A lancing device includes a main housing 28 having in the forward upper end thereof a loading bay for receiving a capped lancet 12/20. The loading bay is closed by a cover 34 which is pivotally and slideably moveable in the housing. Closing the cover and then pushing it rearwardly causes the lancet body 12 to be pulled rearwardly clear of the cap 20 thereby exposing the lancet needle. Further rearward movement of the shifts the lancet cover into a battery position ready to be driven forwardly by a drive mechanism when fired.
