Combined lancet and multi-function cap and lancet injector for use therewith

摘要

A combined lancet and multi-function cap of the disposable type, for use in obtaining blood samples for diagnostic purposes. The lancet includes a needle with a sharp end and an elongated body of plastic material embedding the needle except for its sharp end. The multi- function cap is also made of plastic material and is detachably mounted onto one end of the body to embed the sharp end and keep it sterile until the lancet is used. The multi-function cap includes a ring having a central opening sized to let pass the sharp end of the needle but not the body of the lancet. The multi-function cap also includes a set of legs or a skirt that project from the ring for connecting the same to the mouth of a lancet injector. Thus, the cap also serves as an isolation barrier between the patient's finger and the physical lancet injector. In use, when the multi-function cap is detached from the lancet and is connected to the lancet injector, the ring of the cap extends across the mouth and positively controls the depth of penetration of the lancet in the patient's skin. This ring also serves to lock the needle within the cap after use and thus reduces the danger of accidental finger-stick by a blood contaminated needle. Also disclosed is a lancet injector for use with the above lancet and multi-function cap.