the removal of excess fluid from a test strip should be performed in a consistent manner to provide consistent results . to eliminate user variability introduced by manual blotting techniques , the device of the present invention wipes fluid from a test strip as the test strip is passed beneath a blade . the one - piece device is made of plastic so that it may be manufactured inexpensively and disposed of after use . the wiping device can also be integrated with an end cap , so that the wiping device can be attached to the end of an instrument , such as a lancet . to obtain a blood sample , for instance , the user inserts a test strip into the wiping device , where it is held while the blood sample is taken . the user deposits the blood sample onto the test strip and pulls the test strip through the wiping device . the blade removes a portion of the blood sample to provide a consistent wiping action which is not influenced by user variability . alternative embodiments of the wiping device include apertures for viewing the test strip after wiping and colors adjacent the apertures for comparing the color of a reagent pad on the test strip after interaction with the body fluid .