Apparatus and method for collecting bodily fluid

• US 6,409,679 B2
• Filed: 06/12/2001
• Issued: 06/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Pacific Paragon Investment Fund Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Pacific Paragon Investment Fund Ltd.
• Inventors: Pyo, Richard Sung Hak
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US09/879,729
• Publication Number:
  US 20020019598A1
• Time in Patent Office: 378 Days
• Field of Search: 600/567, 600/573, 604/128, 604/129, 604/313, 604/315, 604/316
• US Class Current: 600/573
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/008 Interstitial fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14521 using means for promoting sweat production, e.g. heating the skin measuring sweat secretion A61B5/4266
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement

Abstract

An apparatus for drawing bodily fluid from a person comprising a suction module having a hole extending from its top surface to its bottom surface. A removeable lid covers the hole at the top surface. The bottom surface of the module adheres to the skin of the individual. A bore extends from the outer surface of the module into the hole, and a pumping mechanism attaches to the bore to creating a vacuum within said hole by drawing air out of said module. As a vacuum is created, skin is drawn into the hole to form a blister containing bodily fluids within the hole. The blister having bodily fluid therein is ruptured, and its fluid content is collected.

Claims

1. An apparatus for external application onto a skin of a user, said apparatus comprising:

a module having a top surface and a bottom surface, said module defining a primary hole extending from said top surface to said lower surface, said hole defining a first opening at said top surface and a second opening at said bottom surface;

said module further having a lower edge and an outer surface;

a base member extending radially for a predetermined radius from said lower edge of said module;

a removeable lid disposed on said top surface of said module covering said first opening; and

,

a bore extending from said outer surface of said module into said primary hole;

wherein said bottom surface of said module is placed on the surface of the skin of said user and a skin blister is created into said primary hole by creating a vacuum within said primary hole by drawing air out through said bore.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a layer of adhesive material disposed on said bottom surface of said module.

3. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said module is substantially cylindrical.

4. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a manual pumping mechanism attaching to said bore for creating negative pressure within said primary hole by drawing air out of said primary hole.

5. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising an electric pumping mechanism attaching to said bore for creating negative pressure within said primary hole by drawing air out of said primary hole.

6. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a unidirectional valve placed within said bore which allows air to flow only out from within said primary hole.

7. An apparatus for external application onto a skin of a user, said apparatus comprising:

a module having a top surface and a bottom surface, said module defining a primary hole extending from said top surface to said lower surface, said hole defining a first opening at said top surface and a second opening at said bottom surface;

said module further having a lower edge and an outer surface;

a base member extending radially for a predetermined radius from said lower edge of said module;

a removeable lid disposed on said top surface of said module covering said first opening;

a bore extending from said outer surface of said module into said primary hole;

a layer of adhesive material disposed on said bottom surface of said module; and

,

a pump mechanism removeably connecting to said bore for creating negative pressure within said primary hole by drawing air out from within said primary hole;

wherein said bottom surface of said module is placed on the surface of the skin of said user and a skin blister is created into said primary hole by activating said pump mechanism.

8. An apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein said pump mechanism is a manual pump.

9. An apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein said module is substantially cylindrical.

10. An apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein said pump mechanism is an electrical pump.

11. An apparatus as described in claim 7 further comprising a unidirectional valve placed within said bore which allows air to flow only out from within said primary hole.

12. A method of collecting bodily fluid from the skin of a person using a suction module having a top surface and a bottom surface, said module defining a primary hole extending from said top surface to said lower surface, said hole defining a first opening at said top surface, said module further having a removeable lid disposed on said top surface of said module covering said first opening, said method comprising the steps of:

placing said bottom surface of said module on said surface of the skin of said person;

inducing the formation of a skin blister within said primary hole by creating a vacuum within said primary hole;

removing said lid of said module;

rupturing said blister formed within said primary hole; and

,

collecting said bodily fluid discharged from said blister.

13. A method as described in claim 12 further comprising the step of applying a predetermined solution which loosens the skin and opens the pores on said surface of said skin prior to placing said module on said skin.

14. A method as described in claim 12 wherein said bodily fluid is collected using a testing strip which absorbs the fluid via capillary action.