A lancing device includes a housing, at least two ramps, a lancet holder, a drive spring, and an activation mechanism. The housing includes first and second ends, and a first wall. The first end has an aperture extending therethrough and the first wall has an opening extending therethrough. The two ramps are located within the housing and forms a channel therebetween. The lancet holder is partially contained within the channel formed by the ramps and holds a lancet. The activation mechanism includes a user-accessible component and a plate spring. A portion of the user-accessible component extends through the opening and is external to the housing. The plate spring engages the ramps forming the channel and the lancet holder upon depression of the user-accessible component, the lancet holder moves towards the second end to a cocked position. Upon further depression of the user-accessible component, the lancet holder moves toward the first end to a puncture position.
