Patent ID: 7299081

Claim:
A unitary, disposable test cartridge capable of being removably coupled to a compatible analyte meter, said unitary, disposable cartridge comprising: (a) a base, the base including a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a read end, (b) a cover secured to the base, whereby a substantially enclosed volume is formed, the cover including a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a rear end, (c) a lancet carrier disposed between the base and the cover in the substantially enclosed volume, the lancet carrier comprising a spring, the spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring being fixedly coupled to the base, the second end of the spring capable of displacement relative to the first end, (d) a lancet removably mounted on the lancet carrier, and (e) an analyte test strip disposed between the base and the cover in the substantially enclosed volume, the analyte test strip having a first end, a second end and a plurality of electrodes, wherein the cover includes a window through which the plurality of electrodes is externally accessible, and (f) a skin receiving surface formed into the front end of said base in the form of an arcuate notch that extends inward from the front end of the base.