Patent ID: 6206841
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for performing a diagnostic test utilizing a sample of blood, said method comprising the steps of:(a) forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted;(b) extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, with the aid of vacuum and stretching of the skin;(c) providing a multiple-layer article comprising:(i) a layer capable of receiving blood and transporting the blood received by means of chemically aided wicking;(ii) a layer capable of detecting the presence of analyte or measuring the amount of analyte in blood; and(iii) a layer that can be placed in contact with a meter, the meter-contactable layer overlying the blood-transporting layer, said layer (i) capable of transporting blood to said layer (ii).(d) allowing said extracted sample to be received by said blood-transporting layer and allowing said blood to be transported by means of chemically aided wicking to said layer capable of detecting the presence of analyte or measuring the amount of analyte in blood; and(e) determining the presence of analyte or measuring the amount of analyte in blood.