Patent ID: 7288073

Claim:
A system for withdrawing body fluid, comprising: a lancing unit configured to couple to a drive unit, the lancing unit including a detection zone configured to analyze the body fluid, and a capillary structure having a lancing tip configured to cut an incision in skin, the lancing tip defining a capillary groove for drawing the body fluid from the incision to the detection zone via capillary action, wherein the capillary groove opens longitudinally along the outside of the lancing tip to permit collection of the body fluid along the length of the lancing tip; wherein the lancing unit includes a holding area in which a portion of the capillary structure is arranged; wherein the holding area has a distal end from where the lancing tip extends and a top surface; wherein the capillary groove opens along the top surface of the holding area; wherein the lancing unit includes a plate capping the holding area; wherein the plate covers a portion of the capillary groove; and wherein the plate defines a window over the detection zone.