| abstract |
A lancing device (1) for use with a lancet (7) for obtaining a blood sample is disclosed. The lancing device comprises a housing (2); a probe (10) disposed in the housing (2); and a probe actuator (15) for linearly displacing the probe (10). The probe (10) is configured for releasably engaging a lancet (7) and is provided with sliding surfaces for slidably (32, 33) engaging a pair of guides (23, 24). Each sliding surface (32, 33) has a radius of curvature centred about a curvature defining axis, the curvature defining axis being coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the lancet (7) when the lancet is engaged by the probe (10). The sliding surfaces (32, 33) are continually biased against the pair of guides (23, 24) such that when the lancet (7) is engaged by the probe (10), the lancet (7) is prevented from translating in any other direction than in a direction parallel to its central longitudinal axis during linear displacement of the probe (10). |