Patent ID: 8602991

Claim:
A method, comprising: aligning a tapered end of an introducer substantially onto a sensor insertion site by positioning a housing over the insertion site, the introducer coupled to a sensor and the housing and the sensor having a portion provided within the housing; piercing a skin layer at the sensor insertion site with the tapered end of the introducer with a drive mechanism detachably coupled to the housing to provide insertion force to the introducer during sensor insertion; guiding the sensor with the introducer through the skin layer, the introducer including a segment for limiting movement of the sensor when the sensor is guided through the skin layer; retracting the introducer from the skin layer while subcutaneously retaining at least a portion of the sensor under the skin layer; retaining the introducer within the housing after retraction from the skin layer and sensor insertion through the skin layer; and detachably removing the drive mechanism from the housing after the sensor is guided through the skin layer and the introducer is retained within the housing; wherein the introducer includes a body portion and a shaft portion extending substantially from an edge of the body portion, the shaft portion including a tapered end and a segment, the shaft portion retaining the sensor, and further, the tapered end guiding the sensor through the skin layer during sensor insertion and the segment limiting movement of the sensor when the sensor is guided through the skin layer.