Herein, systems and methods are disclosed including a sample acquisition component (SAC) for user-friendly sample collection, a separation component for optional separation of plasma, and one or more stabilization components for stabilizing analytes. In a particular embodiment, the system and methods are directed towards sample collection and stabilization with optional sample separation. Other embodiments can perform any combination of collection, separation, stabilization or detection.

Described here are meters and methods for sampling, transporting, and/or analyzing a fluid sample. The meters may include a meter housing and a cartridge. In some instances, the meter may include a tower which may engage one or more portions of a cartridge. The meter housing may include an imaging system, which may or may not be included in the tower. The cartridge may include one or more sampling arrangements, which may be configured to collect a fluid sample from a sampling site. A sampling arrangement may include a skin-penetration member, a hub, and a quantification member.

An imaging method may include: emitting a first laser to a target body and receiving a first photoacoustic signal returned from the target body; determining a first photoacoustic image of the target body according to the first photoacoustic signal; emitting a second laser to the target body and receiving a second photoacoustic signal returned from the target body, wherein a wavelength of the second laser is different from that of the first laser; determining a second photoacoustic image of the target body according to the second photoacoustic signal; and determining a blood oxygen image of the target body according to the first photoacoustic image and the second photoacoustic image, wherein the blood oxygen image comprises parameters relate to blood vessels of a target tissue and parameters relate to blood vessels within a preset range at a periphery of the target tissue in the target body.

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.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for visualizing a target anatomy of a patient in preparation of a medical procedure. A system can have transducers defining a grid to collect data about the target anatomy. A user interface (22014) can be disposed on area of the system to visualize the target anatomy. The visualization can include a virtual representation (22016) formed by an imager processor based on the data collected by the transducers. The method can include positioning the visualization device at an orientation where the transducers face the target anatomy. The method can further include adjusting the position of the visualization device to a target anatomy displayed on the virtual representation. The method can further include directing a medical instrument towards a target displayed on the virtual representation.

Described here are meters and methods for sampling, transporting, and/or analyzing a fluid sample. The meters may include a meter housing and a cartridge. In some instances, the meter may include a tower which may engage one or more portions of a cartridge. The meter housing may include an imaging system, which may or may not be included in the tower. The cartridge may include one or more sampling arrangements, which may be configured to collect a fluid sample from a sampling site. A sampling arrangement may include a skin-penetration member, a hub, and a quantification member.

Disclosed herein are devices and methods for visualizing a target anatomy of a patient in preparation of a medical procedure. The device can include a pad having a conductive material. The pad can include an engaging element that can engage the conductive material to a medical imaging device. The method can include attaching the gel pad to a visualization device. The gel pad can contact the patient. The method can further include viewing the target anatomy using the visualization device. The visualization device can include transducers to collect data on the target anatomy and a user interface to visualize the target anatomy. A medical instrument can be directed into the gel pad and towards the target anatomy. A device can be provided to manage pain during the procedure. The device may include a stimulating element to decrease pain experienced by the patient.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for visualizing a target anatomical site of a patient using one or more imagers. The method can include placing multiple imagers on multiple locations at an anatomical site. The method can further include generating separate image data sets from the multiple images and combining the image data sets to generate a volumetric imaging data of the anatomical site. The volumetric imaging data can include all anatomical features within the target anatomical site. A visualization system for medical imaging can include transducers on the imagers to visualize the target anatomical site. The system can further include a processor to combine the image data sets to generate the volumetric imaging data set. The system can further include a display device to display the volumetric imaging data set.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for inserting a needle and a method for cannulation of a blood vessel. The apparatus can include a targeting assembly to identify a target location and an insertion path for the needle. The apparatus can further include a frame and insertion assembly to hold and place the needle. A user interface can be provided to provide feedback to an operator. The apparatus can include an adjustable band that engages a body portion of the patient. The method can include placing and securing the frame to the body portion. The method can further include locating the target location and inserting the needle through a target area.

An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes: a housing, the housing comprising a first opening; a skin interface member disposed in the first opening, the skin interface member comprising an inner member having a second opening, and an outer member at least partially surrounding the inner member and attached to the first opening; and at least one skin-penetration member configured and arranged to project within the second opening. Arrangements having alternatively constructed skin interface members are also described.