Microneedle array device to improve blood sample collection

This technology is an array of microneedles connected by a fluid extraction system and sample chamber to be used for painless, low-risk blood draws and drug administration while improving portability, and ease of use by untrained personnel.

Unmet Need: Method for blood sample drawing with minimal pain and collection time

Blood collection is a routine process in healthcare that is vital for diagnoses and many disease treatment regimens. This process currently uses vacuum sealed collection tubes and needles designed to minimize accidental needle pricks and reduce risk of infection. However, hypodermic needles can be painful and may be a source of anxiety for some, and its operation requires trained personnel. Thus, there is need for an efficient method to sample blood from patients that will cause minimal pain and be more accessible to use by untrained personnel.

The Technology: Microneedle array device for reduced invasiveness of blood collection

This technology is a device for sampling fluid using an array of vacuum sealed microneedles paired with optical detectors. Once placed onto the subject’s skin, the optical detectors locate the vein and determine which microneedle to insert through the housing into the vein, and blood can be extracted into a sample chamber. By replacing hypodermic needles with this vacuum-sealed microneedle array and removing the need to manually locate a vein, this technology can minimize patient discomfort, greatly reduce the risk of accidental needle pricks, reduce infections and remove the need for highly trained personnel.

Applications:

• Routine or repeated clinical blood extractions
• At-home blood glucose testing for diabetic patients
• Rapid on-site blood sample analysis for first responders or medical practitioners
• Collection of blood samples in remote areas with limited infrastructure/trained personnel
• Large scale experiments or trials that require multiple blood draws
• Less painful blood collection in pediatric care settings

Advantages:

• Uses microneedles to limit damage to arteries and contact with nerves, decreasing pain associated with blood draw and injection procedures
• Reduces the injection site depth necessary for hypodermic needles, limiting the potential for infection and tissue damage
• Reduces user error by relying on optical sensors to find veins
• Reduces risk of accidental needle pricks by both the subject and the operator
• User friendly, can be operated at home or in remote settings without trained personnel
• May reduce anxiety associated with hypodermic needle use

Lead Inventor:

Samuel K. Sia, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending)

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU13266

• Licensing Contact: Beth Kauderer