Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.

Provided is a lancet which comprises: a housing provided with an inner sleeve guiding portion and a first needle core guiding portion; an inner sleeve provided inside the housing, wherein the front end of the inner sleeve has an inner sleeve needle outlet, and the inner sleeve is provided with a second needle core guiding portion; a needle core adapted to move axially along the first needle core guiding portion; a spring provided inside the housing to drive the needle core, wherein the inner sleeve guiding portion has a radial rotation angle at a rotation guiding section thereof away from the inner sleeve needle outlet; by pressing towards the inside of the housing, the inner sleeve is guided by the rotation guiding section to rotate such that the first needle core guiding portion is aligned with the second needle core guiding portion in the radial direction.

Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.

Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.