Sample element with barrier material and vacuum

Disclosed is a sample element for holding a volume of bodily fluid drawn from the skin of a patient at a withdrawal site. The sample element comprises a housing defining a sample chamber therein, and a barrier. The sample element also comprises a vacuum source. The barrier has a first side configured to contact the skin of the patient at the withdrawal site, and a second side in fluid communication with the sample chamber. The barrier is configured to be pierced by a lance to permit the bodily fluid to pass from the first side to the second side. Additionally, the vacuum source can be actuated to draw the bodily fluid through the barrier and into the sample chamber. Also disclosed is a method of drawing a bodily fluid form the skin of a patient at a withdrawal site. The method comprises placing a first side of a barrier against the skin of the patient at the withdrawal site. The method further comprises forming a first opening through the barrier and a second opening in the skin of the patient at the withdrawal site. The first and second openings are in fluid communication. The method further comprises applying suction at the first opening of the barrier to draw a bodily fluid from the patient.