A lancing device and a cartridge of lancets are operable to sequentially advance each lancet to an active position for use in sampling a bodily fluid. An alignment mechanism precisely aligns the lancets in the active position to promote smooth operation and prevent jamming. The alignment mechanism includes at least one register element and at least one spring-biased element movable between engaged and retracted positions. In an example embodiment, one spring-biased arm extends from the lancing-device housing and includes a protrusion, and a series of recessed register surfaces are defined in a carrier for the lancets. In the engaged position, the spring-biased protrusion fully mates with the register recess under the spring-biasing influence to precisely align the active lancet. And in the retracted position, the spring-biased protrusion is deflected from engagement with the register recess as the carrier is advanced to advance a fresh lancet into the active position.
