Method and apparatus for obtaining blood for diagnostic tests
US6071249A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 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. It has also been discovered that an improved design and construction of the nosepiece can provide enhanced collection of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin. It has been discovered that by controlling the construction of the interior cavity of the nosepiece, collection of blood can be improved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.