An analyte and detecting apparatus includes a housing, an access door and a front end aperture. A module is positionable in the housing. A penetrating member is positioned in the module and upon launch passes through the front end aperture. An analyte sensor is positioned in the module. A penetrating member driver is configured to be coupled to the penetrating member. A mechanism is included that moves an arm coupled to the penetrating member driver into a launch position and allows motion of the penetrating member driver.