Device and Method for Drawing a Sample and Analyzing Body
First Claim
1. An apparatus for drawing a sample and analyzing bodily fluids, comprising a handle holding a pneumatic actuator, and a sensor unit that comprises a microneedle attached to an elastic membrane and at least one sensor system, the handle and the sensor unit being detachably connected to each other and the pneumatic actuator exerting pressure on the elastic membrane so that the microneedle pierces the skin and subsequently, as the pressure is reduced, the elastic membrane returns to its original shape and thus produces reduced pressure in the interior of the sensor unit, as a result of which bodily fluid is directed to at least one sensor system and causes a physical or chemical property change of the sensor system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for drawing a sample and analyzing body fluids, and to a corresponding method. The device comprises a handle (1), which accommodates a pneumatic drive device, and a sensor unit (2) that contains a microneedle (3) on an elastic membrane (4) and at least one sensor system (5). The handle (1) and the sensor unit are detachably connected to one another, and the pneumatic drive device interacts with the sensor unit (2) in such a manner that the drive device exerts pressure onto the elastic membrane (4) so that the microneedle (3) pierces the surface of the skin in order to draw body fluid. During the ensuing decreasing pressure, the elastic membrane (4) returns to its original shape, and body fluid is suctioned, due to the resulting underpressure, from the location of piercing and into the interior of the sensor unit (2) to the at least one sensor system (5). Particularly advantageous is the integration of a measuring unit (10), which determines concentration values resulting from the physical or chemical property changes arising on the sensor system (5). A display (12) can serve to display the measured values.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. An apparatus for drawing a sample and analyzing bodily fluids, comprising
a handle holding a pneumatic actuator, and a sensor unit that comprises a microneedle attached to an elastic membrane and at least one sensor system, the handle and the sensor unit being detachably connected to each other and the pneumatic actuator exerting pressure on the elastic membrane so that the microneedle pierces the skin and subsequently, as the pressure is reduced, the elastic membrane returns to its original shape and thus produces reduced pressure in the interior of the sensor unit, as a result of which bodily fluid is directed to at least one sensor system and causes a physical or chemical property change of the sensor system.
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23. A method for drawing a sample and analyzing bodily fluids, comprising the following steps:
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a pneumatic actuator accommodated in a handle exerts pressure on an elastic membrane in a sensor unit so that a microneedle attached to the elastic membrane pierces the skin, after reducing the pressure, the elastic membrane returns to its original shape and thus produces reduced pressure in the interior of the sensor unit, as a result of which bodily fluid is directed to at least one sensor system and causes a physical or chemical property change there of the sensor system. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification