Embodiments of the present invention provide magnetic lancet devices and methods for driving a lancet. For example, a magnetic lancet device may include a driving mechanism having a plurality of magnets and a lancet coupled to the driving mechanism. A magnetic interaction between the plurality of magnets is configured to drive the lancet from an engaged position to a penetrating position.

Microneedle (100, 200, 300, 720) comprising an elongated body (110, 210, 310) extending along a longitudinal axis from a top end to a bottom end on a substrate (300, 710), where the elongated body comprises an upper portion (120, 220, 320) and a lower portion (130, 230, 330). The lower portion (130, 230, 330) comprises an internal capillary bore hole (260, 730) extending into the substrate (300, 710). The upper portion (120, 220, 320) of the elongated body (110, 210, 310) has a semi-enclosed internal void space (140, 240) formed by at least three body sides whereof two body sides join at a sharp edge and a third body side is provided with an opening slit (150, 250, 350) extending from the lower portion (130, 230, 330) of the elongated body (110, 210, 310) to the upper end of the third body side. The top end of the elongated body (110, 210, 310) is configured as a bevel to create a sharp tip at the top of said edge, said bevel extending to the third body side. The semi-enclosed internal void space (140, 240) of the upper portion opening to the internal capillary bore hole of the bottom end of the elongated body (110, 210, 310), and the bottom end of the elongated body is connected to the substrate (300, 710).

The invention provides devices that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient detection of individual microscopic targets at low magnification for highly sensitive testing. The invention does not require washing steps and thus allows sensitive and specific detection while simplifying manual operation and lowering costs and complexity in automated operation. In short, the invention provides devices that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests.

Devices associated with on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. These devices include any of packaging and/or loading systems, applicators and elements of the on-body sensor units themselves. Also, various approaches to connecting electrochemical analyte sensors to and/or within associated on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. The connector approaches variously involve the use of unique sensor and ancillary element arrangements to facilitate assembly of separate electronics assemblies and sensor elements that are kept apart until the end user brings them together.

A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

A funnel-shaped extension attachment is provided for a blood collection device. The attachment provides a larger area for collecting a fingertip blood sample from a patient than the collection device itself would otherwise provide. The funnel is preferably easily removable from the collection device after the blood sample is taken. Optional trenches running down one or more corners of the attachment may be used to encourage pulling blood drops from the finger tip through capillary action. A tube may also provide another location to encourage pulling blood drops from the finger tip through capillary action. The funnel attachment may be mated with the collection device at a point of manufacture, or separately shipped and installed over the collection device at a point of use.

A system, mixing-enhanced microfluidic container, and methods for small volume sample collection and/or analysis is disclosed. Namely, the invention is directed to a small volume sample collection system that includes a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container and a durable reusable actuation chuck. The mixing-enhanced microfluidic container is used to collect small volumes of sample fluid and includes a means for mixing the sample fluid with reagents disposed within the microfluidic container. The mixing means utilize an array of surface-attached structures (e.g., a micropost array). The application of an “actuation force,” such as a magnetic or electric field, actuates the surface-attached structures into movement, wherein the actuation chuck in close proximity to the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container provides the “actuation force.”

This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

A device for collecting, preserving and storing a sample of biological fluid comprising a porous medium for collecting and maintaining the membrane integrity of the eukaryotic cells contained in the sample, and their constituents is disclosed, the medium comprising at least 80% by weight of artificial components, advantageously at least 85%, preferably at least 90% of a total weight of the medium; and having a mean flow pore size (MFP) of at least 3 μm.

A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected at a sample port. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position deposit the sample onto a storage membrane Embodiments of the device include a one or more capillaries with movable plungers that dispense fluid from the sample port onto the membrane as the housing is closed. A desiccant, which may be held in place by a backbone structure within the housing, is positioned adjacent the membrane. The housing may also be opened to access the stored sample for further processing.