Body fluid monitoring and sampling devices and methods

Abstract

An integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device constructed to permit digital as well as alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis, the device comprising: a housing; at least one skin-penetration member; and a member constructed for the application of circumferential or vacuum pressure to an appendage; wherein the member is detachably or retractably connected to the housing in a manner such that the integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device can perform digital or alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis. Additional arrangements and techniques are also described.

1 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method for sampling a body fluid from a digit:
 positioning the digit between a first arm and a second arm of a catalyst device;   moving the digit relative to the catalyst device to apply pressure to the digit with the catalyst device near a sampling site of the digit; and   piercing the sampling site with a skin penetration member of a sampling device to collect a sample of the body fluid.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the sampling device comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises a footprint. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40  further comprising positioning the digit relative to the footprint. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the catalyst device comprises a U-shaped channel comprising the first and second arms. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the sampling device comprises a mechanism for moving the catalyst device relative the digit, and wherein moving the digit relative to the catalyst device comprises moving the catalyst device with the mechanism. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the mechanism comprises a motor and a linkage connecting the catalyst device to the linkage.