A lancing device having (10) a housing (20) with a proximal end (24), a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The lancing device also has a lancet carrier (60) translatably supported with respect to the housing. The lancet carrier has a proximal end and a distal end. The lancing device additionally has a depth - control mechanism with a positioning tab (84) adapted to engage the housing, and a tether (80) secured with respect to the positioning tab and the lancet carrier.
