Percutaneous biological fluid constituent sampling and measurement devices and methods
First Claim
1. A system for sampling biological fluid constituents from the skin of a patient and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, the system comprising:
- (a) a micro-needle at least a portion of which is hollow and having an open distal end for accessing the biological fluid;
(b) an electrochemical cell associated with the micro-needle, the cell comprising an outer electrode and an inner electrode wherein the electrodes each have a cylindrical configuration and are spaced from each other in a co-axial relationship, the micro-needle formed at least partially by the outer electrode;
(c) a water-absorbent gel matrix at least partially contained within the hollow portion of the micro-needle and the space between the electrodes; and
(d) a control unit in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell for measuring the concentration of the target constituent of the biological fluid.
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Abstract
A device for sampling at least one biological fluid constituent and measuring at least one target constituent within the biological fluid. The device has at least one micro-needle having an open distal end used to penetrate the skin to a depth where pain and bleeding are minimized. The device further includes a hydrophilic gel within the micro-needle for sampling the biological fluid constituents and an electrochemical cell for measuring the concentration of targeted constituents within the sampled biological fluid constituents. In certain embodiments, the electrochemical cell is integrated within the micro-needle whereby the steps of sampling and measuring are performed completely in-situ. In other embodiments, the electrochemical cell is located external to the micro-needle at its proximal end. Constituent sampling and measurement systems, methods and kits are also provided.
340 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for sampling biological fluid constituents from the skin of a patient and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, the system comprising:
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(a) a micro-needle at least a portion of which is hollow and having an open distal end for accessing the biological fluid;
(b) an electrochemical cell associated with the micro-needle, the cell comprising an outer electrode and an inner electrode wherein the electrodes each have a cylindrical configuration and are spaced from each other in a co-axial relationship, the micro-needle formed at least partially by the outer electrode;
(c) a water-absorbent gel matrix at least partially contained within the hollow portion of the micro-needle and the space between the electrodes; and
(d) a control unit in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell for measuring the concentration of the target constituent of the biological fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
means for sending an electrical reference signal to the reference electrode and for receiving an electrical output signal from the working electrode; and
means for automatically determining the concentration of the target constituent in the biological fluid upon receipt of the electrical output signal.
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11. The system of claim 1 wherein the outer electrode and the inner electrode have substantially the same length.
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12. The system of claim 1 wherein the outer electrode is longer than the inner electrode.
Specification