A lancing device (10) having a drive mechanism (70) whereby unidirectional motion of the drive mechanism drives a lancet along an advancing portion and a retraction portion of a lancing stroke. A rotationally mounted crank member (102) or a translationally mounted shuttle of the drive mechanism operate upon an associated linkage (90) and/or a cam path (290) portion of the lancet carrier (80) to drive the carrier along the lancing stroke. Spring biased members optionally drive the mechanism and/or limit its extent of travel.
