The present invention provides a lancet system having a lancet tip protected by a sterile protector. The sterile protector includes a weakened portion near the tip end of the protector, which, during a puncturing operation, separates or tears in order to release the lancet tip. Other embodiments of the present invention include a pricking aid and/or lancet system provided as a magazine for holding a plurality of lancets. Each lancet of the plurality has a sterile protector as described above.