LANCET HAVING ADJUSTABLE PENETRATION DEPTH

• US 20110196406A1
• Filed: 04/15/2011
• Published: 08/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stat Medical Devices Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Stat Medical Devices Incorporated
• Inventors: SCHRAGA, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 8,834,503 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/172
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150022 for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150175 Adjustment of penetration depth
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15019 Depth adjustment mechanism using movable stops located inside the piercing device housing and limiting the travel of the drive mechanism mechanisms using distal end caps A61B5/150183, mechanisms at the piercing element carrier proximal end A61B5/150198
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150198 Depth adjustment mechanism at the proximal end of the carrier of the piercing element
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150351 Caps, stoppers or lids for sealing or closing a blood collection vessel or container, e.g. a test-tube or syringe barrel caps for bottles or containers in general B65D41/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150412 Pointed piercing elements, e.g. needles, lancets for piercing the skin blade-like piercing elements A61B5/150442
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150503 Single-ended needles hollow piercing element tip design A61B5/150396, needle sets for catheters A61M25/06, needles for bringing media into the body A61M5/32
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15113 Manually triggered, i.e. the triggering requires a deliberate action by the user such as pressing a drive button
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15117 comprising biased elements, resilient elements or a spring, e.g. a helical spring, leaf spring, or elastic strap
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1513 comprising linear sliding guides comprising tooth-shaped elements A61B5/15132
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15132 comprising tooth-shaped elements, e.g. toothed wheel or rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1519 comprising driving means, e.g. a spring, for propelling the piercing unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53657 to apply or remove a resilient article [e.g., tube, sleeve, etc.]

Abstract

Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

Claims

1. A lancet device comprising:

a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;

a guide wall arranged in the main housing and extending transverse to an axis running through the main housing;

the guide wall comprising an opening;

a cap removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing;

the cap having a proximal end for engaging a skin surface;

a movable needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall;

a first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member;

the first spring being disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;

a movable trigger arranged on a side of the main housing;

the trigger being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;

a distal housing arranged at the distal end of the main housing;

the distal housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing;

the distal housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing;

the guide wall of the distal housing comprising an opening;

a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing;

the proximal end of the distal housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing;

a second spring that biases the distal housing towards the main housing; and

the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member,

wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

2. The lancet device of claim 1, further comprising a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member.

3. The lancet device of claim 1, wherein the main housing is one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.

4. The lancet device of claim 2, further comprising a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member.

5. The lancet device of claim 4, wherein the needle holding member comprises a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in a retracted position.

6. The lancet device of claim 5, wherein the mechanism comprises a shoulder.

7. The lancet device of claim 4, further comprising a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing.

8. The lancet device of claim 4, wherein the proximal end of the main housing is open and wherein the distal end of the main housing is open.

9. A lancet device comprising:

a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;

a first guide wall disposed within the first housing;

the first guide wall comprising an opening;

a cap removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the first guide wall;

a first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;

a movable trigger arranged on a side of the first housing;

the trigger having a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;

a movable second housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a shoulder arranged between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing;

the second guide wall comprising an opening;

a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall;

the second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing;

the proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing;

a second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing; and

the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member,

wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

10. The lancet device of claim 9, further comprising a lock retainer mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member.

11. The lancet device of claim 9, wherein the first housing is one of triangular, D-shaped and polygonal.

12. The lancet device of claim 9, wherein the other shoulder of the needle holding member is arranged at a distal end of the needle holding member.

13. The lancet device of claim 9, wherein the shoulder of the second housing is sized to be larger than the proximal end of the second housing, whereby the shoulder of the second housing limits movement of the second housing towards the first housing.

14. A lancet device comprising:

a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;

a second housing at least partially disposed in the first housing;

a guide wall arranged on the second housing;

the guide wall being disposed within the first housing;

the guide wall comprising an opening;

a removably mounted cap for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing and the second housing;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the second housing;

a first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the second housing and a shoulder of the needle holding member;

a trigger arranged on a side of the first housing;

the trigger having a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;

a third housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall;

the third housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the third housing is moved away from the first housing;

the guide wall of the third housing comprising an opening;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the third housing;

the proximal end of the third housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing;

a second spring for biasing the third housing towards the first housing;

the second spring surrounding a distal portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the third housing and a distal end of the needle holding member; and

a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member,

wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

15. The lancet device of claim 14, wherein the second spring is arranged between the lock retainer and the guide wall of the third housing.

16. The lancet device of claim 14, wherein the first housing is one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.

17. The lancet device of claim 14, wherein the distal end of the needle holding member comprises a shoulder.

18. A lancet device comprising:

a main housing comprising an open proximal end and an open distal end;

an inner housing at least partially disposed in the main housing;

a guide wall arranged on the inner housing and within the main housing;

the guide wall comprising an opening;

a removably mounted cap;

the cap having a proximal end for engaging a skin surface;

a movable needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing;

a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall;

a first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member;

the first spring being disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;

the needle holding member having a proximal end that projects from the open proximal end of the main housing when the needle holding member is in the extended position;

a movable trigger arranged on a side of the main housing;

the trigger being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;

a distal housing disposed at the distal end of the main housing;

the distal housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing;

the distal housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing;

the guide wall of the distal housing comprising an opening;

a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing;

the proximal end of the distal housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing;

a second spring that biases the distal housing towards the main housing; and

the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member,

wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

19. The lancet device of claim 18, further comprising a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member.

20. The lancet device of claim 18, wherein the main housing is one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.

21. The lancet device of claim 18, further comprising a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member.

22. The lancet device of claim 18, wherein the needle holding member comprises a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position.

23. The lancet device of claim 22, wherein the mechanism comprises a shoulder.

24. The lancet device of claim 18, further comprising a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing.

25. A lancet device comprising:

a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;

a movable trigger arranged on a side wall of the first housing;

a first guide wall disposed within the first housing;

the first guide wall extending transverse to an axis running through the first housing and comprising an opening;

a removably mounted cap for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the first guide wall;

a first spring that biases the needle holding member toward an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;

the needle holding member comprising a projecting portion arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member and the shoulder of the needle holding member;

the projecting portion acting to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position;

the trigger having a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;

a movable second housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing;

the second guide wall comprising an opening;

a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall;

the second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing;

the proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing;

a second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing; and

the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and a distal end of the needle holding member,

wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

26. A lancet device comprising:

a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;

a movable trigger arranged on a side wall of the main housing;

a guide wall disposed within the main housing;

the guide wall comprising an opening;

a removably mounted cap for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall;

a first spring that biases the needle holding member toward an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;

the needle holding member comprising a projecting portion arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member and the shoulder of the needle holding member;

the projecting portion acting to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position;

the trigger having a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;

a movable distal housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing;

the guide wall of the distal housing comprising an opening;

a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing;

the distal housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing;

the proximal end of the distal housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing;

a second spring that biases the distal housing towards the main housing; and

the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member,

wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the main housing.

27. A lancet device comprising:

a housing comprising an open first end and a closed second end;

a movable trigger arranged on a side wall of the housing;

a cap for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface, the cap being removably mounted to the open first end;

a lancet holding member for holding a lancet, the lancet holding member being movably mounted within the housing;

the lancet holding member comprising a front end which receives therein the lancet and a rear end comprising a projecting portion;

the front end of the lancet holding member extending past the open first end when the lancet holding member is moved to the extended position;

a first spring arranged to cause the lancet holding member to move towards an extended position;

a second spring arranged to cause the lancet holding member to move towards a retracted position;

the second spring being arranged to surround a portion of the lancet holding member and comprising an end which contacts the projecting portion; and

a stop surface fixed to the housing and arranged within the housing,

wherein the extended position is defined by contact between the lancet holding member and the stop surface, and

wherein the second spring is compressed when the lancet holding member is moved to the extended position.

28. The lancet device of claim 27, wherein, when the lancet is installed on the first end of the lancet holding member, the lancet holding member is capable of moving to the extended position without the lancet contacting an inner surface of the cap.

29. The lancet device of claim 27, further comprising a mechanism for arming the lancet device, the mechanism being movably arranged at the closed second end and being configured to compress the first spring during arming of the lancet device.

30. The lancet device of claim 27, further comprising a mechanism for limiting movement of the lancet holding member into the housing, whereby inward movement is limited by contact between a surface of the lancet holding member and an inner surface of the housing.

31. A lancet device comprising:

a housing comprising an open first end and a closed second end;

a movable trigger arranged on a side wall of the housing;

a cap for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface, the cap being removably mounted to the open first end;

a lancet holding member for holding a lancet, the lancet holding member being movably mounted within the housing;

the lancet holding member comprising a front end which receives therein the lancet and a rear end comprising a flange portion;

the front end of the lancet holding member extending past the open first end when the lancet holding member is moved to the extended position;

a first spring arranged to cause the lancet holding member to move towards an extended position;

a second spring arranged to cause the lancet holding member to move towards a retracted position;

the second spring being arranged to surround a portion of the lancet holding member and comprising an end which contacts the flange portion;

a stop surface fixed to the housing and arranged within the housing;

an arming mechanism for arming the lancet device, the arming mechanism being movably arranged at the closed second end and being configured to compress the first spring during arming of the lancet device; and

a movement limiting mechanism for limiting movement of the lancet holding member into the housing, whereby inward movement is limited by contact between a surface of the lancet holding member and an inner surface of the housing,

wherein the extended position is defined by contact between the lancet holding member and the stop surface,

wherein the second spring is compressed when the lancet holding member is moved to the extended position, and

wherein, when the lancet is installed on the first end of the lancet holding member, the lancet holding member is capable of moving to the extended position without the lancet contacting an inner surface of the cap.

32. A lancet device comprising:

a housing comprising an open front end and a rear end;

a movable trigger arranged on a side wall of the housing;

a cap for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface, the cap being removably mounted to the open front end;

a lancet holding member for holding a lancet, the lancet holding member being movably arranged within the housing;

the lancet holding member comprising a front end which receives therein the lancet and a rear end comprising a projecting portion;

a first spring arranged to cause the lancet holding member to move towards the extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and comprising one end which contacts a portion of the lancet holding member and another end which contacts a portion of the housing;

an other housing having a front portion that extends into the rear end of the housing and comprising a first wall having a first opening through which passes a rear portion of the lancet holding member;

a second spring arranged to cause the lancet holding member to move towards a retracted position;

the second spring being arranged to surround the rear portion of the lancet holding member and comprising one end which contacts the projecting portion and another end which contacts a surface of the first wall; and

a surface having a second opening and being arranged in the housing between the first wall and the first spring, the second opening allowing a portion of the lancet holding member to pass there through,

wherein the first spring is arranged behind a portion of the lancet holding member that is engaged by the trigger,

wherein movement of the other housing away from the housing causes compression of the second spring, and

wherein the second spring is compressed when the lancet holding member is moved to the extended position by the first spring.

33. The lancet device of claim 32, wherein the lancet device has adjustable depth of penetration.

34. A lancet device comprising:

a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;

a cap removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

a lancet holding member having a proximal end portion structured and arranged to hold a lancet, the lancet holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing;

a first spring for biasing the lancet holding member towards an extended position;

the first spring surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and having a distal end which contacts a portion of the first housing and a proximal end which contacts a portion of the lancet holding member;

a trigger arranged on a side of the first housing and being positioned closer to the proximal end of the first housing than to the distal end of the first housing;

the trigger being structured and arranged to move between a first position and a second position wherein the trigger causes a triggering of the lancet device and the lancet holding member is caused to move towards the extended position by the first spring;

a second housing comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end and comprising an opening;

the proximal end of the second housing being disposed within the first housing and the distal end of the second housing being disposed outside of the first housing;

at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall;

the second housing being configured to move the lancet holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing;

a second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing;

the second spring surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and being disposed between the guide wall and a projecting portion arranged at a distal end portion of the lancet holding member;

a surface having an opening arranged in the first housing between the guide wall and the first spring, the opening allowing a portion of the lancet holding member to pass there through,

wherein at least a portion of the lancet holding member is always retained within the first housing.

35. The lancet device of claim 34, wherein the lancet device has adjustable depth of penetration.

36. A lancet device, comprising:

a main housing having a proximal end and a distal end;

a cover having an opening, being removably mountable to the proximal end of the main housing, and having a surface for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

a lancet holding member arranged within the main housing, the lancet holding member being capable of holding a lancet;

a first biasing element surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the lancet holding member toward the proximal end of the main housing;

the first biasing element having one end contacting a portion of the lancet holding member and another end contacting a portion of the main housing;

a trigger arranged on a side of the main housing and being structured and arranged to contact a projecting portion of the lancet holding member, wherein, during triggering of the lancet device, movement of the trigger releases the lancet holding member so that it can move from a retracted position towards the proximal end of the main housing via the first biasing element;

a member having a proximal portion extending into the main housing, a distal portion arranged outside the main housing, and a wall having an opening which allows a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough;

the member being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member to the retracted position when the member is moved away from the main housing;

a second biasing element surrounding another portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the member toward the proximal end of the main housing; and

the second biasing element being smaller in diameter than the first biasing element and having one end contacting a distal portion of the lancet holding member and another end contacting the wall of the member,

wherein a change in a depth of penetration adjustment of the lancet device changes an overall length of the lancet device.

37. A lancet device, comprising:

a main housing having a sidewall, a front end, and a rear end;

a cover having an opening and a surface for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

the cover being removably mountable to the front end of the main housing;

a lancet holding member arranged within the main housing, the lancet holding member being capable of holding a lancet;

a first biasing element surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the lancet holding member toward the front end of the main housing;

the first biasing element having one end contacting a portion of the lancet holding member and another end;

a trigger arranged on the sidewall of the main housing, wherein, during triggering of the lancet device, movement of the trigger releases the lancet holding member so that it can move from a retracted position towards the front end of the main housing via the first biasing element;

a member having a front portion extending into the rear end of the main housing, a rear portion extending out past the rear end of the main housing, and a first wall having an opening which allows a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough;

the member having an axial length that is shorter than an axial length of the main housing;

the member being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member to the retracted position when the member is moved back away from the main housing;

a second biasing element surrounding another portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the member toward the front end of the main housing;

the second biasing element having one end contacting a rear portion of the lancet holding member and another end contacting the first wall;

a second wall arranged in the main housing and having an opening allowing a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough; and

the second wall being arranged between the first wall and the other end of the first biasing element,

wherein a change in a depth of penetration adjustment of the lancet device changes an overall length of the lancet device, and

wherein the lancet device is placed in a trigger-set position by movement of the member back away from the main housing until a projection of the lancet holding member is engaged.

38. A lancet device having depth of penetration adjustment, comprising:

a main housing having a sidewall, a front end, and a rear end;

a cover having an opening and a surface for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

the cover being removably mountable to the front end of the main housing;

a lancet holding member movable within the main housing, the lancet holding member being capable of holding a lancet and comprising a deflecting portion;

a first biasing element surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the lancet holding member toward the front end of the main housing;

the first biasing element having one end contacting a portion of the lancet holding member and an other end;

a trigger arranged on the sidewall of the main housing, wherein, during triggering of the lancet device, movement of the trigger releases the lancet holding member so that it can move from a retracted position towards the front end of the main housing via the first biasing element;

a member arranged at the rear end of the main housing and comprising a rear portion extending back past the rear end of the main housing;

a first wall arranged within the member and having an opening which allows a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough;

the member being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member to the retracted position when the member is moved back away from the main housing;

a second biasing element surrounding another portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the member toward the front end of the main housing;

the second biasing element having one end contacting a rear portion of the lancet holding member and another end contacting the first wall;

a second wall arranged on the main housing and having an opening allowing a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough; and

the second wall being arranged between the first wall and the other end of the first biasing element,

wherein a change in the depth of penetration adjustment of the lancet device changes an overall length of the lancet device, and

wherein the lancet device is placed in a trigger-set position by movement of the member back away from the main housing until a portion of the deflecting portion of the lancet holding member engages with an aperture in the main housing, whereby the lancet holding member is retained in the trigger-set position by engagement between the aperture and the portion of the deflecting portion.

39. A lancet device with depth of penetration adjustment, comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end;

a cover removably mounted to the first end and comprising a surface for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

the surface comprising an opening;

a lancet holding member movably arranged within the housing and having a front portion capable of holding a lancet;

a first spring surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member from a retracted position to an extended position;

the first spring having one end contacting a portion of the lancet holding member and another end;

a trigger arranged on a side of the housing closer to the first end than to the second end of the housing;

a member having a first portion extending into the housing, a second portion arranged outside the housing, and a wall having an opening which allows a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough;

the member being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member to the retracted position when the member is moved relative to the housing;

a second spring surrounding another portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the member toward the first end of the housing;

the second spring being disposed axially behind the first spring and having one end contacting a rear portion of the lancet holding member and another end contacting the wall of the member;

a second wall arranged within the housing and allowing a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough; and

the second wall being arranged between the wall and the other end of the first spring,

wherein a change in a depth of penetration adjustment of the lancet device changes an overall length of the lancet device,

wherein the depth of penetration adjustment occurs when one part of the lancet device is rotated relative to another part of the lancet device, and

wherein, during triggering of the lancet device, the lancet holding member is cause to move from the retracted position by the first spring.

40. A lancet device, comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end;

a cover removably mounted to the first end and comprising a surface for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface;

the surface comprising an opening;

a lancet holding member movably arranged within the housing and having a front portion capable of holding a lancet;

a first spring surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member from a retracted position to an extended position;

the first spring having one end contacting a portion of the lancet holding member and another end;

a trigger arranged on a side of the housing closer to the first end than to the second end of the housing;

a member having a first portion extending into the housing, a second portion arranged outside the housing, and a wall having an opening which allows a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough;

the member being structured and arranged to move the lancet holding member to the retracted position when the member is moved relative to the housing;

a second spring surrounding another portion of the lancet holding member and being structured and arranged to bias the member toward the first end of the housing;

the second spring being disposed axially behind the first spring and having one end contacting a rear portion of the lancet holding member and another end contacting the wall of the member;

a second wall arranged within the housing and allowing a portion of the lancet holding member to pass therethrough; and

the second wall being arranged between the wall and the other end of the first spring,

wherein a depth of penetration of a needle of the lancet relative to the surface is determined by contact between a surface of the lancet holding member and the wall of the member, and

wherein, during triggering of the lancet device, the lancet holding member is cause to move from the retracted position to the extended position by the first spring.