An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

Methods and devices of collecting ISF from skin. The methods may include inserting an array of microneedles into a patients skin to form apertures in the patients skin, facilitating ISF mobilization within the skin, and collecting ISF that flows from the apertures. The devices may include an array of microneedles extending from a backing structure. The devices also may include a collection matrix for collecting ISF and/or means for facilitating ISF mobilization.

An optical fluid measurement element includes: an emitter that generates an optical output; an absorber that measures an optical input; and a fluid flow pathway, where the optical output of the emitter passes through the fluid flow pathway and is received as the optical input to the absorber after passing through the portion of the fluid flow pathway. An automated method of measuring fluid volume using an optical fluid measurement element includes: activating an emitter; capturing data from an optical sensor; detecting a leading edge of fluid travelling along a flow pathway; starting a counter when the leading edge is detected; and calculating a volume based on a value of the counter. An automated method of measuring fluid attributes along a flow pathway. The method includes: activating an optical emitter; receiving a signal from an optical sensor; and processing the received signal to determine at least one fluid attribute.

A sampling element (110) for generating a sample of a body fluid is disclosed. The sampling element (110) comprises a housing (114), the) housing having a chamber (122) with at least one puncture element (112) stored therein. A tip (132) of the puncture element (112) is movable through at least one puncture opening (124) of the housing (114) in order to perforate a skin portion of a user. The sampling element (110) further comprises at least one compression element (150), which is adapted to increase a pressure of the body fluid within a body tissue of the user in a region of puncturing when pressed onto the skin portion of the user. The compression element (150) is movably mounted to the housing (114). The sampling element (110) comprises at least one locking mechanism (168) for releasably locking the compression element (150) in at least two positions. The at least two positions comprise a first position (170) and a second position (172), the second position (172) being offset from the first position (170). In a further aspect of the invention, an analytical device (204) is disclosed, the analytical device (204) being adapted for using the sampling element (110) of the invention.

A device and method for collecting blood from an anatomical feature of a mammalian subject, the device including a vibrating plate assembly structured and arranged to retain the anatomical feature, a first biasing device releasably attachable to the vibrating plate assembly, a housing portion releasably connectable to the vibrating plate assembly, and a plurality of vibrating motors located beneath the vibrating plate assembly, such that vibrations translated to the anatomical feature enhance blood collection, such that the first biasing device constricts blood flow to the collection point on the anatomical feature, causing blood to pool therein, and low frequency and/or high amplitude vibrations cause vasodilation, encouraging blood flow through the capillaries at the collection point.

Devices are provided to automatically inject drugs or other payloads into or beneath skin. These devices include an injector configured to drive a hollow needle into the skin and subsequently to deliver the payload through the hollow needle. Applied suction acts to draw blood from the puncture formed in the skin through the hollow needle, into the device, and to a sensor, blood storage element, or other payload. In some examples, the blood is drawn through the hollow needle when the hollow needle is penetrating the skin. In some examples, these devices are additionally configured to retract the hollow needle from the skin and/or to perform some other functions. These devices can be wearable and configured to automatically access blood or deliver a payload into skin, for example, to operate at one or more points in time while a wearer of a device is sleeping.

A glucose test arrangement is provided for use in a handheld meter. The arrangement comprises a disposable test pad responsive to glucose in a body fluid, and a supporting member adapted to support the test pad at an application site for applying body fluid from a user's skin onto a receiving area of the test pad. The receiving area faces away from the supporting member. One or more spacer elements are arranged on the supporting member adjacent to the test pad, wherein the one or more spacer elements have a skin-contacting end section which protrudes above the receiving area.

Methods, devices, systems and kits for obtaining blood samples are provided. Devices include a cuff, a pressure source, and a timing mechanism. Devices may further include one or more of a: warming mechanism, lancing mechanism; automated sample collection device, automated sample analysis device, and communication unit. Systems include such a device, and may include sample collection, sample analysis, or communication devices. Methods include placing a cuff on a digit of a subject, inflating the cuff, and obtaining a small volume blood sample. Methods may further include warming a digit; lancing a digit; pulsing the cuff; and providing a signal indicating the end of the sample collection time period. Kits may include a device, a sample collection vessel, and may include a disposable for use in sample collection. These methods, devices, systems and kits for obtaining blood samples may be used to easily, reliably, and consistently obtain blood samples from subjects.

A blood collecting device collects blood in a short time after puncture without scattering the blood into the open air other than a container for collecting the blood. One of representative blood collecting devices has a container unit that includes a screw portion, a holder that holds the container unit serving as a system whose one end is closed, a puncture unit that can be attached to the container or the holder, a through-hole of the puncture unit, and a puncture unit protection member that protects the puncture unit and the container unit.

A venous access device includes a hub and a bifurcated cannula. The hub includes a bifurcated connecting arm, a blood sampling arm connected to the bifurcated connecting arm, a fluid transfer arm connected to the bifurcated connecting arm, a blood sampling channel and a fluid transfer channel. The blood sampling channel passes through the blood sampling arm and the bifurcated connecting arm. The fluid transfer channel passes through the fluid transfer arm and the bifurcated connecting arm. The bifurcated cannula is coupled to the bifurcated connecting arm and includes a blood sampling lumen having a blood sampling port, a fluid transfer lumen having a fluid transfer port, and a dividing member separating the blood sampling lumen from the fluid transfer lumen. The blood sampling port is 2 mm to 20 mm proximal from the fluid transfer port. The blood sampling channel is fluidly connected to the blood sampling lumen, and the fluid transfer channel is fluidly connected to the fluid transfer lumen.