Method and apparatus for obtaining interstitial fluid for diagnostic tests
US6155992A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2037/0007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of interstitial fluid from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of (a) treating an area of the skin with vacuum or heat or both vacuum and heat to increase the availability of interstitial fluid at that area of the skin; (b) forming an opening in the treated area of the skin; and (c) extracting the sample of interstitial fluid from the opening in the skin, with the aid of vacuum and stretching of the skin. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. Th apparatus comprises (a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in the area of the skin from which the sample is to be extracted, preferably a lancing assembly; and (b) a vacuum pump. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.