Patent · US Expired

Method for collecting interstitial fluid from the skin

US6334851B1 · kind B1 · utility

60Cited by
18References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 2000
Grant dateJan 1, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/22089
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A carrier film has one or more openings or wells loaded with a meltable absorbing substance for absorbing laser energy. The carrier film has a clear film which covers one side of the opening containing the absorber substance and the open side of the opening in the carrier film is positioned adjacent to the skin and irradiated through the clear cover film by a laser beam. The melted laser energy absorbing substance is ejected to form a spot laying on the skin. After moving the carrier film, a laser beam impinges the spot thereby raising a tiny blister on the skin containing interstitial fluid. The interstitial fluid is collected for diagnosis and analysis. A method of making and loading the carrier film with a digitally operated dispenser of the type used for ink jet printing is disclosed. Special construction of the opening appears to enhance ejection.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.