Method and apparatus for obtaining blood for diagnostic tests
US6027459A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 22, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0295
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: PA1 (a) forming an unobstructed opening in the area of the skin from which the sample of blood is to be extracted; and PA1 (b) extracting the sample of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin, with the aid of a vacuum and a stretching of the skin. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: PA1 (a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted, preferably a lancing assembly; and PA1 (b) a vacuum pump. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a housing. In a further aspect of the invention, a pneumatic lancing assembly is provided. The pneumatic lancing assembly uses differential gas pressure to thrust a lancet into skin tissue. This lancing assembly effectively utilizes low-pressure gas, which is preferably provided by the aforementioned vacuum pump, and high-pressure gas, which is preferably provided by ambient air surrounding the app…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.