HAND OPERATED ACTUATOR MECHANISM

Abstract

The invention is related to a hand-operated actuator mechanism for driving a piercing element with increased safety. The actuator mechanism comprises a mounting element connected to a trigger element by a first breakable connection element. It also comprises a piercing element carrier connected to the trigger element by a second breakable connection element. The trigger element further comprises a pushing member that can be pushed with a human finger. The first breakable connection element is configured to be broken by means of a predetermined pushing finger force pushing said pushing member. The piercing element carrier being movable between an initial position wherein the first and the second breakable connection elements are unbroken, and a stop position wherein an abutment stops a movement of the piercing element carrier.

Claims

1. A hand-operated actuator mechanism for driving an external piercing element with a predefined force, the actuator mechanism, comprising: a mounting element; a trigger element; a piercing element carrier for an external piercing element, wherein: the trigger element is connected to the mounting element via a first breakable connection element that is designed to break when a predefined force is applied to the trigger element, said trigger element further comprising or being connected to a pushing member that can be pushed with a human finger and that is arranged to transfer a finger force via the trigger element to the first breakable connection element so as to cause breaking of the first breakable connection element when a pushing finger force pushing said pushing member exceeds a predetermined threshold; and the piercing element carrier is connected to the trigger element and is movable between an initial position wherein the first breakable connection element and a second breakable connection element are unbroken, and a stop position wherein an abutment stops a movement of the piercing element carrier.

2. The actuator mechanism of claim 1, wherein the piercing element carrier is connected to the trigger element via the second breakable connection element, said second breakable connection element being configured to be broken when the piercing element carrier reaches the stop position.

3. The actuator mechanism of claim 1, further comprising an elastic element that is arranged to act on the piercing element carrier for returning the piercing element carrier form from the stop position in the direction of the initial position.

4. The actuator mechanism of claim 3, wherein the abutment is the elastic element in a stressed or compressed state.

5. The actuator mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first breakable connection element is adapted to be broken upon exertion of a pushing finger force of 20-100 N on the pushing member.

6. A piercing device, comprising: a peripheral support structure forming an inner volume; and a hand-operated actuator mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein the mounting element is connected to the peripheral support structure.

7. The piercing device of claim 6, further comprising a piercing element connected to the piercing element carrier, the piercing element being arranged to remain within the inner volume at the initial position and to protrude from the inner volume at the stop position.

8. A testing device, comprising: a piercing device according to claim 6; a fluid sample receiving unit for receiving a fluid sample for testing; at least one fluid transport element having an input end fluidly connected to the fluid sample receiving unit, the at least one fluid transport element arranged and configured to transport a fluid away from the input end; and at least one testing unit in fluidic communication with the at least one fluid transport element, the at least one testing unit comprising a respective reacting material configured to react in a predetermined manner to a pre-specified analyte or property of the fluid.

9. The testing device of claim 8, further comprising at least one solution chamber containing a respective buffer solution, and flow control means configured to control a transfer of the buffer solution to the at least one fluid transport element and/or to the fluid sample receiving unit.

10. The testing device of claim 9, wherein the flow control means is configured to control a transfer of the buffer solution from the at least one solution chamber to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit either: before a fluid sample is transferred to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit; or while the fluid sample is being transferred to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit; or after the fluid sample has been transferred to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit; or any combination thereof.

11. The testing device according to claim 8, further comprising: an optical sensor, arranged and configured to detect light reflected from the at least one testing unit and to convert the detected light into an electrical signal representing an intensity and/or a color of the detected light; a conversion unit for converting the electrical signal into digital data representing the intensity and/or the color of the detected light; and a transmitter unit for wirelessly transmitting the digital data.

12. A method for actuating a hand-operated actuator mechanism for driving an external piercing element, the method comprising: applying a predetermined pushing finger force on a pushing member, thereby breaking a first breakable connection element connecting a mounting element to a trigger element; moving a piercing element carrier connected via a second breakable connection element to the trigger element from an initial position wherein the first and the second breakable connection elements are unbroken, to a stop position wherein an abutment stops a movement of the piercing element carrier.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: breaking the second breakable connection element when the piercing element carrier reaches the stop position; and acting on the piercing element carrier for returning the piercing element carrier from the stop position in the direction of the initial position.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein breaking the first breakable connection element requires applying a pushing finger force of 20-100 N.

15. A method for operating a testing device, the method comprising: performing the steps of claim 12; transporting a fluid via a fluid transport element from a piercing element to at least one testing unit; and reacting a respective reacting material in a predetermined manner to a prespecified analyte or property of the fluid.

Description

[0080] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism in a non-actuated state.

[0081] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the hand-operated actuator mechanism of FIG. 1A in an actuated state.

[0082] FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism in a non-actuated state.

[0083] FIG. 2B shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the hand-operated actuator mechanism of FIG. 2A in an actuated state.

[0084] FIG. 2C shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the hand-operated actuator mechanism of FIGS. 2A and 2B in a final state.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism.

[0086] FIG. 4A shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism in a non-actuated state.

[0087] FIG. 4B shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the hand-operated actuator mechanism of FIG. 3A in an actuated state.

[0088] FIG. 4C shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the hand-operated actuator mechanism of FIGS. 3A and 3B in a final state.

[0089] FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a piercing device with a hand-operated actuator mechanism in a non-actuated state.

[0090] FIG. 5B shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the piercing device of FIG. 5A with the hand-operated actuator mechanism in an actuated state.

[0091] FIG. 5C shows a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the piercing device of FIGS. 5A and 5B with the hand-operated actuator mechanism in a final state.

[0092] FIG. 6A shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism in a non-actuated state.

[0093] FIG. 6B shows a schematic diagram of a breakable connection element.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a testing device.

[0095] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a set of fluid transport elements in a planar state and in a curved state respectively.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a testing device.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a testing device.

[0098] FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a hand-held forced-controlled actuator mechanism.

[0099] FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a testing device.

[0100] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism 100 in a non-actuated state. FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of the same the hand-operated actuator mechanism 100 of FIG. 1A in an actuated state. The hand-operated actuator mechanism 100 is particularly suitable for driving an external piercing element 102. The actuator mechanism 100 is suitable for integration in a piercing device, as it is described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. The actuator mechanism comprises a mounting element 104, a trigger element 106 and a piercing element carrier 108. The external piercing element 102 is operatively connected to the piercing element carrier 108.

[0101] The trigger element 106 is connected to the mounting element 104 via a first breakable connection elements 110. The trigger element 106 further comprises or is connected to a pushing member 112 that can be pushed with a human finger. In the actuator mechanism, the first breakable connection elements 110 are configured to break if a pushing finger force F that pushes the pushing member 112, particularly in a longitudinal direction L, exceeds a predetermined threshold. In the actuator mechanism 100, the piercing element carrier 108 is connected to the trigger element 106 via a second breakable connection element 114.

[0102] Once the first breakable connection elements 110 are broken, the piercing element carrier 108 can move from an initial position to a stop position. The initial position is shown in FIG. 1A as an non-actuated state, wherein the first and the second breakable connection elements 110, 114 are unbroken. The stop position is shown in FIG. 1B as an actuated state, wherein an abutment 116 stops a movement of the piercing element carrier 108, in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] In the exemplary actuator mechanism 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the positions of the abutment and the mounting element are fixed and thus constant relative to each other. Once the predetermined pushing finger force F is applied on the pushing member 112, the first breakable connection elements 110 break and the trigger element and the piercing element carrier are movable, relative to the mounting element, between the initial and the stop position.

[0104] FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism 200 in a non-actuated state. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the hand-operated actuator mechanism 200 of FIG. 2A in an actuated state. The following discussion focuses on those features that are different between the actuator mechanisms 100 and 200. The technical features being similar or identical or having similar or identical functions are referred to using the same numerals, except for the first digit, that is 1 for the actuator mechanism 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B and 2 for the actuator mechanism 100 of FIGS. 2A, and 2B

[0105] In the actuator mechanism 200, the second breakable connection elements 214 are configured to break when the piercing element carrier 208 reaches the stop position shown in FIG. 2B. In this particular example, the abutment 216 is advantageously designed and arranged to break the second breakable connection elements 214 when the piercing element carrier 208 and/or the second breakable connection elements 214 moving together with the trigger element hit the abutment 216. Breaking of the second breakable connection elements 214 decouples the piercing element-carrier 208 from the trigger element 206; see FIG. 2C. This ensures that the actuator mechanisms can only be used once.

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism 300 in a non-actuated state. The following discussion focuses on those features that are different between the actuator mechanism 300 of FIG. 3 and the actuator mechanisms 100 and 200. The technical features being similar or identical or having similar or identical functions are referred to using the same numerals, except for the first digit, that is 3 for the actuator mechanism 300 of FIGS. 3, and 1 and 2 for the actuator mechanism 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1A, 1B and FIGS. 2A, 2B respectively.

[0107] The actuator mechanism 300 of FIG. 3 further comprises an elastic element 318 that is arranged to act on the piercing element carrier 308 for returning the piercing element carrier form the stop position in the direction of the initial position. In this particular actuator mechanism 300, the elastic element is a helical coil spring that is compressed when the piercing element carrier 308 is pushed in the longitudinal direction by the applied pushing finger force once this force exceeds a predetermined trigger value for breaking the first breakable connection element 340. As in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the abutment 316 is configured to break the second breakable connection elements 314 and decouple the trigger element 306 from the piercing element carrier 308 once the second breakable connection and/or the piercing element carrier 308 hit the abutment 316. The spring force of the compressed elastic element 318 induces a movement of the piercing carrier element 308 from the stop position in the direction of the initial position.

[0108] An alternative embodiment of an actuator mechanism 400 is shown in an initial, non-actuated state, in an intermediate actuated state and in a retracted final state in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C respectively. The following discussion focuses on those features that are different between the actuator mechanism 400 of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, and the actuator mechanisms 100, 200 and 300 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The technical features being similar or identical or having similar or identical functions are referred to using the same numerals, except for the first digit, that is 4 for the actuator mechanism 400, and 1, 2 and 3 for the actuator mechanism 100, 200 and 300 respectively.

[0109] In the actuator mechanism 400 of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, the fully compressed elastic element 418 acts as an abutment 416 that is arranged and configured to stop the movement of the piercing element carrier 408. Once the first breakable element 410 has been broken upon application of the predetermined pushing finger force F, the elastic element 418 is compressed. Once fully compressed the elastic element 418 stops the movement of the piercing element carrier 408 and thus acts as an abutment 416. Thus, in this particular actuator mechanism, the functionality of both the abutment 416 and the elastic element 418 are combined in the elastic element 418 arranged at a particularly advantageous position.

[0110] In the example shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, the application of the predetermined pushing finger force F on the pushing member 412 causes the first breakable connection elements 410 to break, causing an accelerated movement of the trigger element 406 and compressing the elastic element 418, in this case a coil spring, in particular a helical coil spring. The elastic element 418 is arranged and configured to stop the movement of the piercing element carrier 408 at the stop position shown in FIG. 4B. An upper edge of the spring coil is in contact with the piercing element carrier 408 and the compressed elastic element 418 (i.e. the helical spring 418 in its fully compacted, solid state) causes a counter force to the finger force driving the trigger element 406. Once the counterforce exceeds the load the second breakable connection elements 414 are designed to withstand, the second breakable elements 414 break. The counterforce can for example exceed the load the second breakable connection elements 414 are designed to withstand when the helical spring is fully compressed or when the spring force due to compression of the spring is large enough. Once the second breakable elements 414 are broken, the trigger element 406 is decoupled from the piercing element carrier 408, and the spring force of the elastic element acts on the piercing element carrier 408 inducing a retraction movement of the piercing carrier element 408 towards the initial position.

[0111] In particular, in any of the embodiments of the actuator mechanism described above, it is preferred that the first breakable connection is adapted to be broken upon exertion of a pushing finger force of 20-100 N on the pushing member. More preferably, the pushing finger force is between 35 and 45 N

[0112] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a piercing device 550 with a hand-operated actuator mechanism 500 in an initial non-actuated state, in an intermediate actuated state and in a final retracted state respectively. The actuator mechanism 500 of this particular piercing device 550 shares the same features as the actuation mechanism 400 of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. The technical features are thus referred to using the same numerals except for the first digit, which is 5 for the features of the actuator mechanism 500 of and 4 for the features of actuator mechanism 400. The piercing device comprises a peripheral support structure 501 that forms an inner volume 503. The peripheral support structure has a base section forming a support plane and a peripheral wall, substantially perpendicular to the base section and preferably of a cylindrical shape. The piercing device 550 also includes a hand-operated actuator mechanism 500 such that the mounting element 504 is connected to the peripheral support structure 501, particularly to the peripheral wall.

[0113] In an exemplary piercing device, the piercing element carrier comprises attaching means for attaching an external piercing element, such as a lancet, a needle, a hollow needle, a catheter or any other suitable piercing element. In another exemplary piercing device, such as piercing device 550, the piercing element 502 is an integral part of the piercing device and is connected to the piercing carrier element.

[0114] Preferably, the piercing element 502 is dimensioned and arranged: [0115] a) to remain within the inner volume 503 at the initial position shown in FIG. 5A; [0116] b) to protrude from the inner volume 503 at the stop position shown in FIG. 5B, after the application of the predetermined pushing finger force F has caused the first breakable connection element 504 to break, thereby decoupling the mounting element 504 from the trigger element 506 and; [0117] c) to return to the inner volume at the retracted final position shown in FIG. 5C, the retraction movement being caused by the stored elastic energy of the elastic element transferred to the piercing element carrier once the second breakable element have been broken.

[0118] FIG. 6A shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hand-operated actuator mechanism 600 in a non-actuated state. The mounting element 604 has a toroidal shape and is configured to be attached or connected to the peripheral support structure of the piercing device so as not to move relative to the peripheral support structure independently of the current state of the piercing device. The trigger element 606 is arranged concentrically to the mounting element 604, at a distance closer to a center point than the mounting element 604. The actuator mechanism comprises a piercing element carrier 608, to which an external piercing element 602 is attached. The piercing element carrier 608 is located at a central position of the actuator mechanism 600. A plurality of first breakable connection elements 610 connect the mounting element 604 to the trigger element 606. Also, a plurality of second breakable connection elements 614 connect the trigger element 606 to the piercing element carrier 608. In this particular actuator mechanism 600 there are four equally spaced first breakable connection elements 610 and four equally spaced second breakable connection elements 614. Other actuator mechanisms include a different number of first and/or second breakable connection elements.

[0119] A schematic diagram of an exemplary first and/or second breakable connection element is shown in FIG. 6B. The connection element extends between the two elements it connects i.e. the mounting element to the trigger element, and the trigger element to the piercing element carrier respectively along a linking direction. The cross section along the linking direction is shown in FIG. 6B. At the two ends 650, the connection element has a larger girth than in the middle section, where a recess 652 is located. Applying the pushing finger force or the breaking force causes the first and the second breakable connection element to break at the recessed region. A proper dimensioning of this region and a suitable choice of the materials allow for producing breakable connection elements that break upon exertion of a pre-specified force amount. Preferably, the pushing member is configured to apply force on the recessed region of the first breakable connection element and the abutment or any other breaking element is configured to apply force to the recessed region of the second breakable connection elements.

[0120] FIG. 7 shown a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a testing device 790. The testing device comprises a piercing device 750, such as the piercing device described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. The piercing device comprises an actuator mechanism 700 which controls a piercing movement of a piercing element 702 based on an applied pushing finger force on a pushing member 712. The actuator mechanism may also be configured to control a retraction movement of the piercing element, for example as explained with reference to FIGS. 4B and 4C. The testing device also comprises a fluid sample receiving unit 752 that is suitable for receiving a fluid sample for being tested. The fluid sample receiving is fluidly connected to a respective input end of two fluid transport elements 754, 756. The fluid transport element is arranged and configured to transport a fluid away from the input end.

[0121] Suitable fluid transport elements include, but are not limited to capillary beds, such as capillary wicks, and microfluidic systems. The testing device also includes two testing units 758, 760 in fluidic communication with a respective fluid transport element. The testing units 758, 760 comprising a respective reacting material configured to react in a predetermined manner to a pre-specified analyte or property of the fluid.

[0122] The testing units 758, 760 may include a respective conjugate pad that comprises an immobilized conjugate material. The conjugate pad is configured to release the immobilized conjugate material upon contact with the liquid sample. The conjugate material is contained in the conjugate pads, i.e. as colloidal gold, or colored, fluorescent or paramagnetic monodisperse latex particles that have been conjugated to one specific biological component expected to be identified in the liquid sample. This biological component is in some testing devices an antigen and in other testing devices an antibody. The testing unit may include a test line and a control line forming a so-called reaction matrix. The fluid sample, received through the fluid sample receiving unit is transported by capillary action from the fluid sample receiving unit along the capillary wick. At the conjugated pad, the liquid sample releases the conjugate material and a combination of both is further transported towards an absorbent pad located at a distal end of the fluid transport element, such as a testing strip, opposite to a proximal end whereto the fluid sample receiving unit is connected. The absorbent pad is typically configured to act as a sink for the liquid sample, maintaining a flow of the liquid over the capillary wick and preventing a flow of the liquid sample back to or towards the fluid sample receiving unit.

[0123] The testing device 790 optionally comprises a window section 757 being at least partially transparent in a visible wavelength range and arranged to allow an optical inspection of the testing unit 760 from outside the testing device 790.

[0124] Other testing devices (not shown) comprise a different number of fluid transport elements. Other testing devices (not shown) comprise one or more fluid transport elements having a plurality of testing units.

[0125] In testing devices using as a fluid transport element a capillary bed or wick configured to transport a fluid by capillarity effect, the fluid transport element has, in a planar state, a center line length, a width and a thickness that is shorter than the center line length and the width. In order to reduce the size of the testing device, the fluid transport elements of some testing devices are arranged so that a width direction of the fluid transport element extends at an angle smaller than 90 with respect to a normal of a support plane defined by the peripheral support structure. Further, the fluid transport element is curved, resulting in a shortest distance between two opposite longitudinal ends of the fluid transport element being shorter than the center line length in the planar state.

[0126] This is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, where the geometry of an exemplary set of fluid transport elements 856 in the form of testing strips, preferably comprising a capillary wick is described. In FIG. 2A, three testing strips form a set of testing strips. Each individual testing strip has a respective testing unit 860. Each testing strip is presented in FIG. 8A in a planar state and has a testing strip center line length L in a longitudinal direction, a testing strip width W in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a testing strip thickness d, in a thickness direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width direction. The testing strip thickness d is shorter, i.e., has a smaller extension than the testing strip center line length L and the testing strip width W. FIG. 2B shows the same set of three testing strips 856 in a curved state in which a shortest distance between two opposite longitudinal ends of the testing strip center line, or in other words, an effective extension or envelop R of the testing strip, is shorter than the testing strip center line length L in the planar state shown in FIG. 2A. In this particular example, the shortest distance between the two opposite longitudinal ends of the testing strip corresponds to the effective extension R. In another exemplary configuration (not shown) wherein the testing strip is bent in e.g. a circular shape, the shortest distance between the two opposite longitudinal ends vanishes, whereas the effective extension corresponds to the diameter of the formed circle, which is /L. In any case, the shortest distance and the effective extension are shorter than the testing strip center line length.

[0127] The fluid transport element, for instance the testing strip having a capillary wick, is advantageously arranged in the testing device 790 such that a width direction extends in the Z-direction, as indicated on FIG. 7. The support plane is that section of the peripheral support structure that lies in the plane XY, as indicated in FIG. 7. The peripheral walls of the peripheral support structure also extends substantially along the Z direction.

[0128] Preferably, the peripheral support structure has a flat or planar geometry that defines the support plane. In an alternative testing device, however, the support structure is not flat, but an outer perimeter of the support structure defines the plane. In yet another alternative testing device, neither the support structure nor the outer perimeter directly defines a plane and the plane is defined by averaging the spatial position of at least a part of the support structure or of the outer perimeter

[0129] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a testing device 990. For the sake of clarity, the features related to the actuator mechanism are not shown in the figure. The testing device 990 comprises a fluid sample receiving unit 952 arranged on a support structure that defines a support plane XY. The support structure 953 has an opening 955 for receiving the fluid sample. The testing device 990 further comprises a solution chamber 962 containing a buffer solution, and flow control means 964.1 configured to control a transfer of the buffer solution to the fluid sample receiving unit 952. Alternatively, or additionally, some testing devices include flow control means 964.2 that control a transfer of the buffer solution directly to the fluid transport element 954 (as indicated by the dashed-line). Some testing devices include a plurality of solution chambers and control flow means that control a respective transfer of the respective solution (which can be identical or different or a combination thereof) to the fluid sample receiving unit or to one or more of the fluid transport element, particularly testing strips preferably comprising a capillary wick. Buffer solutions are advantageously chosen to enhance a transport of the fluid sample along the capillary wick of the testing strips.

[0130] The flow control means 964.1, 964.2 is configured to control a transfer of the buffer solution from the solution chamber to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit either: [0131] before a fluid sample is transferred to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit; or [0132] while the fluid sample is being transferred to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit; or [0133] after the fluid sample has been transferred to the at least one fluid transport element or/and to the fluid sample receiving unit; or [0134] any combination thereof.

[0135] Transferring the buffer solution to the fluid sample receiving unit or to the fluid transport element before the fluid sample is received or transferred respectively causes a wetting of the capillary wick or the absorbent material that in a particular embodiment enhances an absorption capacity.

[0136] Transferring the buffer solution to the fluid sample receiving unit or to the fluid transport element while the liquid sample is being received or transferred increases the volume of the liquid present and the flow velocity of the liquid sample and thus reduces the time needed by the liquid sample to reach the test portion of the testing strip.

[0137] Transferring the buffer solution to the fluid sample receiving unit or to the fluid transport element after the liquid sample is received or transferred is advantageously used in particular embodiment to wash away the liquid sample towards the test portion.

[0138] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a testing device 1000. As in the case of testing device 990 of FIG. 9, the actuator mechanism is not shown explicitly for the sake of clarity. The testing device 1000 comprises a piercing element 1002, such as a lancet. Other suitable piercing elements include, but are not limited to, needles, hollow needles, cannulas or catheters. Other testing devices (not shown) do not comprise a piercing element. The testing device 1000 includes a peripheral support structure 1004 including a support structure 1006 defining a support plane XY and a cover unit 1008 having a peripheral wall. The lancet is a particular and non-limiting example of piercing element and is connected to a fluid sample receiving unit 1010. The testing device further comprises a two fluid transport elements, in particular two testing strips 1012.1 and 1012.2 having a capillary wick, and each comprising a respective testing unit 1014.1 and 1014.2.

[0139] The testing device 1000 further comprises an optical sensor 1018 that is configured for detecting impeding light that is reflected by the testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2, and for converting the detected light into an electrical signal representing the intensity and/or the color of the impeding light. The optical sensor 1018 is connected to a conversion unit 1020. The conversion unit 1020 is configured for converting an electrical signal into digital data representing an intensity and/or a color of the detected light. The conversion unit 1020 is, in a particular testing device, an analog-to-digital converter and is comprised by the optical sensor 1018. The testing device 1000 also comprises a power management unit 1016 comprising voltage stabilizing circuitry.

[0140] Alternatively, the conversion unit 1020 can be a separate component that is arranged on the support structure 1006 and operatively connected to the optical sensor 1018. For example, the optical sensor 111, and a transmitter unit 1022 having an RF-interface can be arranged on the support structure 1006. Light reflected from the testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2 can be directed to the optical sensor using one or more mirrors also arranged on the support structure 1006 (not shown). Using mirrors, a light path can be created linking the testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2 and the optical sensor 1018. It is also possible that the optical sensor 1018, the transmitter unit 1022 having an RF-interface, and eventually also the power management unit 1016 are arranged on a circuit board, e.g., a flexible PCB. The circuit board can be arranged on the support structure 1006. Using optical elements such as mirrors a light path can be created from the testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2 to the optical sensor 1018 that is arranged on the circuit board. The circuit board can also be attached to the inner surface of the cover unit 1008, the inner surface facing the support structure 1006. Preferably, the optical sensor 1018 is arranged such that if the circuit board is attached to the inner surface of the cover unit 1006, the optical sensor likewise faces the support structure. Since the testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2 face the sidewalls of the testing device 1000, preferably, an optical element is arranged and configured to redirect light reflected from testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2 about 90 towards the optical sensor 111. Further comprised can be one or more light sources, e.g., LEDs, that are arranged and configured for illuminating testing units 1014.1 and 1014.2. The one or more light sources can be arranged on the support structure 1006, or on a circuit board, or directly to the inner surface of the cover unit 1008.

[0141] The transmitter unit 1022 is connected to the power management unit 10016 and to the conversion unit 1020. The transmitter unit 1022 is configured to wirelessly transmit digital data representing the intensity and/or color of the detected light, e.g., in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication protocol. Preferably, in the testing device 1000, the transmitter unit 1022 is configured to transmit the digital data via a near-field communication link.

[0142] FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1100 for actuating a hand-operated actuator mechanism for driving an external piercing element. The method comprises, in a step 1102 applying a predetermined pushing finger force on a pushing member, thereby breaking, in a step 1104, a first breakable connection element connecting a mounting element to a trigger element. The method 1100 also includes, in a step 1106, moving a piercing element carrier connected via a second breakable connection element to the trigger element from an initial position wherein the first and the second breakable connection elements are unbroken, to a stop position wherein an abutment stops a movement of the piercing element carrier.

[0143] A particular variant of the method 1100 also includes, in a step 1108, breaking the second breakable connection element when the piercing element carrier reaches the stop position, and, in a step 1110, acting on the piercing element carrier for returning the piercing element carrier from the stop position in the direction of the initial position. Preferably, breaking the first breakable connection element requires applying a pushing finger force of 20-100 N.

[0144] FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1200 for operating a testing device. The method comprises performing the steps of the method 1100 of FIG. 11. The method also comprises, in a step 1202, transporting a fluid via a fluid transport element from a piercing element to at least one testing unit. The method also comprises, in a step 1204, reacting a respective reacting material in a predetermined manner to a pre-specified analyte or property of the fluid.

[0145] A particular variant of the method 1200 also includes, in a step 1206, detecting light reflected from at least one testing unit, in a step 1208, converting the light into an electrical signal representing an intensity and/or a color of the detected light, in a step 1210, converting the electrical signal into digital data representing the intensity and/or the color of the detected light, and in a step 1212 wirelessly transmitting the digital data, preferably via a near-field communication link.

[0146] In summary, the invention is related to a hand-operated actuator mechanism for driving a piercing element with increased safety. The actuator mechanism comprises a mounting element connected to a trigger element by a first breakable connection element. It also comprises a piercing element carrier connected to the trigger element by a second breakable connection element. The trigger element further comprises a pushing member that can be pushed with a human finger. The first breakable connection element is configured to be broken by means of a predetermined pushing finger force pushing the pushing member. The piercing element carrier being movable between an initial position wherein the first and the second breakable connection elements are unbroken, and a stop position wherein an abutment stops a movement of the piercing element carrier.

[0147] In the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality.

[0148] A single unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.