the lancet integrated test elements to the connector portion of the meter, wherein the transport mechanism being configured to engage at least one of the side edges to minimize risk of damaging the test strip and the lancet proximal the sample opening of the lancet integrated test element; the transport mechanism including a drum that rotates to transport the lancet integrated test elements; the drum including one or more rails that engage at least one of the side edges of the lancet integrated test elements, wherein the rails each have a retention channel in which the test strip is received, wherein the retention channel is configured to retain the test strip with the drum as the drum rotates; and wherein the rails have an overall shape that is L-shaped to overlap with the edges of the test strip.