A lancing device comprises a lancet body (14) of elongate form and having a sharp tip (16) at the forward end thereof; a drive spring (26) for imparting generally longitudinal movement to said lancet body, and a housing (10) receiving said lancet body and having an aperture (22) in the forward end thereof through which the sharp tip (16) of the lancet body projects in use when the device is fired. The device includes means (28, 30, 32) for controlling movement of the lancet body (14) to cause the tip of the lancet to execute a lateral movement when it projects from said aperture.