Systems and methods for collection and/or manipulation of blood spots or other bodily fluids

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 480,941, filed Apr. 29, 2011, entitled “Plasma or Serum Production and Removal of Fluids under Reduced Pressure,” by Haghgooie, et al.; and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 549,437, filed Oct. 20, 2011, entitled “Systems and Methods for Collection and / or Manipulation of Blood Spots or Other Bodily Fluids,” by Bernstein, et al. Each of these is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate.BACKGROUND[0003]Phlebotomy or venipuncture is the process of obtaining intravenous access for the purpose of intravenous therapy or obtaining a sample of venous blood. This process is typically ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to a simple, one-piece, low-profile, high acceleration, high energy, actuation mechanism for inserting microneedles (or other objects) into the skin for the purpose of receiving substances, such as blood or interstitial fluid. In one set of embodiments, a device of the invention is actuated by a deployment actuator which can provide advantages in ease of operation, speed of operation, reduction or elimination of pain, etc.

Problems solved by technology

However, such procedures are complicated and require sophisticated training of practitioners, and often cannot be done in non-medical settings.

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