Body fluid sampler

• US 7,041,067 B2
• Filed: 07/03/2003
• Issued: 05/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Integ Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Integ Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Erskine, Timothy J., Latterell, Scott T., Brinda, Paul D., Sopp, John P.
• Primary Examiner(s): STAFIRA, MICHAEL PATRICK
• Application Number:
  US10/613,117
• Publication Number:
  US 20040049130A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 356/39
• US Class Current: 600/578
• 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 2562/0295 Strip shaped analyte sensors for apparatus classified in A61B5/145 or A61B5/157 disposable multilayered or laminated electrodes G01N27/307; details of handling chemical test elements G01N33/4875
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14514 using means for aiding extraction of interstitial fluid, e.g. microneedles or suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1459 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter A61B5/1464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150022 for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150068 by tissue compression, e.g. with specially designed surface of device contacting the skin area to be pierced
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150358 Strips for collecting blood, e.g. absorbent optical reagent test strips G01N21/8483; chemical reagent test strips G01N33/4875, G01N33/52
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150389 Hollow piercing elements, e.g. canulas, needles, for piercing the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150503 Single-ended needles hollow piercing element tip design A61B5/150396, needle sets for catheters A61M25/06, needles for bringing media into the body A61M5/32
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15117 comprising biased elements, resilient elements or a spring, e.g. a helical spring, leaf spring, or elastic strap
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1519 comprising driving means, e.g. a spring, for propelling the piercing unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/157 Devices characterised by integrated means for measuring characteristics of blood

Abstract

A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment—and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Claims

1. A method for collecting body fluid from the skin, said method comprising:

providing a sampling device comprising a base, a sample needle having an axis and a distal end, a first pressure surface distinct from said base and at least partially surrounding said needle in spaced relation thereto, wherein said needle and said first pressure surface are movable relative to one another and to said base along a path of travel generally parallel to said axis with said needle, and a second pressure surface at least partially surrounding said needle, the second pressure surface fixed relative to said needle and movable relative to said base;

said second pressure surface axially spaced from said distal end of said needle by a distance approximating a desired penetration of said needle into said skin;

urging said first pressure surface against said skin with a force sufficient to define a pressurized zone of interstitial fluid opposing said needle; and

biasing said first pressure surface to a position wherein said distal end of said needle is recessed behind said first pressure surface.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

urging said needle and said second pressure surface distally of said first pressure surface wherein the needle penetrates the skin until said second pressure surface is caused to contact the skin.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising biasing the second pressure surface to a position wherein said first pressure surface is recessed behind said second pressure surface.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said first pressure surface is initially biased with about three to about four pounds per inch and said second pressure surface is initially biased with about one to about two pounds per inch.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising collecting body fluid within the skin and transporting it through the needle to a testing area.