Patent Publication Number: US-2023144502-A1

Title: Dermal patch for collecting a physiological sample

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17/521,466, filed on Nov. 8, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present teachings are generally directed to dermal patches that can be employed to collect a physiological sample from a subject. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Biomarkers are increasingly employed for diagnosis of various disease conditions as well as for assessing treatment protocols. In many cases, it is important to monitor the level of a biomarker over time (e.g., to assess the progression of a disease). The temporal monitoring of biomarkers via conventional techniques includes drawing a physiological fluid sample from a subject. These techniques may be cumbersome and painful to the subject. For example, the invasive nature of drawing a blood sample from a subject can cause discomfort and may lead to less cooperation from a subject, especially children, rendering multiple measurements of a target analyte difficult. 
     Some recently developed devices allow for continuous monitoring of a target analyte (e.g., glucose monitors). Unfortunately, these devices typically suffer from several shortcomings, such as low sensitivity and/or specificity. Therefore, there is still a need for dermal patches that allow collection of a physiological sample (e.g., a blood sample) for monitoring a target analyte. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure address the above-referenced problems and/or others. 
     In one aspect, a device for collecting a physiological sample from a subject includes a lancet having at least one needle configured for puncturing the subject’s skin and a cartridge configured for engaging with the lancet. The lancet is configured to transition from an undeployed position to a deployed position in response to engagement with the cartridge, thereby allowing the needle to puncture the subject’s skin. In some embodiments, the device further includes a specimen collection pad disposed within the cartridge, and wherein the cartridge further includes a chamber, a vacuum channel in open communication with the chamber, a physiological sample well, a physiological sample channel in open communication with the vacuum channel and the physiological sample well. In certain embodiments, the specimen collection pad is removable. In some embodiments the device further includes an adhesive layer affixed to the cartridge and the specimen collection pad is attached to the adhesive layer. 
     In some embodiments, the device further includes a lancet aperture in open communication with the physiological sample well. In these embodiments, the lancet aperture and the physiological sample well are configured to allow a needle of a lancet to extend therethrough to puncture the skin of a subject when the dermal patch is affixed to the subject’s skin. In certain embodiments, the device includes a vacuum pin disposed within the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pin is configured to create a vacuum within the cartridge. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the specimen collection channel is three sided. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the vacuum channel is three sided. In certain embodiments, the device further includes a specimen collection pad housing, and the specimen collection pad is disposed within the specimen collection pad housing. In some embodiments, the cover and the specimen collection pad housing each include a viewing aperture that provide visual access to the specimen collection pad disposed within the specimen collection pad. 
     In another aspect, a method for obtaining a physiological sample includes attaching a dermal patch onto the skin of a subject and coupling a lancet with a needle to the dermal patch. Coupling the lancet to the dermal patch causes the needle to automatically draw the physiological sample. In some embodiments, coupling the lancet to the dermal patch causes the needle to automatically pierce the skin of the subject and subsequently automatically retract into the lancet. In certain embodiments, the method further includes collecting the drawn physiological sample on a physiological sample collection pad that is disposed within the dermal patch. In some embodiments, the method also includes removing physiological sample collection pad from the dermal patch. In certain embodiments, the method also includes after drawing the physiological sample, moving a vacuum pin of the dermal patch from a deployed to a deployed position, wherein moving the vacuum pin from the undeployed position to the deployed position causes the drawn physiological sample to travel to the physiological sample collection pad. In some embodiments, moving the vacuum pin from the undeployed position to the deployed position creates a vacuum within the dermal patch that causes the drawn physiological sample to travel to the physiological sample collection pad. 
     In yet another aspect, a lancet for use with a cartridge of a dermal patch system, includes a housing configured for engagement with the cartridge, a needle disposed within the housing, and a mechanism configured to retain the needle within the housing in absence of engagement of the lancet with the housing and to deploy the needle for puncturing the skin when the lancet is engaged with the cartridge. In some embodiments, the mechanism is further configured to automatically retract the needle. In certain embodiments, the lancet further includes an injection spring configured to move the needle to the deployed position. In some embodiments, the lancet also includes a retraction spring configured to move the needle to a retracted position. In certain embodiments, the lancet also includes a sleeve disposed within the housing and the sleeve retains the needle in in the undeployed position when the lancet is not coupled to the dermal patch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for illustration purpose of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. 
       Features of embodiments of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description take in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    depicts a dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  2  and  3    depict a lancet of the dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    depicts a housing of the lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure 
         FIG.  5    diagrammatically depicts a housing of the lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    depicts a cap of the lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    diagrammatically depicts a cap of the lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    depicts an inner sleeve of the lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    diagrammatically depicts a needle frame of the lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    depicts a cartridge of the dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  11  -  16    depict a cover of the cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  17  -  19    depict a base of the cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    diagrammatically depicts a lancet receiving element of the base in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  21  -  27    depict the base of the cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  28    diagrammatically depicts an adhesive layer of the dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  29    diagrammatically depicts a physiological sample pad being removed from the dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  30    further depicts the base of the cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  31    depicts a dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  32  and  33    depict a vacuum pin of the dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  34    diagrammatically depicts a lancet of the dermal patch system in an undeployed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  35    diagrammatically depicts a lancet of the dermal patch system in a deployed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  36    diagrammatically depicts a lancet of the dermal patch system in a retracted position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  37    diagrammatically depicts a dermal patch system with the lancet in a deployed position and a vacuum pin in an undeployed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  38    diagrammatically depicts the dermal patch system with the lancet in a retracted position and a vacuum pin in a deployed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  39    diagrammatically depicts a specimen collection pad cartridge in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  40    diagrammatically depicts a specimen collection pad cartridge in a closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  41    diagrammatically depicts a specimen collection pad cartridge being inserted into the dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  42    diagrammatically depicts a specimen collection pad cartridge inserted within the dermal patch system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  43    depicts a dermal patch system with pipette access channels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  44    diagrammatically depicts a cover of the dermal patch system with pipette access channels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  45    diagrammatically depicts an electronic medical record database, a computer system, and a physiological sample collection pad with a quick response (“QR”) code in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  46    diagrammatically depicts a computer system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  47    diagrammatically depicts a cloud computing environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  48    is a flow chart of a method for obtaining a physiological sample from a subject in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a dermal patch that may be utilized to collect and/or store a collected physiological sample. 
     In some embodiments, a dermal patch may be used to collect a physiological sample and the collected sample may then be stored on a sample collection pad of the dermal patch. Dermal patches disclosed herein may allow for the collection and analysis of a physiological sample in a variety of environments (e.g., in the home, in the field, in a medical facility, etc.). 
     Various terms are used herein in accordance with their ordinary meanings in the art, unless otherwise indicated. 
     The term “about,” as used herein, denotes a deviation of at most 10% relative to a numerical value. For example, about 100 µm means in the range of 90 µm-110 µm. 
     The term “substantially,” as used herein, refers to a deviation, if any, of at most 10% from a complete state and/or condition. 
     The term “subject” as used herein refers to a human subject or an animal subject (e.g., chicken, pig, cattle, dog, cat, etc.). 
     The term “physiological sample,” as used herein, includes fluid drawn from a subject and includes, but is not limited to, blood and interstitial fluid. 
     The term “lancet,” as used herein refers broadly to an element that can be used to provide a passageway, or facilitate the production of a passageway, in the skin for the collection of a physiological sample. 
     The term “transparent,” as used herein, indicates that light can substantially pass through an object (e.g., a window) to allow visualization of a material disposed behind the object. For example, in some embodiments, a transparent object allows the passageway of at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of visible light therethrough. 
     The term “vacuum,” as used herein, refers to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure and more particularly to a pressure that can facilitate the movement of a fluid (e.g., a physiological sample) within a dermal patch. 
     The term “needle” as used herein, refers to a component with a pointed tip that is configured to pierce the skin of a subject. 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a device, which is herein also referred to as a dermal patch or a dermal patch system, for collecting a physiological sample (e.g., bodily fluids such as blood, interstitial fluids, etc.) from a subject. In some embodiments discussed below, such a dermal patch system can include a cartridge that can be affixed to a subject’s skin (e.g., via an adhesive layer) and a separate lancet that can be engaged with the cartridge to puncture the skin, thereby providing a passageway for extracting the physiological sample. As discussed in more detail below, the lancet can include a housing in which at least one needle that is configured for puncturing the skin is disposed. The lancet can further include a mechanism that can be transitioned between at least two states. In one state (herein referred to as a locked state), the mechanism retains the needle within the lancet in an undeployed position when the lancet is not engaged with the cartridge. When the lancet is coupled to the cartridge, the mechanism transitions to a second state (herein referred to as a released state). In the released state, the mechanism allows the needle to be deployed for puncturing the skin. For example, in some embodiments, the mechanism can include an upper locking portion that can retain an upper spring that is coupled to a needle platform (to which a needle is mounted) in a compressed state, thereby preventing the needle from transitioning into a deployed position. Further, the mechanism can include an upper interference member that prevents the movement of the needle platform when the mechanism is in the locked state. 
     The engagement of the lancet with the cartridge results in an automatic transition of the mechanism from the locking state to the released state, which in turns transitions the needle into a deployed position in which the needle extends beyond the lancet and the cartridge housing to puncture the subject’s skin. In some embodiments, the engagement of the lancet with the cartridge causes the upper locking member to release the needle platform, which in turn allows the upper spring to decompress and thus push down the needle platform thereby deploying the needle. In some embodiments, the mechanism can further include a lower interference member that restricts the downward movement of the needle platform, when the needle platform is released. In this manner the extent of the penetration of the needle into the skin can be controlled. In certain embodiments, the mechanism can also include a lower locking member that retains a lower spring in a compressed state. The downward movement of the needle platform can cause the release of the lower locking member to allow the lower spring to decompress and exert a force on the needle platform to cause the retraction of the needle into the lancet housing. 
     In this manner, the lancet remains safe before it is engaged with the cartridge as the lancet is not capable of deploying the needle when the lancet is not engaged with the cartridge. Furthermore, in this manner, the lancet remains safe after drawing a physiological sample as the needle automatically retracts back into the lancet after being deployed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , a dermal patch system  10  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The dermal patch system  10  includes a lancet  100  and a cartridge  12  that can be affixed to a subject’s skin via an adhesive layer  14  ( FIG.  10   ). As will be discussed in further detail herein, the lancet  100  can engage with the cartridge  12  to deploy a needle disposed within the lancet housing to puncture the subject’s skin thereby drawing a physiological sample from the subject. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the lancet  100  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The lancet  100  includes a housing  102  in which various components of the lancet are disposed and a cap  104  that is coupled to the housing  102 . The lancet  100  can further include an inner sleeve  106  within the housing  102  and a needle frame  108  that is disposed within the inner sleeve  106  and onto which a needle  158  is mounted. The lancet  100  also can include an injection spring  110  and a retraction spring  112  that move the needle  158  of the lancet  100  between various positions. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the housing  102  includes a side wall  114  and a bottom wall  116 . The side wall  114  includes an outer surface  114   a  and an opposed inner surface  114   b . The bottom wall  116  includes an outer surface  116   a  and an opposed inner surface  116   b . The side wall  114  extends vertically from the bottom wall  116 . The side wall  114  has a generally cylindrical shape and the bottom wall  116  is generally circular in shape and is concentric relative to a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical side wall and covers a lower opening formed by the generally cylindrical side wall. The inner surface  114   b  of the side wall  114  and the inner surface  116   b  of the bottom wall  116  define an inner volume  118 . 
     The outer surface  114   a  defines a notch  120  that extends circumferentially around the outer surface  114   a  of the side wall  114 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the notch  120  is shaped and dimensioned to couple to a locking member of the cartridge  12  via a snap fit. The housing  102  further includes a rim  122  that extends circumferentially around the outer surface  114   a  of the side wall  114 . The inner surface  114   b  defines a first and second column  124  that extend vertically from the inner surface  116   b  of the bottom wall  116 . The columns  124  include an inner surface  124   a  and a top surface  124   b . The inner surface  124   a  extends vertically between the inner surface  116   b  of the bottom wall  116  and the top surface  124   b . The top surface  124   b  extends longitudinally between the inner surface  114   b  of the side wall  114  and the inner surface  124   a . 
     As will be discussed in further detail herein, before the lancet  100  is inserted into the cartridge  12  the columns  124  retain the needle  158  of the lancet  100  in an undeployed position. 
     The bottom wall  116  defines an aperture  126  that extends through the bottom wall  116 . Stated another way, the aperture  126  extends between the outer surface  116   a  and the inner surface  116   b  of the bottom wall  116 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, when the lancet is activated via engagement with the cartridge  12 , the needle of the lancet  100  is activated to extend through the aperture  126  and puncture the subject’s skin thereby providing a passageway through which a physiological sample can be drawn from a subject. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7    the cap  104  includes a top wall  128  with an outer surface  128   a  and an opposed inner surface  128   b . The cap  104  also includes a side wall  130  with an outer surface  130   a  and an opposed inner surface  130   b . The top wall  128  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to the side wall  130 . The side wall  130  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top wall  128 . The top wall  128  and the side wall  130  are generally circular in shape and are concentric with one another. The cap  104  also includes an inner cylinder  132  with an outer surface  132   a  and an opposed outer surface  132   b . The inner cylinder  132  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top wall  128 . The inner cylinder  132  is concentric with the top wall  128  and the side wall  130 . 
     When the cap  104  is coupled to the housing  102  the side wall  130  extends into the inner volume  118  of the housing  102  and at least a portion of the side wall  130  contacts the inner surface  114   b  of the side wall  114  such that the cap  104  couples to the housing  102  via an interference fit. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  8   , the inner sleeve  106  includes a side wall  134  and a bottom wall  136 . The side wall  134  includes an outer surface  134   a  and an opposed inner surface  134   b . The bottom wall  136  includes an outer surface  136   a  and an opposed inner surface  136   b . The side wall  134  extends vertically from the bottom wall  136 . The side wall  134  and the bottom wall  136  are generally circular in shape and are concentric with one another. The inner surface  134   b  of the side wall  134  and the inner surface  136   b  of the bottom wall  136  define an inner volume  138 . The inner surface  134   b  defines a plurality of columns  140  each of which extends vertically from and perpendicular to the inner surface  136   b  of the bottom wall  136 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, when the needle frame  108  is in a deployed position, a portion of the needle frame  108  rests upon the columns  140 . 
     The inner sleeve  106  further includes a plurality of ledges  142 . Each ledge  142  includes a top surface  142   a , an opposed bottom surface  142   b  and an outer surface  142   c  that extends between the top surface  142   a  and the bottom surface  142   b . The inner sleeve  106  also includes a plurality of locking members  144  that extend from the inner surface  134   b  of the side wall  134 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the proximal end of the locking members  144  retains the retraction spring  112  in a compressed state in absence of engagement between the lancet  100  and the cartridge  12 . The side wall  134  further defines a plurality of openings  146  that extend through the side wall  134 . Stated another way, the openings  146  extend between the outer surface  134   a  and the inner surface  134   b  of the side wall  134 . Each of the openings  146  are aligned with a proximal end of a locking member  144  to allow the proximal end of a locking member  144  to extend therethrough. 
     The bottom wall  136  defines an aperture  148  that extends through the bottom wall  136 . Stated another way, the aperture  148  extends between the outer surface  136   a  and the inner surface  136   b  of the bottom wall  136 . The aperture  148  is concentric with the aperture  126  of the housing  102 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, when in a deployed position, the needle  158  of the lancet  100  extends through the aperture  148  of the inner sleeve  106  as well as the aperture  126  of the housing  102 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  9   , the needle frame  108  includes a first cylinder  150 , a second cylinder  152 , a third cylinder  154 , and a protrusion  156 . The second cylinder is disposed vertically above the first cylinder  150 . The first cylinder  150  includes a bottom surface  150   a  and an outer surface  150   b . The second cylinder  152  is disposed vertically above the first cylinder  150  and the third cylinder  154  is disposed vertically above the second cylinder  152 . The first cylinder  150  includes a bottom surface  150   a  and an outer surface  150   b  and the second cylinder  152  includes a bottom surface  152   a , an outer surface  152   b  and a top surface  152   c . The third cylinder  154  includes an outer surface  154   a  and a top surface  154   b . Similarly, the protrusion  156  includes an outer surface  156   a  and a top surface  156   b . 
     The bottom surface  150   a  of the first cylinder extends circumferentially about the outer surface  150   b  of the first cylinder. The outer surface  150   b  of the first cylinder  150  extends vertically between the bottom surface  150   a  of the first cylinder  150  and the bottom surface  152   a  of the second cylinder  152 . The bottom surface  152   a  of the second cylinder  152  extends at an angle longitudinally between the outer surface  150   b  of the first cylinder and the outer surface  152   b  of the second cylinder  152 . The outer surface  152   b  extends vertically between the bottom surface  152   a  and the top surface  152   c  of the second cylinder  152 . The top surface  152   c  of the second cylinder  152  extends longitudinally between the outer surface  152   b  of the second cylinder and the outer surface  154   a  of the third cylinder  154 . The outer surface  154   a  extends vertically between the top surface  152   c  of the second cylinder and the top surface  154   b  of the third cylinder. The top surface  154   b  of the third cylinder extends longitudinally between the outer surface  154   a  of the third cylinder  154  and the outer surface  156   a  of the protrusion  156 . The outer surface  156   a  extends vertically between the top surface  154   b  of the third cylinder and the top surface  156   b  of the protrusion  156 . The top surface  156   b  of the protrusion  156  extends across a proximal end of the outer surface  156   a . 
     The injection spring  110  extends vertically between the cap  104  and the needle frame  108 . More specifically, a distal end of the injection spring  110  contacts the inner surface  128   b  of the top wall  128  and a proximal end of the injection spring  110  contacts the top surface  152   c  of the second cylinder  152 . The distal end of the injection spring  110  extends circumferentially around the outer surface  132   a  of the inner cylinder  132 . The proximal end of the injection spring  110  extends circumferentially around the third cylinder  154  and around the protrusion  156 . 
     The needle frame  108  supports the needle  158 . In some embodiments, the needle frame  108  is molded into the first cylinder  150  or is attached to the bottom surface  150   a  of the first cylinder  150  (e.g., via an adhesive). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , the cartridge  12  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The cartridge  12  includes a cover  200  and a base  300  that can couple to the cover  200 . For example, the cover  200  and the base  300  can be formed as two separate components that are removably coupled to one another (e.g., via a snap fitting). In other embodiments, the cover  200  and the base  300  form an integral unitary cartridge  12 . In some of these embodiments, the cover  200  can be coupled to the base  300  via an adhesive, laser welding, etc. The dermal patch system  10  also includes a vacuum pin  400 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the vacuum pin  400  can be disposed within the cartridge  12  and is configured to create a vacuum within the cartridge  12 . 
     The cartridge  12  may be formed using a variety of suitable materials including, but not limited to, polymeric materials (e.g., polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethanes, polynorbomenes, polyethers, polyacrylates, polyamides (Polyether block amide also referred to as Pebax®), polysiloxanes, polyether amides, polyether esters, transpolyisoprenes, polymethyl methacrylates (PMMA), cross-linked trans-polyoctylenes, cross-linked polyethylenes, cross-linked polyisoprenes, cross-linked polycyclooctenes, inorganic-organic hybrid polymers, co-polymer blends with polyethylene and Kraton®, styrene-butadiene co-polymers, urethane-butadiene co-polymers, polycaprolactone or oligo caprolactone co-polymers, polylactic acid (PLLA) or polylactide (PL/DLA) co-polymers, PLLA-polyglycolic acid (PGA) co-polymers, photocross linkable polymers, etc.). In some embodiments, some of the cover  200  may be formed of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to allow visibility of components disposed within the cartridge  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  11  -  16    the cover  200  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cover  200  includes a top wall  202  with an outer surface  202   a  and an opposed inner surface  202   b . The cover  200  also includes a side wall  204  with an outer surface  204   a  and an opposed inner surface  204   b . The top wall  202  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to the side wall  204 . The side wall  204  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top wall  202 . 
     The side wall  204  defines a U-shaped opening  206 . The U-shaped opening  206  extends through the side wall  204 . Stated another way, the U-shaped opening  206  extends between the outer surface  204   a  and the inner surface  204   b  of the side wall  204 . The U-shaped opening  206  is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate at least a portion of the vacuum pin  400 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, U-shaped opening  206  allows the vacuum pin  400  to be received by a receptacle (which can be in the form of a channel) within the cartridge  12 . That is, the U-shaped opening  206  is shaped to accommodate the vacuum pin  400  such that at least a portion of the vacuum pin  400  can extend through the side wall  204  to be disposed within a receptacle provided in the base  300 . 
     The top wall  202  defines a lancet aperture  208  that is generally circular in shape. The lancet aperture  208  extends through the top wall  202 . Stated another way, the lancet aperture  208  extends between the outer surface  202   a  and the inner surface  202   b  of the top wall  202 . The lancet aperture  208  is shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the lancet  100 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the lancet aperture  208  allows the lancet  100  to couple to the base  300 . That is, the lancet aperture  208  is shaped to accommodate the lancet  100  such that at least a portion of the lancet  100  can extend through the top wall  202 . 
     The cover  200  also includes a funnel-like channel  212  that provides a viewing aperture  210 . In some embodiments, the cover  200  can further include a transparent window (not shown), e.g., formed of PDMS, that extends across the viewing aperture  210 . The viewing aperture  210  allows a user of the dermal patch system  10  to view components (e.g., a specimen collection pad) disposed within the dermal patch system  10 . The side wall of the funnel-like channel  212  is slanted to facilitate viewing of the one or more components disposed within the cartridge  12 . 
     The cover  200  further includes a plurality of projection members  214 . The projection members  214  extend vertically from and perpendicular to the inner surface  202   b  of the top wall  202 . The projection members  214  are disposed around the perimeter of the lancet aperture  208 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the projection members  214  secure the cover  200  to the base  300 . 
     The cover  200  also includes a U-shaped locking member  216  and a plurality of locking members  218 . The U-shaped locking member  216  is aligned with the U-shaped opening  206 . The U-shaped locking member  216  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the inner surface  202   b  of the top wall  202 . When the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 , the U-shaped locking member  216  retains the vacuum pin  400  within the base  300  while allowing the vacuum pin  400  to move a predetermined distance while remaining within the cartridge  12 . The locking members  218  extend longitudinally from and perpendicular to the inner surface  204   b  of the side wall  204 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the  218  secure the cover  200  to the base  300 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  17  -  27   , the base  300  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the base  300  includes a bottom wall  302  with a top surface  302   a , an opposed bottom surface  302   b , and an outer surface  302   c  that extends between the top surface  302   a  and the bottom surface  302   b . The top surface  302   a  and the bottom surface  302   b  extend perpendicularly to the outer surface  302   c . The outer surface  302   c  extends perpendicular to and vertically between the top surface  302   a  and the bottom surface  302   b . The bottom wall  302  and the side wall  204  of the cover  200  have the same perimeter shape such that when the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 , outer surface  302   c  of the base  300  and the outer surface  204   a  of the cover  200  are flush with one another. Furthermore, when the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 , the side wall  204  contacts the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302 . 
     The base  300  further includes a rim  304  with an outer surface  304   a , an opposed inner surface  304   b , and a top surface  304   c  that extends between the outer surface  304   a  and the inner surface  304   b . The top surface  304   c  extends perpendicularly to and longitudinally between the outer surface  304   a  and the inner surface  304   b . The outer surface  304   a  and the inner surface  304   b  extend vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302  such that the outer surface  304   a  and the inner surface304b extend between the top surface  302   a  and the top surface  304   c . The rim  304  is contoured such that when the cover  200  is coupled to the base, at least a portion of the side wall  204  contacts at least a portion of the rim  304 . More specifically, at least a portion of the inner surface  204   b  of the side wall  204  contacts at least a portion of the outer surface  304   a  of the rim  304 . 
     The base  300  further includes a plurality of extensions  306  that extend vertically from and perpendicular to the rim  304 . The extensions  306 , the bottom wall  302  and the rim  304  define gaps  308 . The gaps  308  and therefore the extensions  306 , are shaped to accept a locking member  218  such that an extension  306  couples to a locking member  218  via a snap fitting thereby coupling the cover  200  to the base  300  ( FIG.  31   ). 
     The base  300  also includes a vacuum pin receptacle  310  that extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302 . The vacuum pin receptacle  310  includes an opening  312  and a chamber  314  that are each shaped to accept the vacuum pin  400  such that at least a portion of the vacuum pin  400  may be disposed within the vacuum pin receptacle  310 . The vacuum pin receptacle  310  also includes a gap  316  that is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the arms of the U-shaped locking member  216 . That is, when the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 , the arms of the U-shaped locking member  216  extend through and are disposed within the gap  316 . 
     The base  300  also includes a needle aperture  318  that is generally circular in shape. The needle aperture  318  extends through the bottom wall  302 . Stated another way, the needle aperture  318  extends between the top surface  302   a  and the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, when the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300  and when the cartridge  12  is adhered to a subject, the needle aperture  318  allows the needle  158  of the lancet  100  to extend through the bottom wall  302  to puncture the subject’s skin, thereby allowing extraction of a physiological sample from the subject. 
     The base  300  further includes a lancet receiving element  320  that is shaped and dimensioned to accept the distal end of the lancet  100 . With particular reference to  FIG.  20   , the lancet receiving element  320  includes an outer circular projection  322  and an inner circular projection  324  with each extending vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302 . The outer circular projection  322  includes an outer surface  322   a , an opposed inner surface  322   b , and a top surface  322   c  that extends between the outer surface  322   a  and the inner surface  322   b . The top surface  322   c  extends perpendicular to and longitudinally between the outer surface  322   a  and the inner surface  322   b . The outer surface  322   a  and the inner surface  322   b  extend vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302  such that the outer surface  322   a  and the inner surface  322   b  extend between the top surface  302   a  and the top surface  322   c . The outer circular projection  322  is shaped to accept the lancet  100 . 
     The inner circular projection  324  is disposed around the needle aperture  318  and includes an outer surface  324   a , an opposed inner surface  324   b , and a top surface  324   c  that extends between the outer surface  324   a  and the inner surface  324   b . The top surface  324   c  extends perpendicular to and longitudinally between the outer surface  324   a  and the inner surface  324   b . The outer surface  324   a  and the inner surface  324   b  extend vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302  such that the outer surface  324   a  and the inner surface  324   b  extend between the top surface  302   a  and the top surface  324   c . Furthermore, the outer circular projection  322  and the inner circular projection  324  circular projection are concentric with one another. As will be discussed in further detail herein, when a lancet is engaged with the base  300 , the top surface  324   c  of the inner circular projection contacts a portion of the lancet  100  which allows the lancet to release the needle disposed in the lancet housing so as to puncture the skin, thereby allowing the extraction of a physiological sample from the subject’s skin. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  20   , the base  300  further includes a plurality of locking members  326  that extend vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  322   c  of the outer circular projection  322 . For the sake of clarity, one of the locking members  326  is not shown in  FIG.  20   . Each locking member  326  includes a hook  328  that extends inwardly from a top of a locking member  326  towards the inner circular projection  324 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the hooks  328  of the locking members  326  couple to the lancet  100  to retain the lancet  100  within the base  300 . The locking members  326  are equally spaced around the outer circular projection  322  thereby defining a gap between the locking members  326 . When the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 , the projection members  214  extend between the locking members  326  in these gaps thereby coupling the cover  200  to the base  300 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG.  21   , the base  300  includes a physiological sample well  330  and a physiological sample channel  332  with a first portion  332   a  that extends from the physiological sample well  330 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the physiological sample channel  332  is a fluidic channel that is configured to carry a physiological sample extracted from a subject. The physiological sample well  330  and the first portion  332   a  of the physiological sample channel  332  are open with respect to the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302 . Stated another way, the physiological sample well  330  and the first portion  332   a  of the physiological sample channel  332  do not include a bottom surface. The physiological sample well  330  is in open communication with the needle aperture  318 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, when drawing a physiological sample, a needle of the lancet  100  extends through the needle aperture  318  and through the physiological sample well  330  to pierce the skin of the subject. 
     The base  300  further includes a vacuum channel  334  that is in fluid communication with the chamber  314  of the vacuum pin receptacle  310 . A first portion  334   a  of the vacuum channel  334  extends from the chamber  314  and extends vertically within the base  300 . A second portion  334   b  of the vacuum channel  334  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to the first portion  334   a  of the vacuum channel  334  such that the second portion  334   b  of the vacuum channel  334  extends along the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302 . Similar to the physiological sample well  330  and the first portion  332   a  of the physiological sample channel  332 , the second portion  334   b  of the vacuum channel  334  is open with respect to the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302 . 
     The base  300  further includes a specimen collection pad housing  336 . The specimen collection pad housing  336  includes a side wall  338  and a top wall  340 . The side wall  338  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302 . The top wall  340  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to the side wall  338 . The side wall  338  includes an outer surface  338   a  and an opposed inner surface  338   b . The top wall  340  includes an outer surface  340   a  and an opposed inner surface  340   b . The outer surface  338   a  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  302   a  of the bottom wall  302  and the outer surface  340   a  of the top wall  340 . The inner surface  338   b  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302  and the inner surface  340   b  of the top wall  340 . The outer surface  340   a  of the top wall  340  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to opposing sides of the outer surface  338   a  of the side wall  338 . The inner surface  340   b  of the top wall  340  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to the inner surface  338   b  of the side wall  338 . 
     The inner surface  338   b  of the side wall  338  and the inner surface  340   b  of the top wall  340  define an opening  342  of the specimen collection pad housing  336 . The specimen collection pad housing  336  further includes a surface  344  located vertically below the inner surfaces  338   b  and  340   b . The surface  344  defines a specimen collection pad receptacle  346 . The specimen collection pad receptacle  346  and therefore the surface  344  is shaped to accommodate a specimen collection pad  348 . The specimen collection pad  348  may be formed of any material that is capable of absorbing a physiological sample. In some embodiments, the specimen collection pad  248  may be a CF12 collection pad. A CF12 collection pad includes a dried blood spot filter paper that can be used as a specimen collection pad. 
     The base  300  includes the adhesive layer  14  disposed on the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302  for attaching the cartridge  12  to the skin of a subject. The adhesive layer  14  may be laminated to or heat/laser/adhesively bonded to the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302 . The cartridge  12  may be attached anywhere on the subject’s skin that is capable of supporting the cartridge  12  (e.g., on a leg, arm, etc. of the subject). In some embodiments, a removable protective liner (not shown in the figures) covers the adhesive surface of the adhesive layer  14  and may be removed to expose the adhesive surface for attachment onto the subject’s skin. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  28   , the adhesive layer  14  includes an opening  16  that surrounds the physiological sample well  330 . The opening  16  allows the needle  158  of the lancet  100  to penetrate the skin, when the needle  158  is activated, without piercing the adhesive layer  14 . Further, subsequent to the puncturing of the skin via the needle of the lancet  100 , the opening  16  allows drawing a physiological sample from the subject, which is received within the physiological sample well  330 . The adhesive layer  14  covers and therefore seals the first portion  332   a  of the physiological sample channel  332  and the second portion  334   b  of the vacuum channel  334 . 
     In some embodiments of the cartridge  12 , the adhesive layer  14  supports a specimen collection pad  348 . That is, the specimen collection pad  348  can be adhered to a portion of the adhesive layer  14 . In these embodiments, the specimen collection pad  348  includes a pull tab  18  that extends from the adhesive layer  14  and a perforation  20  that surrounds the specimen collection pad  348 . The specimen collection pad  348  is positioned on the adhesive layer  14  such that when the adhesive layer  14  is disposed on the bottom surface  302   b  of the bottom wall  302 , the specimen collection pad  348  is disposed within the specimen collection pad receptacle  346 . The perforation  20  allows a user to remove the specimen collection pad  248  from the cartridge  12 . That is, a user can pull the pull tab  18  to separate a portion of the adhesive layer  14  associated with the specimen collection pad  348  from the remainder of the adhesive layer  14 . 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS.  28  and  29   , the base  300  may further include a quick response (“QR”) code  22 . While  FIGS.  28  and  29    depict the adhesive layer  14  as supporting the QR code  22 , it is understood that the QR code  22  may be positioned elsewhere on the cartridge  12  (e.g., on the outer surface  202   a  of the top wall  202 ). As will be discussed in further detail herein, the QR code  22  can be associated with an electronic medical record stored in an electronic medical record database. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  25   , the physiological sample channel  332  further includes a second portion  332   b  and a third portion  332   c . The second portion  332   b  of the physiological sample channel  332  is in open and fluid communication with the first portion  332   a  of the physiological sample channel  332 . As such, the second portion  332   b  of the physiological sample channel  332  is in open and fluid communication with the physiological sample well  330 . The second portion  332   b  extends vertically from and perpendicular to the first portion  332   a  of the physiological sample channel  332 . Furthermore, the second portion  332   b  extends vertically within the specimen collection pad housing  336 . 
     The third portion  332   c  is in open and fluid communication with the second portion  332   b  of the physiological sample channel  332 . As such, the third portion  332   c  is in open and fluid communication with the physiological sample well  330 .The third portion  332   c  extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to the second portion  332   b . The third portion  332   c  extends longitudinally along the outer surface  340   a  of the top wall  340 . The third portion  332   c  is open with respect to the outer surface  340   a  of the top wall  340 . Stated another way, the third portion  332   c  does not include a top surface. 
     With particular reference to  FIG.  30   , the cartridge  12  further includes a film  24  positioned vertically above the outer surface  340   a  of the top wall  340 . In some embodiments, the film  24  includes an adhesive such that the film  24  can be affixed to the outer surface  340   a  of the top wall  340 . The film  24  is shaped and dimensioned to cover the outer surface  340   a . Accordingly, the film  24  covers and seals the third portion  332   c  of the physiological sample channel  332 . 
     The specimen collection pad housing  336  further includes a channel  354  that is formed by a cylinder  350  that extends vertically from and perpendicular to the inner surface  340   b  of the top wall  340 . The cylinder  350  extends into the opening  342  and the specimen collection pad receptacle  346 . The cylinder  350  defines an opening  352  that extends through the cylinder  350 . The opening  352  is in open and fluid communication with third portion  332   c  of the physiological sample channel  332 . Accordingly, the opening  352  is in open and fluid communication with the physiological sample well  330 . The cylinder  350  further defines a channel  354  that extends through the cylinder  350 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the opening  352  and the channel  354  allow a physiological sample to exit the cylinder  350  to be deposited onto the specimen collection pad  348 . 
     The second portion  334   b  of the vacuum channel  334  is in open and fluid communication with the specimen collection pad receptacle  346 . Accordingly, the vacuum channel  334  is in open and fluid communication with the physiological sample well  330  via the opening  352  and the physiological sample channel  332 . 
     The specimen collection pad housing  336  further includes a viewing aperture  356  that extends through the top wall  340 . Stated another way, the viewing aperture  356  extends between the outer surface  340   a  and the inner surface  340   b  of the top wall  340 . The viewing aperture  356  provides visual access to the specimen collection pad  348 . When the cover  200  is coupled to the base the viewing aperture  356  is located vertically below the viewing aperture  210 . As such, a user may view the specimen collection pad  348  when the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  32  and  33   , the vacuum pin  400  is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The vacuum pin  400  is generally cylindrical in shape and extends between a proximal end  402  and a distal end  404 . The vacuum pin  400  includes a barrel  406  that defines the proximal end  402  and a handle  408  that defines the distal end  404 . The vacuum pin  400  also includes a first and second flat surface  410  between the barrel  406  and the handle  408 . The flat surfaces  410  extend longitudinally between a proximal lip  412  and a distal lip  414 . The flat surfaces  410  extend perpendicular to and longitudinally between the lips  412  and  414 . 
     The barrel  406  includes a first groove  416  and a second groove  416  shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a first and second elastomeric O-ring  418 . When the vacuum pin  400  is disposed within the vacuum pin receptacle  310 , the elastomeric O-rings  418  contact the inner surface of the chamber  314  such that the vacuum pin  400  creates an airtight seal within the chamber  314 . This seal allows for the application of positive or negative pressure as needed. 
     The vacuum pin  400  may be moved within or completely removed from vacuum pin receptacle  310 . When the vacuum pin  400  is transitioned from a undeployed portion (i.e., a position in which the vacuum pin  400  is fully inserted within the chamber  314  of the vacuum pin receptacle  310 ) to a deployed position (i.e., when the vacuum pin is moved within the vacuum pin receptacle away from the center of the base  300 ), a negative pressure is created within the chamber  314 , which in turn causes the creation of a negative pressure within the physiological sample channel  332  via the vacuum channel  334  and the specimen collection pad housing  336 . When a physiological sample is within the physiological sample well  330 , this negative pressure directs the extracted physiological sample from the physiological sample well  330  to the specimen collection pad  348  via the physiological sample channel  332 . Stated another way, when the vacuum pin  400  is moved from the undeployed position to the to the deployed position, the vacuum pin  400  creates a vacuum within the base  300  which draws a physiological sample from the physiological sample well  330  to the specimen collection pad  348 . 
     As previously discussed herein, the cover  200  includes a U-shaped locking member  216 . When the cover  200  is coupled to base  300  the arms of the U-shaped locking member  216  extend through the gap  316  of the vacuum pin receptacle  310 . Furthermore, when the vacuum pin  400  is in the undeployed position, the arms of the U-shaped locking member  216  are disposed between the lips  412  and  414 . When the vacuum pin  400  is moved to the deployed position, the arms of the U-shaped locking member  216  contact the proximal lip  412  thereby preventing the vacuum pin  400  from moving further. As previously discussed, moving the vacuum pin  400  to the deployed position creates a vacuum within the base  300 . Accordingly, the extent of movement of the vacuum pin  400  permitted by the U-shaped locking member  216  can determine the strength of a vacuum created within the base  300 . The lips  412  and  414  are separated by an adjustable distance (the distance can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length of the flat surfaces  410 ). This distance determines the extent by which the vacuum pin  400  can be removed from the vacuum pin receptacle  310  and as such can determine the strength of a vacuum created within the base  300 . Hence, increasing or decreasing a distance between lips  412  and  414  increases or decreases the strength of a vacuum that can be created by the vacuum pin  400 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  34  -  36   , the lancet  100  is moveable between an undeployed position ( FIG.  34   ), a deployed position ( FIG.  35   ), and a retracted position ( FIG.  36   ). 
     In the undeployed position (before the lancet  100  is inserted into the cartridge  12 ) the injection spring  110  and the retraction spring  112  are in a compressed state. In the compressed state, the retraction spring  112  extends vertically between the bottom wall  136  and a proximal end of the locking members  144 . More specifically, a distal end of the retraction spring  112  contacts a lower surface of the proximal end of the locking members  144  and a proximal end of the retraction spring  112  contacts the inner surface  136   b  of the bottom wall  136 . 
     When in the undeployed position the outer surface  142   c  contacts the inner surface  124   a  of the columns  124  which compresses the side wall  134  inwardly. Furthermore, the bottom surface  152   a  of the second cylinder  152  contacts and rests upon the top surfaces  142   a  of the ledges  142  such that the ledges  142  supports the needle frame  108  in the undeployed position. In this position, the injection spring  110  is prevented from decompressing (due to the second cylinder  152   resting upon the ledges  142 ) and the needle  158  is disposed completely within the inner volume  138  of the inner sleeve  106 . 
     When the lancet  100  is inserted into the cartridge  12 , the engagement of the lancet with the cartridge  12  causes the lancet  100  to automatically move from the undeployed position to the deployed position and the rim  304  contacts the inner surface  322   b  of the outer circular projection  322 . Furthermore, when the lancet  100  is inserted into the cartridge  12 , the hooks  328  of the locking members  326  are disposed within and coupled to the notch  120  via a snap fit. 
     When the lancet  100  is coupled to the base  300  ( FIGS.  37  and  38   ), the inner circular projection  324  extends through the aperture  126  to contact the bottom wall  136 . Specifically, the top surface  324   c  of the inner circular projection  324  contacts the outer surface  136   a  of the bottom wall  136  which forces the inner sleeve  106  to move vertically upward in the direction of arrow A within the housing  102 . This vertical movement causes the ledges  142  to extend vertically above the top surfaces  124   b  of the columns  124 . Moving beyond the top surfaces  124   b  of the columns  124  allows the side wall  134  to decompress and expand in the direction of arrow B and extend toward the inner surface  114   b  of the side wall  114 . In this position, the bottom surface  142   b  of the ledges  142  rest upon the top surfaces  124   b  of the columns  124  and the outer surfaces  142   c  of the ledges  142  contacts the inner surface  114   b  of the side wall  114 . 
     The expansion of the side wall  134  causes the inner volume  138  of the inner sleeve  106  to have a larger width relative to when the inner sleeve  106  is in the undeployed position such that at least a portion of the side wall  134  has a larger width than the second cylinder  152  (the widest portion of the needle frame  108  which allows the needle frame  108  move vertically downward in the direction of arrow C). Furthermore, the injection spring  110  also causes the needle frame  108  to move in the direction of arrow C as the ledges  142  no longer prevent the injection spring  110  from expanding. The force applied by the injection spring  110  causes the needle frame  108  (and therefore the needle  158 ) to travel with a force that is sufficient to cause the needle  158  to puncture the skin of a subject wearing the dermal patch system  10 . Stated another way, the injection spring  110  causes the needle  158  to extend through the aperture  148  of the inner sleeve  106 , through the aperture  126  of the housing  102 , and through the needle aperture  318  of the base  300  to puncture the skin of a subject. In the deployed position, the bottom surface  152   a  of the second cylinder  152  rests upon the columns  140  and at least a portion of the outer surface  152   b  of the second cylinder  152  contacts the inner surface  134   b  of the side wall  134 . 
     While moving in the direction of arrow C, the outer surface  150   b  contacts the locking members  144  which causes a proximal portion of a locking members  144  that is aligned with an opening  146  to extend into the opening. In this position, the locking members  144  no longer contact the retraction spring  112  thereby allowing the retraction spring  112  to decompress and expand. When decompressed, the retraction spring  112  contacts the outer surface  150   b  of the first cylinder  150  which causes needle frame  108  to also move in the direction of arrow D. That is after moving to the deployed position, the retraction spring  112  causes the needle  158  to retract back into the inner volume  138  of the inner sleeve  106  via the needle aperture  318  of the base  300  and the apertures  126  and  148  of the lancet  100 . After penetrating the skin of a subject, the retraction spring  112  causes the needle  158  to automatically retract back into the housing of the lancet  100  thereby placing the lancet  100  in the retraced position ( FIGS.  36  and  38   ). 
     After the needle  158  retracts into the lancet  100 , a physiological sample pools within the physiological sample well  330  of the base  300 . When the physiological sample is within the physiological sample well  330 , a user can move the vacuum pin  400  from the undeployed position to the deployed position in the direction of arrow E ( FIG.  38   ) thereby creating a vacuum within the base  300  as previously discussed herein. This vacuum causes physiological sample to travel to the specimen collection pad  348  via the physiological sample channel  332  as previously discussed herein. With the physiological sample on the specimen collection pad  348  the dermal patch system  10  can be removed from the skin of the subject. Once removed, a user can separate the specimen collection pad  348  from the cartridge  12  by pulling the pull tab  18  which causes the perforation  20  to tear which allows the removal of the specimen collection pad  348  and analysis of the physiological sample captured by the specimen collection pad  348  by a medical professional. In some embodiments, a user of the dermal patch system  10  may send the separated specimen collection pad  348  with the physiological sample to a laboratory for analysis. 
     As previously discussed herein, a mechanism can be transitioned between a locked state and a released state. This mechanism includes the columns  124 , the ledges  142 , and the locking members  144 . An upper locking portion of the mechanism refers to the columns  124  and the ledges  142  while a locker locking portion refers to the locking members  144  as the columns  124  and the ledges  142  can be positioned vertically above the locking members  144 . The term upper interference portion refers to the top surface  142   a  of the ledges  142  as this surface interferes with the needle frame’s  108  ability to transfer to the deployed position when the mechanism is in the locked state. As used herein, a lower interference member refers to the columns  140  as the columns  140  interfere with the needle frame’s  108  ability to further extend beyond a desired position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  39  -  42   , the dermal patch system  10  with a specimen collection pad cartridge  500  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the figures and description herein, like reference numerals refer to previously discussed like elements and may not be further discussed for the sake of brevity. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  39   , the specimen collection pad cartridge  500  includes a first and second specimen collection pad holder  502 . The specimen collection pad holders  502  include a top surface  502   a  and an opposed bottom surface  502   b  and an opening  504  that extends between the top surface  502   a  and the bottom surface  502   b . The specimen collection pad holders  502  also include a specimen collection pad tray  506  that extends longitudinally from and perpendicular to an inner surface of the opening  504 . The openings  504  and the specimen collection pad tray  506  are shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the specimen collection pad  348 . 
     The specimen collection pad cartridge  500  further includes a hinge  508  that is coupled to the specimen collection pad holders  502 . The hinge  508  allows the specimen collection pad cartridge  500  to move between an open position ( FIG.  39   ) and a closed position ( FIG.  40   ). In the open position, each specimen collection pad holder  502  can accept a specimen collection pad  248 . After placing a specimen collection pad  248  into one of the specimen collection pad holders  502 , a user can move the specimen collection pad holders  502  in the direction of arrow F to place the specimen collection pad cartridge  500  in the closed position. 
     The specimen collection pad cartridge  500  also includes a pull tab  510  that is coupled to the hinge  508 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the pull tab  510  allows a user of the dermal patch system  10  to remove the specimen collection pad cartridge  500  from the base  300 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  41  and  42   , in this embodiment, the base  300  is modified to include an opening  358  that is shaped and dimensioned to accept the specimen collection pad holders  502  in the closed position. Further, in this embodiment, the surface  344  is modified to also accept the specimen collection pad holders  502 . Accordingly, the specimen collection pad receptacle  346  is shaped and dimensioned to accept the specimen collection pad holders  502 . The opening  358  is in open communication with the specimen collection pad receptacle  346 . As such, a user can insert the specimen collection pad holders  502  into the specimen collection pad receptacle  346  via the opening  358 . The adhesive layer  14  covers the opening  358  and the specimen collection pad receptacle  346  such that the adhesive layer  14  seals the specimen collection pad holders  502  within the specimen collection pad receptacle  346 . 
     When a specimen collection pad cartridge  500  with a specimen collection pad  348  is disposed within the specimen collection pad receptacle  346 , the specimen collection pad  348  can receive a physiological sample via the opening  352  of the cylinder as previously discussed herein. After collecting a physiological sample, and removal of the dermal patch system  10  from the subject’s skin, a user can remove the specimen collection pad cartridge  500  from the cartridge  12  by pulling the pull tab  510 . After removal, a user can open the specimen collection pad cartridge  500  to expose the specimen collection pad  348 . Once removed, the specimen collection pad  348  can be sent to a laboratory for further analysis. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  43  and  44   , the cover  200  with a first pipette access channel  360   a  and a second pipette access channel  360   b  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the figures and description herein, like reference numerals refer to previously discussed like elements and may not be further discussed for the sake of brevity. 
     The pipette access channels  360  extends at an angle (e.g., 45°) through the top wall  202 . Stated another way, the pipette access channels  360  extend at an angle between the outer surface  202   a  and the inner surface  202   b . The pipette access channels  360  are shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a tip and at least a portion of a neck of a pipette (e.g., a micropipette). When the cover  200  is coupled to the base  300 , the angle and position of the pipette access channels  360  directs a pipette towards the specimen collection pad  348 . 
     That is, in operation, a user may insert a tip of a pipette into the pipette access channels  360 , extend at least a portion of the pipette through the pipette access channel  360  in the direction of arrow G to access the specimen collection pad  348  via the viewing aperture  356 . In order to ensure the tip of the pipette has access to the specimen collection pad  348 , the user may view the specimen collection pad  348  and the pipette via the viewing aperture  210 . 
     A medical professional may obtain at least a portion of a drawn physiological sample absorbed by the collection pad via a pipette. In these embodiments, a pipette that holds a processing fluid (e.g., phosphate-buffered saline) may be inserted into the dermal patch system  10  via the first pipette access channel  360   a . Once the pipette is vertically above or contacts the specimen collection pad  348 , the medical professional may release the processing fluid from the pipette onto the specimen collection pad  348 . The processing fluid may then interact with at least a portion of a physiological sample held by the specimen collection pad  348  to form a solution that includes physiological sample (also referred to as a “processed physiological sample”). The medical professional may then use the same or a different pipette to then withdraw the processed physiological sample from the specimen collection pad  348  via the second pipette access channel  360   b . The processed physiological sample may then be further analyzed. 
     While  FIGS.  43  and  44    depict the cover  200  as including two pipette access channels  360 , in other embodiments, the cover  200  may include one pipette access channel  360 . In these embodiments, a medical professional inserts a pipette with the processing fluid to create the processed physiological sample and withdraws the processed physiological sample via the same pipette access channel  360 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  45   , in some embodiments wherein the cartridge  12  includes the QR code  22 , a user of a computer system  26  may scan the QR code  22  to update an EMR  28  stored in an EMR database  30  that is in communication with the computer system  26 . The user of the computer system may scan the QR code  22  before or after obtaining the physiological sample depending upon the location of the QR code  22  (e.g., on the outer surface  202   a  of the top wall  202  or on the adhesive layer  14 ). 
     In these embodiments, the computer system  26  may include an application that provides access to the EMR database  30  via a network connection and allows the user to photograph or scan the QR code  22 . As shown in  FIG.  45   , the EMR database  30  includes a plurality of EMRs  28  each of which is associated with an individual subject. The application causes the computer system  26  to scan or retrieve an image of the QR code  22 , analyze the QR code  22  and associate the QR code  22  with an EMR  28 . In some embodiments, the computer system  26  may then update the associated EMR  28  to indicate a physiological sample has been obtained. The computer system  26  may update the EMR  28  automatically or based on a user input. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  46   , a computer system  600  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The computer system  600  may serve as any computer system disclosed herein (e.g., the computer system  26 ). As used herein a computer system (or device) is any system/device capable of receiving, processing, and/or sending data. Computer systems include, but are not limited to, microprocessor-based systems, personal computers, servers, hand-held computing devices, tablets, smartphones, multiprocessor-based systems, mainframe computer systems, virtual reality (“VR”) headsets and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG.  46   , the computer system  600  includes one or more processors or processing units  602 , a system memory  604 , and a bus  606  that couples the various components of the computer system  600  including the system memory  604  to the processor  602 . The system memory  604  includes a computer readable storage medium  608  and volatile memory  610  (e.g., Random Access Memory, cache, etc.). As used herein, a computer readable storage medium includes any media that is capable of storing computer readable; program instructions and is accessible by a processor. The computer readable storage medium  608  includes non-volatile and non-transitory storage media (e.g., flash memory, read only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, etc.). Computer program instructions as described herein include program modules (e.g., routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, etc.) that are executable by a processor. Furthermore, computer readable program instructions, when executed by a processor, can direct a computer system to function in a particular manner such that a computer readable storage medium comprises an article of manufacture. Specifically, the computer readable program instructions when executed by a processor can create a means for carrying out at least a portion of the steps of the methods disclosed herein. 
     The bus  606  may be one or more of any type of bus structure capable of transmitting data between components of the computer system  600  (e.g., a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, etc.). 
     The computer system  600  may further include a communication adapter  612  which allows the computer system  600  to communicate with one or more other computer systems/devices via one or more communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, BTLE, etc.) and in some embodiments may allow the computer system  600  to communicate with one or more other computer systems/devices over one or more networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public network (the Internet), etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the computer system  600  may be connected to one or more external devices  614  and a display  616 . As used herein, an external device includes any device that allows a user to interact with a computer system (e.g., mouse, keyboard, touch screen, etc.). An external device  614  and the display  616  may be in communication with the processor  602  and the system memory  604  via an Input/Output (I/O) interface  618 . 
     The display  616  may display a graphical user interface (GUI) that may include a plurality of selectable icons and/or editable fields. A user may use an external device  614  (e.g., a mouse) to select one or more icons and/or edit one or more editable fields. Selecting an icon and/or editing a field may cause the processor  602  to execute computer readable program instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium  608 . In one example, a user may use an external device  614  to interact with the computer system  600  and cause the processor  602  to execute computer readable program instructions relating to at least a portion of the steps of the methods disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  47   , a cloud computing environment  700  is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The cloud computing environment  700  is connected to one or more user computer systems  702  and provides access to shared computer resources (e.g., storage, memory, applications, virtual machines, etc.) to the user computer systems  702 . As depicted in  FIG.  47   , the cloud computing environment includes one or more interconnected nodes  704 . Each node  704  may be a computer system or device local processing and storage capabilities. The nodes  704  may be grouped and in communication with one another via one or more networks. This allows the cloud computing environment  700  to offer software services to the one or more computer services to the one or more user computer systems  702  and as such, a user computer system  702  does not need to maintain resources locally. 
     In one embodiment, a node  704  includes computer readable program instructions for carrying out various steps of various methods disclosed herein. In these embodiments, a user of a user computer system  702  that is connected to the cloud computing environment may cause a node  704  to execute the computer readable program instructions to carry out various steps of various methods disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  48   , a method  800  for obtaining a physiological sample from a subject is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     At  802 , a user (e.g., a medical professional, a subject, etc.) applies the cartridge  12  to the skin of the subject via the adhesive layer  14  at a suitable location (e.gb., on a leg, arm, etc.) as previously discussed herein. 
     At  804 , the user inserts the lancet  100  into the cartridge  12  thereby causing the needle  158  of the lancet  100  to draw a physiological sample (e.g., a blood sample, a sample of interstitial fluid, etc.) from the subject as previously discussed herein. 
     At  806 , the user pulls the vacuum pin  400  to draw the physiological sample to the specimen collection pad  348  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  808 , the user removes the dermal patch system  10  from the skin of the subject as previously discussed herein. 
     At  810 , the user removes the physiological sample collection pad from the cartridge  12  (e.g., by causing the perforation  20  to tear) as previously discussed herein. In some embodiments, after removing the specimen collection pad  348  the user sends the specimen collection pad  348  to a laboratory for further analysis by a medical professional. 
     At  812 , a user of the computer system  26  scans the QR code  22  and updates an EMR  28  to indicate a physiological sample was collected from the subject as previously discussed herein. 
     As previously discussed, some of the steps of the various methods disclosed herein may be implemented by way of computer readable instructions, encoded or embedded on computer readable storage medium (which excludes transitory medium), which, when executed by a processor(s), cause the processor(s) to carry out various steps of the methods of the present disclosure. 
     While various embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing embodiments of the present disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. 
     In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other processing unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.