A lancing device having a housing (10, 12) and a lancet holder (24) movably mounted within the housing. The lancet holder having a forward portion for receiving in use a lancet. A lancet release element (40, 42) for being moved to allow release of a lancet from said lancet holder. Movement of said lancet release element (40, 42) to release the lancet causes blocking or limiting of forward movement of said lancet holder.
