ANALYTICAL DEVICE INCLUDING STERILE PROTECTION

An analytical device is provided comprising a lancet and a test element in an integrated arrangement. The lancet generally comprises a lancet needle and a protective cap wherein the lancet needle can be displaced relative to the protective cap and wherein the protective cap generally completely surrounds the tip of the lancet needle. The protective cap is typically comprised of an elastic or plastic material and is configured to generally seal an opening provided in a chamber of the test element. In certain embodiments, the lancet comprises a conductive material and can be configured for electrical connection to a detection and evaluation device in order to be used to measure the filling level of the sample liquid and/or to serve as a counter or reference electrode. The present invention also relates to a process for producing such an analytical device and the use thereof.