| abstract |
An integrated diagnostic instrument ( 10 ) for analyzing a fluid sample includes a housing ( 12 ), a sensor pack ( 122 ), a disk drive mechanism ( 200 ) and a lancing mechanism ( 16 ). The lancing mechanism includes a lance holder ( 110 ) adapted to removably engage a base of a lance ( 86 ), a plunger ( 66 ) coupled to the lance holder, a shaft ( 70 ) running through a central portion of the plunger, a spring at least partially surrounding the shaft, and a slider ( 90 ) located on a rail on the exterior of the housing. |