A lancing device is provided comprising a housing, and a lancet holder 24 movably mounted within the housing. The lancet holder 24 has a forward portion defining a socket 30 for partially surrounding and retaining, in use, a rear portion of a lancet. A lancet release element 42 can be moved forward to cooperate with lugs on the socket 30 causing it to expand in order to allow insertion and/or removal of the lancet. The lancing device is particularly suited for securely retaining the lancet, but allowing release of a spend lancet such that it may drop out of the lancing device, without requiring pushing of the lancet. In another embodiment, movement of the lancet release element limits the forward movement of the lancet holder. In a further embodiment, movement of the lancet release element to its release position is prevented until removal of a forward nose portion. In another embodiment, a trigger arrangement is provided that is operable to latch and release the lancet holder for movement under the influence of a drive spring. In an alternative embodiment, a skin penetration device is provided including a depth penetration arrangement.
