An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display
unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for
placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an
electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more
conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling
to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in
the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for
transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a
receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor
control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an
indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter
having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting
the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.