Blood Testing Apparatus Having a Rotatable Cartridge with Multiple Lancing Elements and Testing Means

Abstract

A blood testing apparatus includes a device for withdrawing blood, a membrane-type testing element, an evaluating device, and a display device forming a complete system which can be manipulated as a single piece of apparatus. Multiple testing elements can be inserted into the apparatus and brought successively to a work position for carrying out several measurements. The blood withdrawing device includes multiple pricking elements. One pricking element is pushed through one testing element and pricks the surface of the skin of a user. The pricking position is disposed so that blood withdrawn from the surface of the skin can impinge upon a testing element.

1 . A blood testing apparatus, comprising:
 a test member   a laser source configured to produce a wound from which blood flows;   electronics for analysis, and   a display, wherein the test member, laser source, electronics and display form a glucose monitoring system that is integrated in a single apparatus,   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the test member includes an opening from which a beam from the laser can pass through. 
     
     
         3 . A blood testing apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of test members;   a laser source configured to produce a wound from which blood flows;   electronics for analysis, and   a display, wherein the plurality of test members, laser source, electronics and display form a glucose monitoring system that is integrated in a single apparatus,   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of test members are arranged radially around an axis of rotation of a rotatable, disposable device having a circumferential wall section that runs cylindrically on an outer periphery, each of the test member and the at least one lancing element having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular relative to the axis of rotation, and wherein the test members are disposed with surfaces normal in a radial direction with respect to a center of the rotatable, disposable device 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each of a test member includes an opening from which a beam from the laser can pass through. 
     
     
         6 . A method for testing an analyte in a blood sample, comprising:
 providing a blood testing apparatus that includes a test member, a laser source, electronics for analysis and a display that are integrated in a single apparatus;   producing a wound with the laser;   receiving a blood sample from the wound of the test member; and   using the electronics to determine a concentration of glucose in the blood sample.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a plurality of test members are provided.