A lancing device comprises a housing, a trigger button, a drive spring and a protective cap. The housing forms an aperture and an opening opposite thereof. A lancet partially extends through the aperture. The trigger button is located near the opening. At least a portion of the trigger button is external to the housing. The drive spring is attached to and connects the lancet and the trigger button. The drive spring moves the lancet from the cocked position to the puncture position. The protective cap is removeably attached to the lancet opposite the drive spring and engages the housing when the cap is removeably attached to the lancet. The cap prevents the drive spring from moving the lancet to the puncture position prior to removing the cap from the lancet.
