Patent ID: 8012104
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for producing a sample of, and for calculating the presence and/or concentration of a target analyte in, body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site, the method comprising: providing an arrangement comprising a plurality of skin-penetration members, the skin penetration members each having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and each skin-penetration member further comprising an inner lumen in communication with each first end; actuating a first of the plurality skin-penetration members with a respective torsional spring actuator operatively associated with the first skin-penetration member; wherein the spring actuator has a neutral rest position, and obstructing the wound opening with the first end of the first skin-penetration member when the spring actuator is in the neutral rest position, and urging the first skin-penetration member along an arcuate path with the spring actuator; applying at least one catalyst to facilitate perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; providing a plurality of signaling mechanisms, each signaling mechanism associated with a respective skin penetration member, transporting a sample of body fluid from the first end of the first skin penetration member to a respective signaling mechanism, and generating a detectable signal indicative of the presence and/or concentration of the target analyte; detecting the signal with at least one detector associated with the plurality of signaling mechanisms; calculating the presence and/or concentration of the target analyte with electronics using the signal; and retracting the first skin-penetration member after the calculation of the presence and/or concentration of the target analyte, wherein the arrangement performs the retracting.