Blood Extraction via Proximal Phalanx Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for obtaining blood samples, such as fingersticks and venous draws, are either limited in volume or require skilled technicians and cause discomfort, making them inefficient and painful.

Innovation Solution

A method involving applying and maintaining pressure on specific phalanges of a digit to release blood, which can include sequential pressure application and release, using fingers or other structures, and potentially warming the digit to enhance blood flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fingerstick method is used to obtain blood, then the procedure is simple and relatively painless, but only a small volume of blood is obtained limiting the number and type of tests

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of procedureVSAvoidvolume of blood obtained

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure is applied to the proximal phalanx before piercing the distal phalanx to pre-fill the digit with blood from the capillary network, ensuring adequate blood volume is available at the collection site when the lancet pierces the skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The digit is divided into functional segments: the proximal phalanx serves as a blood reservoir through pressure application, while the distal phalanx serves as the collection site, separating the blood supply function from the collection function to maximize blood volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a venous draw with needle is used to obtain blood, then a large volume of blood is released, but the procedure requires a skilled technician, is relatively painful, and frequently causes anxiety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of blood obtainedVSAvoidskill requirement and patient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The subject's own digit serves as both the blood reservoir and the collection site, eliminating the need for external venous access by a skilled technician. The capillary network in the finger tip naturally provides blood flow when pressure is applied to the proximal phalanx

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of accessing blood from large veins as in traditional venous draws, the method inverts the approach by using the capillary network of the finger tip, applying pressure proximally to force blood distally toward the collection site, reversing the traditional direction of blood access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for a larger volume of blood to be released with reduced discomfort and pain, enabling more extensive testing without the need for skilled technicians, and can be adapted for various fluid samples.

Implementation Method 1

applying pressure to 1) a proximal phalanx of the digit and 2) one or both of an intermediate phalanx and a distal phalanx of the digit, while pressure is maintained on the proximal phalanx and said one or both of the intermediate phalanx and the distal phalanx

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10441204B1Methods for obtaining blood from a subject

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 LABRADOR DIAGNOSTICS LLC

AI summary

Provided herein are methods for extracting blood from a subject's digit, such as a finger. Methods provided herein may release relatively large quantities of blood from a pierced finger. Pressure can be applied at selected locations on the subject's digit to increase blood flow released from the subject.