Lancet device with flexible cover

Abstract

The biological test kit is a device for drawing and, optionally, testing biological samples. The biological test kit is an array of lancets set in wells in a rigid base. Each lancet well is covered by a protective cover which when deformed permits the lancet to puncture a user or other patient. In one embodiment the biological test kit employs distinct covers for each lancet and in another the covers are formed from sheet material formed into blisters which cover the lancet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A biological test kit comprising: a) a rigid first layer; b) one or more lancets secured to the first layer, said lancets each having a sharp region disposed substantially away from the first layer; c) one or more second layers disposed in an opposed arrangement relative to the first layer, the first and second layers being arranged to form one or more cavities there-between, each of the one or more second layers forming one or more covers, each cover over one of the lancets; and d) each of the one or more covers having a first unconstrained configuration in which the lancet sharp region does not protrude past or through the cover and having a second compressed configuration in which the lancet sharp region protrudes through the cover. 
     
     
         2 . The biological test kit of  claim 1  wherein said covers are resilient such that the cover can pass from the unconstrained configuration to the compressed configuration when a compression force is applied and return from the compressed configuration to the unconstrained configuration when said compression force is removed. 
     
     
         3 . The biological test kit of  claim 1  further comprising: a) at least one chemical test strip for capturing biological samples. 
     
     
         4 . The biological test kit of  claim 3  further comprising a testing apparatus for testing one or more chemical properties of biological samples present on said test strip. 
     
     
         5 . A biological test kit comprising: a) a rigid first layer, b) one or more lancets secured to the first layer, said lancets each having a sharp region disposed substantially away from the first layer; c) one or more covers disposed in an opposed arrangement relative to the first layer, each cover covering at least one of said lancets, and said lancet disposed within a well formed in said first layer, said cover disposed to at least partially cover said well; and d) each of the one or more covers having a first unconstrained configuration in which the lancet sharp region does not protrude past or through the cover and having a second compressed configuration in which the lancet sharp region protrudes through the cover. 
     
     
         6 . The biological test kit of  claim 5  wherein said covers are resilient such that the cover can pass from the unconstrained configuration to the compressed configuration when a compression force is applied and return from the compressed configuration to the unconstrained configuration when said compression force is removed. 
     
     
         7 . The biological test kit of  claim 5  further comprising a protective layer covering the one or more covers. 
     
     
         8 . The biological test kit of  claim 5  further comprising: a) at least one chemical test strip for capturing biological samples. 
     
     
         9 . The biological test kit of  claim 8  further comprising a testing apparatus for testing one or more chemical properties of biological samples present on said test strip. 
     
     
         10 . A method of collecting biological samples comprising the steps of: a) Compressing a lancet cover onto a stationary lancet until said lancet pierces said cover and said user, producing a wound in said user. 
     
     
         11 . The Method of  claim 10  further comprising the step of: a) Collecting biological samples from said wound. 
     
     
         12 . The Method of  claim 10  further comprising the step of: a) using a testing apparatus to measure one or more chemical properties of said testing said biological sample.