Patent Publication Number: US-2023147048-A1

Title: Dermal Patch for Collecting a Physiological Sample

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application a continuation of a granted U.S. patent entitled Dermal Patch for Collecting a Physiological Sample having patent Ser. No. 11,510,602 filed on Nov. 8, 2021 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following relates to dermal patches and more particularly to dermal patches for collection and/or analysis of a physiological sample. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Biomarkers are increasingly employed for diagnosis of various disease conditions as well as for assessing treatment protocols. Unfortunately, the invasive nature of drawing a blood sample from a subject can cause discomfort and may lead to less cooperation from the subject, especially children, and hence render obtaining the blood sample difficult. 
     Some recently developed dermal patches allow for the detection of target biomarkers, but typically suffer from a number of shortcomings, such as low sensitivity and/or specificity. Some dermal patches allow a user to collect a physiological sample in order to send the collected sample to a laboratory for analysis. 
     There is still a need for dermal patches that can allow facile collection of a physiological sample (e.g., a blood sample) in a variety of environments for storage and/or for in-situ analysis. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure address the above-referenced problems and/or others. 
     In one aspect, a dermal patch for collecting, and optionally analyzing, a physiological sample includes a housing (herein also referred to as a “frame”) that includes a sample collection chamber, a sample fluidic channel and a pin within a receptacle of the housing. The sample fluidic channel is configured to direct a physiological sample drawn from a subject to the collection chamber. The pin is removably positioned within the receptacle and is configured to be moved (e.g., it can be pulled by a user) from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The pin is configured to seal the receptacle when in the undeployed position and is further configured to facilitate generation of a negative pressure in the sample fluidic channel when the pin is moved from the undeployed to the deployed position. The physiological sample can include, but is not limited to blood and interstitial fluid 
     In some embodiments, the housing also includes an opening that is covered by a septum. When the dermal patch is attached to a subject&#39;s skin, the septum may be punctured by a lancet thereby allowing access to the subject&#39;s skin, which can be punctured by the lancet via passage through the punctured septum and the opening below the septum to allow drawing a physiological sample for collection and/or analysis. In some embodiments, the septum is formed of a self-healing polymeric material (e.g., Polyisoprene and thermoplastic elastomers (“TPE”)), which can create a sealed surface after withdrawal of the lancet such that the physiological sample (e.g., blood and/or interstitial fluid) will be drawn into the collection chamber via passage in the space between the bottom of the septum and the skin, e.g., in a manner discussed in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the dermal patch further includes a processing fluid reservoir (e.g., a processing fluid pouch), such as a fluid pack, that is coupled to the housing, e.g., disposed within the housing. A variety of processing fluids may be stored within the processing fluid pouch. By way of example, and without limitation, the processing fluid may be an anti-coagulant (e.g., heparin or a protease inhibitor), a reagent, and/or a buffer. For example, a plurality of buffer formulations, such as lysing buffers, are known and can be incorporated in various embodiments of a dermal patch according to the present teachings. 
     In some embodiments, the dermal patch also includes a slider that is slidably coupled to the housing. The slider is moveable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the slider causes the release of the processing fluid from the fluid pouch. In some embodiments, the housing may also include a processing fluidic channel that directs the released processing fluid to the collection chamber, e.g., to be mixed and interact with a collected physiological sample, e.g., blood. 
     In other embodiments, the dermal patch includes a detector (herein also referred to as a sensor) that is in communication with the collection chamber. The detector can generate one or more signals indicative of the presence of a target analyte in a drawn physiological sample or a processed physiological sample. When the processing fluid and the physiological sample enter the collection chamber, they mix and interact to form a processed physiological sample. In some embodiments, the interaction of the drawn physiological sample and the processing fluid can prepare the sample for storage and/or in-situ analysis. 
     The detector incorporated in a dermal patch according to the present teachings can be used to detect a variety of analytes. Further, in some embodiments, the detector can be a calibrated detector that can not only detect, but also quantify, an analyte of interest, when present in the drawn physiological sample. By way of example and without limitation, the target analyte may include a biomarker including, but not limited to, troponin, brain natriuretic peptide (BnP), myelin basic protein (MBP), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isoenzyme Ll (UCHL-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100-B, Cardiac troponin I protein (cTnl), Cardiac troponin T protein (cTnT), C-reactive protein (CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), Myeloperoxidase, Creatine kinase MB, Myoglobin, Hemoglobin, or HbA1C. In some embodiments, the target analyte may be a pathogen, e.g., a bacterium or a virus. Further, a variety of detectors can be employed in the practice of the present teachings. Some examples of suitable detectors can include, without limitation, a lateral flow detector, an electrochemical detector, or a graphene-based detector. 
     In some embodiments, the dermal patch also includes an absorbent element (hereinafter also referred to as absorbent pad) that is disposed in the collection chamber and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the drawn physiological sample. The absorbent element can be used to store the collected physiological sample for analysis. For example, the absorbent element may be removed from the patch and sent to a laboratory for analysis of the collected sample. By way of example and without limitation, the absorbent element can be a filter paper matrix, (e.g., a nitrocellulose strip), microfiber filters, gauze, non-woven sheets, polymers, etc. In other embodiments, the absorbent element may be left in the dermal patch and the dermal patch may be sent to a lab for further analysis. At the lab, a technician may remove the absorbent element form the dermal patch to analyze the physiological sample. 
     In some embodiments, the dermal patch also includes an adhesive layer for attaching the dermal patch to the subject&#39;s skin. 
     In another aspect, a method for collecting a physiological sample includes applying a dermal patch to a subject&#39;s skin, puncturing the subject&#39;s skin, drawing the physiological sample, releasing a processing fluid stored within the dermal patch, causing the drawn physiological sample and the released processing fluid to mix (e.g., by directing the drawn physiological sample and the released processing fluid to a collection chamber of the dermal patch). In some embodiments, the sample and the processing fluid mix and interact within the collection chamber to form a processed physiological sample and the method further includes detecting a target analyte within the processed physiological sample with a detector that is in communication with the collection chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the dermal patch can include multiple fluid reservoirs (e.g., multiple fluid pouches), for example, for storing different processing fluids. The fluid reservoirs can be activated, e.g., concurrently or in any desirable sequence, to release the processing fluid contained therein for use, for example, in an assay performed on the collected physiological sample. For example, the processing fluids can flow through one or more fluidic channels to mix with the sample and/or be delivered to a detector in order to take part in the assay, e.g., through mixing and/or delivery to the detector (e.g., via deposition on a lateral flow assay (LFA) strip and/or other types of detector. 
     Further understanding of various aspects of the present teachings can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the associated drawings, which are described briefly below. 
    
    
     
       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 purposes 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 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross sectional view of a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross sectional view of a pin that can be activated to generate a negative pressure in one or more channels of a dermal patch to facilitate the drawing of a physiological sample in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    schematically depicts the pin of a dermal patch shown in  FIG.  3    being transitioned from an undeployed position to a deployed position via removal from a receptacle on the dermal patch housing the pin; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross sectional view of a slider of a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    depicts a slider of a dermal patch in an undeployed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    depicts a slider of a dermal patch in a deployed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    diagrammatically illustrates a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    depicts diagrammatically a computer system that can be utilized to analyze data generated by a detector incorporated in a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    depicts a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    is a cross sectional view of a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross sectional view of a lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross sectional view of a cover of a lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  14    is a cross sectional view of a needle platform of a lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross sectional view of a lancet connected to a dermal patch, wherein the lancet is in an undeployed position lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  16    is a cross sectional view of a lancet connected to a dermal patch, wherein the lancet is in a deployed position lancet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  17    depicts a pin of a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  18    diagrammatically illustrates a dermal patch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  19    diagrammatically illustrates a dermal patch with two collection reservoirs in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a method for detecting a target analyte in a physiological sample in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  21    depicts a dermal patch with a quick response (“QR) code in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  22    depicts a cloud computing environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a method for automatically updating an electronic medical record (“EMR”) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  24    depicts a dermal patch with a QR code and a moveable cover in a closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  25    depicts a dermal patch with a QR code and a moveable cover in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  26    depicts a bottom surface of a dermal patch with a skin sensor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  27    depicts a method for unlocking a dermal patch to draw a physiological sample in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  28    depicts another method for unlocking a dermal patch to draw a physiological sample in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  29    depicts a dermal patch in communication with two smartphones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  30    depicts another method for unlocking a dermal patch to draw a physiological sample in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  31    depicts a metaverse network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  32    diagrammatically a computer system that can connect to a metaverse network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG.  33    depicts a metaverse in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a dermal patch that may be utilized to collect and store a physiological sample (e.g., blood, interstitial fluid, etc.) and/or analyze a collected physiological sample, e.g., detect an analyte of interest in the collected physiological sample. 
     In some embodiments, a dermal patch that is used to collect a physiological sample may include a processing fluid (e.g., reagent, buffer, anticoagulant, etc.). The processing fluid may be suitable for preserving the physiological sample and/or preparing the sample for analysis. Providing a dermal patch that includes a processing fluid contained within a reservoir incorporated in the patch allows for the collection and preservation of a physiological sample within the dermal patch. Such a dermal patch can allow for facile collection and analysis of a physiological sample, e.g., in the field, at a medical facility, or even at home. 
     In other embodiments, a dermal patch that is used to detect a target analyte (e.g., a biomarker) in a physiological sample includes a processing fluid and a detector that can detect a target analyte. The processing fluid may be suitable for amplification of a target analyte (e.g., a primer). Providing a dermal patch that includes a processing fluid and a detector allows for the drawing of a physiological sample and the detection of a target analyte within the dermal patch. Such a dermal patch may allow a user of the dermal patch to detect an analyte in a drawn physiological sample themselves at home. 
     Various terms are used herein in accordance with their ordinary meanings in the art, unless indicated otherwise. The term “about,” as used herein, denotes a deviation of at most 10% relative to a numerical value. 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 “lancet” is used herein to broadly refer to an element that can be used to provide a passageway, or facilitate the production of a passageway, for collecting a physiological sample, such as a blood or an interstitial fluid sample through a patient&#39;s skin, e.g., via puncturing the subject&#39;s skin. 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 passage of at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the visible light therethrough. The term “vacuum,” as used herein, refers to a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure, and more particularly to a pressure that can facilitate the extraction of a physiological sample from a subject. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 8    a dermal patch  100  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The dermal patch  100  includes a top portion  200  and a bottom portion  300  that is coupled to the top portion  200 . In some embodiments, the top portion  200  is removably coupled to the bottom portion  300 . For example, in this embodiment, the top portion  200  and the bottom portion  300  are formed as two separate components that are removably coupled to one another. In another embodiment, the top portion  200  and the bottom portion  300  form an integral unitary patch. In some embodiments, the top portion  200  may be coupled to the bottom portion  300  via double sided adhesive, laser welding, press fitting or a combination thereof. 
     The top portion  200  and the bottom portion  300  may be formed using a variety of suitable materials including, but not limited to, polymeric materials, e.g., polyolefins, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), polyurethanes, polynorbornenes, polyethers, polyacrylates, polyamides (Polyether block amide also referred to as Pebax®), polysiloxanes, polyether amides, polyether esters, trans-polyisoprenes, 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, and photocross linkable polymers. In some embodiments, some of the top portion  200  may be formed poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to allow visibility of components disposed with the bottom portion  300 . 
     The top portion  200  includes a top surface  202  and an opposed bottom surface  204  and the bottom portion  300  includes a top surface  302  and an opposed bottom surface  304 . When the top portion  200  is coupled to the bottom portion  300 , the bottom surface  204  of the top portion  200  contacts the top surface  302  of the bottom portion  300 . The top portion  200  and the bottom portion  300  define an aperture  102  that extends through the top and the bottom portions  200 / 300 . Stated another way, the aperture  102  extends between the top surface  202  of top portion  200  and the bottom surface  304  of the bottom portion  300 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the bottom portion  300  includes a plurality of channels. In order to seal these channels, a film (e.g., a polymeric film) may be applied to the surface  302 . 
     The dermal patch  100  also includes an adhesive layer  104  disposed on the bottom surface  304  of the bottom portion  300  and surrounds the aperture  102  such that the adhesive layer  104  does not cover the aperture  102 . In use the dermal patch  100  may be attached to a subject&#39;s skin via the adhesive layer  104 . The adhesive layer  104  may be laminated to or heat/laser/adhesively bonded to the bottom surface  304 . The dermal patch  100  may be attached anywhere on the subject&#39;s skin capable of supporting the dermal patch  100  (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  104  and may be removed to expose the adhesive surface for attachment onto the subject&#39;s skin. 
     The dermal patch  100  further includes a septum  106 , which extends longitudinally along the top surface  302  of the bottom portion  300  so as to cover at least a portion of the aperture  102 . The septum  106  may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polyisoprene, and may be configured such that it can be punctured via a lancet, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the thickness of the septum  106  can be in a range of about 0.015″ to about 0.040″ (e.g., 0.020″). 
     Once the dermal patch  100  is attached to a subject&#39;s skin, a user (e.g., the subject wearing the dermal patch  100 , a physician, a caretaker, etc.) may use a lancet  108  to puncture the septum  106  and further extend the lancet through the aperture  102  to puncture the subject&#39;s skin, thereby providing access for drawing a physiological sample (e.g., blood, interstitial fluid, etc.) from the subject. In some embodiments, the septum  106  may be self-sealing. In these embodiments, after the lancet  108  has been retracted from the septum  106 , the septum  106  seals and creates a sealed surface such that the drawn physiological sample can flow within a space between a bottom surface of the septum  106  and the skin of the subject (e.g., for collection in a collection chamber of the dermal patch  100 ). 
     The bottom portion  300  further includes a pin receptacle  306  that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a pin  400  and retain the pin  400  in place via an interference fit. The base portion also includes a vacuum channel  308  that is in fluid communication with the pin receptacle  306 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the distal portion of the pin  400  can include a plurality of grooves in which O-rings can be positioned such that when the pin  400  is engaged within the pin receptable  306  (e.g., when the pin  400  is in an undeployed position), the pin  400  forms an airtight seal within the pin receptacle  306 . As will be discussed in further detail herein, the distal portion of the pin  400  can include a plurality of grooves in which sealing elements (O-rings in this embodiment) can be positioned such that when the pin  400  is engaged within the pin receptable  306  (e.g., when the pin  400  is in an undeployed position), the pin  400  forms an airtight seal within the pin receptacle  306  to allow application of a positive or a negative pressure as needed, as described in more detail below. 
     More specifically, referring now to  FIG.  3    the pin  400  includes a cylindrical barrel  402 , which includes an outer surface  404  that extends between a proximal end  406  and a distal end  408  of the barrel  402 . The outer surface  404  defines a plurality of grooves  410  that extend circumferentially about the barrel  402 . The grooves  410  are shaped and dimensioned to retain elastomeric O-rings  412 . When the barrel  402  is positioned within the pin receptacle  306  (hereinafter referred to as “an undeployed position”), the elastomeric O-rings  412  contact the surface of the pin receptacle  306  to create an airtight seal between the barrel  402  and the inner surface of the pin receptacle  306 . While  FIGS.  2  and  3    depict the pin  400  as including the O-rings  412 , in other embodiments, the pin  400  may include a single elastomeric piece, an overmold with a solid substrate and elastomeric O-rings or flaps that create the seal between the pin  400  and the surface of the pin receptacle  306 . 
     The pin  400  further includes a handle  414  that is connected to the barrel  402  and extends external to the pin receptacle  306  when the barrel  402  is within the pin receptacle  306  and hence can be employed to remove the barrel  402  from the pin receptacle  306  and generate a vacuum for drawing a physiological sample. In some embodiments, for example after the pin has been removed and air has entered into the pin receptacle  306 , the pin can be reinserted into the pin receptacle  306  thereby creating a positive pressure to further facilitate fluidic flow. 
     Stated another way, when the pin  400  is in the undeployed position, the handle  414  is accessible to a user. In use, subsequent to puncturing the skin of a subject (e.g., by using the lancet  108  in a manner discussed above) a user can pull the handle  414 , e.g., using a draw string (not shown) attached to the handle  414 , in the direction of arrow A ( FIG.  4   ), to remove the barrel  402  from the pin receptacle  306  (hereinafter referred to as a “deployed position”). Removing the barrel  402  from the pin receptacle  306  creates a vacuum within a vacuum channel  308 , which is in fluid communication with a physiological sample channel  310  (or simply a “sample channel”). Thus, removing the pin barrel  402  from the pin receptacle  306  results in the generation of a vacuum within the sample channel  310 , thereby facilitating the drawing of a physiological sample from the subject and directing the drawn physiological sample into a collection chamber  312 . More specifically, the sample channel  310  is in fluid communication with the aperture  102  and the collection chamber  312 , which is in turn in fluid communication with the vacuum channel  308 , and the sample channel  310 . As such, the sample channel  310  is in fluid communication with the vacuum channel  308  and hence can deliver the drawn physiological sample to the collection chamber  312  upon creation of a vacuum within the vacuum channel  308 . 
     In some embodiments, after the pin  400  has been removed from the pin receptacle  306  to generate a vacuum for drawing a physiological sample, the pin  400  may be placed back into the pin receptacle  306  for storage. When placed back into the pin receptacle  306  the pin  400  displaces air within the pin receptacle  306  thereby creating positive pressure within the vacuum channel  308 . 
     In this embodiment, the dermal patch  100  further includes a reservoir in the form of a fluid pouch  500  formed of a frangible membrane that provides a sealed enclosure for storing a processing fluid for processing/stabilizing or otherwise treating a physiological sample drawn from the subject. Further, the dermal patch  100  includes an actuator in the form of a slider  600  that can be actuated to release the processing fluid from the fluid pouch  500 . While  FIG.  2    depicts the processing fluid as being stored in the fluid pouch  500 , in other embodiments, the processing fluid may be stored in the dermal patch  100  by other means. For example, the processing fluid may be directly stored in a reservoir molded into the bottom portion  300 . 
     In particular, referring to  FIG.  2   , the top portion  200  and the bottom portion  300  include channels  206  and  314  positioned in tandem and shaped and dimensioned to receive different portions of a slider  600  so as to retain the slider  600  in engagement with the rest of the dermal patch  100 . Stated another way, the two channels cooperatively provide a receptable for receiving the slider  600 .  FIG.  1    shows the slider  600  in an undeployed position. As discussed below, the slider  600  can be moved from the undeployed position to a deployed position to cause the release of a processing liquid from a reservoir provided in the dermal patch  100 . 
     More specifically, with reference to  FIG.  5   , the slider  600  extends horizontally between a proximal end  602  and a distal end  604  and extends vertically between a top surface  606  and a bottom surface  608 . The bottom surface  608  includes a concave portion  610  that is in contact with a processing fluid pouch  500 . In this embodiment the curvature of the concave portion  610  substantially matches the convex curvature of the frangible membrane of the fluid pouch  500 . 
     The slider  600  includes a channel  612  that divides the slider  600  into a top portion  614  and a bottom portion  616 . The channel  612  can engage with top raised ledges of the channels  314  and  206  provided in the top portion  200  and the bottom portion  300  of the dermal patch  100 , respectively, such that the top portion  614  of the slider  600  is accessible to a user while the bottom portion  616  is within the dermal patch  100 . 
     The slider  600  is moveable between an undeployed position ( FIGS.  1  and  6   ) and a deployed position ( FIG.  7   ) by moving the slider  600  in the direction of arrow B ( FIG.  6   ) such that the proximal end  602  of the slider  600  moves further into the channel  206  and the concave portion  610  of the slider  600  presses against the frangible membrane of the processing fluid pouch  500  into a puncture element  316  provided in a well  318  that is positioned below the fluid pouch  500 , thereby rupturing the frangible membrane of the processing fluid pouch  500  and releasing the processing fluid stored therein. In some embodiments, rather than employing a frangible membrane, a flexible membrane can be used that does not rupture under applied pressure sufficient to cause the release of at least a portion of a liquid stored in the reservoir, e.g., via a one-way valve positioned in the bottom of the reservoir. The released processing fluid enters the well  318  and flows into a processing fluid channel  320  provided in the base portion. The processing fluid channel  320  provides a passageway for carrying the processing fluid to the collection chamber  312 . 
     A variety of processing liquids (e.g., reagents, buffers, anticoagulants (e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)), primers, etc.) can be stored within the sealed enclosure of the processing fluid pouch  500 . In some embodiments, the processing fluid is suitable for preserving a physiological sample including, but not limited to, an anti-coagulant (e.g., heparin, a protease inhibitor, etc.). In other embodiments, the processing fluid is suitable for isothermal amplification of a target analyte, including but not limited to, a primer. 
     When the processing fluid and the physiological sample enter collection chamber  312 , the processing fluid mixes and interacts with the physiological sample to form a processed physiological sample. In some embodiments, a physiological sample within the collection chamber  312  can be captured using an absorbent element (e.g., a nitrocellulose strip, a microfiber filter, gauze, a non-woven sheet, a polymer, etc.). In such embodiments, the absorbent element can be removed from the collection chamber  312  and be utilized, for example, for analysis of the collected physiological sample. In some embodiments, collected physiological sample can be subjected to genetic analysis (e.g., to detected a genetic marker indicative of susceptibility of a subject to a particular disease). 
     In some embodiments, a detector  110  may be positioned within the collection chamber  312  to receive at least a portion of the collected physiological sample and provide analysis of the sample, e.g., to detect one or more analytes of interest within the sample. Further, in some embodiments, a dermal patch according to the present teachings may include two or more collection chambers  312  into each of which a portion of a drawn physiological sample is directed. In such embodiments, at least one of the collection chambers  312  may include a detector  110  for analysis of the drawn physiological sample and at least another one of the collection chambers  312  may be utilized for collection of a sample to be analyzed external to the dermal patch. In some embodiments in which the dermal patch  100  includes a plurality of collection chambers  312 , the dermal patch  100  may include a plurality of detectors  110  each in communication with at least one of the collection chambers  312 . For example, the dermal patch  100  may include a first, a second, and a third collection chamber  312 . In this embodiment, the dermal patch may include a first detector  110  in communication with the first collection chamber  312 , a second detector  110  in communication with the second collection chamber  312 , and a third detector  110  in communication with the third collection chamber  312 . 
     In one embodiment, as depicted in  FIG.  8   , the detector  110  is positioned within the collection chamber  312 . The detector  110  is configured to detect a target analyte within the processed physiological sample. In some embodiments, the detector  110  may detect a target analyte when the concentration of the target analyte within the processed sample is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., a limit-of detection (LOD)). 
     The detector  110  may be any detector capable of detecting a target analyte (e.g., a graphene-based detector, a chemical detector, a lateral flow detector, a DNA sequencing detector, an RNA sequencing detector, etc.). In some embodiments, the detector  110  may be capable of generating a signal indicative of presence of the target analyte in the drawn physiological sample. In some embodiments, the detector  110  may be calibrated to allow quantification of a target analyte, when present in a drawn physiological sample. Furthermore, the detector  110  may be a passive detector or an active detector and may provide chromatographic or “photo-visual,” or digital readouts (e.g., a colorimetric detector, an immunoassay detector including lateral flow detectors, isothermal amplification detection systems, etc.). In some embodiments in which a colorimetric detector is employed, at least a portion of the dermal patch  100  may include a transparent window to allow the visualization of the detector  110 . 
     In other embodiments, other suitable means for interrogating the processed physiological sample may be employed. By way of example, in some cases, the interrogation of a processed physiological sample may be achieved without the need for direct contact between a detector  110  and the sample (e.g., optical techniques, such as fluorescent and/or Raman techniques). 
     In some embodiments, the target analyte may be a pathogen (e.g., a virus, a bacterium, etc.). In these embodiments, the detector  110  may be configured to detect such a pathogen via the detection of a protein and/or a genetic material thereof (e.g., segments of its DNA and/or RNA). In other embodiments, the detector  110  may be a lateral flow detector that may be employed to detect a hormone. In other embodiments, the target analyte may be a biomarker (e.g., a biomarker that may be indicative of a disease condition (e.g., organ damage)). In these embodiments, the biomarker may be indicative of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including a mild TBI. Some examples of such biomarkers include, but are not limited to, myelin basic protein (MBP), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isoenzyme L1 (UCHL-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and S100-B. 
     In other embodiments, the detector  110  may be configured to detect other biomarkers, such as troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BnP). Other examples include, but are not limited to, Cardiac troponin I protein (cTnl), Cardiac troponin T protein (cTnT), C-reactive protein (CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), Myeloperoxidase, Creatine kinase MB, Myoglobin, Hemoglobin, and HbA1C. 
     In some embodiments, detector  110  may be configured to generate signals indicative of levels of UCHL-1 and GFAP. These proteins are released from the brain into blood within 12 hours of head injury. The levels of these two proteins measured by the detector  110  according to the present disclosure after a mild TBI may help identify those patients that may have intracranial lesions. 
     In other embodiments, a biomarker detected by the detector may include biomarkers associated with an immune response (i.e., CD4) and other biomarkers associated with specific diseases/conditions (i.e., biomarkers associated with HIV, Malaria, Syphilis, pregnancy, etc.) In general, a dermal patch according to the present teachings can be configured, e.g., using a suitable detector, to detect any blood-based biomarker of interest in a blood sample drawn from a subject, such as those disclosed herein. 
     In one embodiment, a target analyte may be detected by the detector  110  when the detector  110  is a graphene-based detector that includes a graphene layer that is functionalized with a moiety (e.g., an antibody, an aptamer, an oligonucleotide, etc.) that exhibits specific binding to that target analyte (e.g., a protein, a DNA segment) such that upon binding of the target analyte to that moiety an electrical property of the underlying graphene layer changes, thus indicating the presence of the target analyte in the sample. By way of example, the detection of a target analyte may be achieved by using a graphene-based detector and/or an electrochemical detector that is functionalized with a probe, such as an antibody and/or aptamer, which exhibits specific binding to that target analyte, though other sensing technologies may also be utilized. 
     In another embodiment, the detector  110  may be an electrochemical detector that functions in a faradaic or non-faradaic mode to detect a target analyte of interest. For example, such an electrochemical detector may include a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. By way of example, in some embodiments, the reference electrode may be functionalized with a moiety that exhibits specific binding to a target analyte such that upon binding of that target analyte, when present in the sample, to the moiety, a change in the current through the circuit may be detected. 
     In some embodiments, at least one serum-separation element may be associated with the detector  110  for receiving blood and separating a serum/plasma component of the blood for introduction into the detector  110 . 
     The serum-separating element may include a fibrous element that is configured to capture one or more cellular components of a drawn blood sample so as to separate a plasma/serum component of the blood for analysis. In some embodiments, the serum-separating element can be a nitrocellulose strip. The use of such a fibrous element, and in particular a nitrocellulose strip, may allow sufficient fractionation of the blood to enhance significantly the sensitivity/specificity of detection of analytes (e.g., biomarkers) in the separated serum, especially using a graphene-based detector. In other words, although the use of a nitrocellulose strip in the dermal patch  100  according to some embodiments may not result in fractionation of the whole blood sample with the same degree of separation quality that is achievable via traditional fractionation methods, such as differential centrifugation; nonetheless, use of such a nitrocellulose strip in embodiments of the dermal patch  100  may significantly enhance the sensitivity/specificity for the detection of a variety of analytes (e.g., biomarkers) using a variety of detectors, such as graphene-based detectors, relative to the use of a whole blood sample for such detection. In some embodiments in which the detector  110  is a graphene-based detector, the nitrocellulose strip may be positioned within the collection chamber  312  and coupled to the detector  110  and the detector  110  may detect the target analyte via the nitrocellulose strip. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, the serum-separation element may include at least one fibrous membrane configured to capture at least a portion of one or more cellular components of the received blood, thereby separating a serum (or a plasma) component of the blood. In some embodiments, the separated plasma or the serum component may still include some cellular elements. Even without having a level of fractionation that is achieved via traditional methods, such as differential centrifugation, the separated serum component may be utilized to achieve an enhanced detection sensitivity/specificity relative to using whole blood for detecting, and optionally quantifying, a variety of target analytes in a drawn blood sample. Some examples of such target analytes may include, without limitation, a biomarker (e.g., troponin, brain natriuretic peptide (BnP), or other biomarkers including those disclosed herein). 
     The separated serum component may include any of a plurality of red blood cells and/or a plurality of white blood cells and/or platelets. However, the concentration of such cellular components in the separated serum component may be less than that in the whole blood by a factor in a range of about  2  to about  1000 , though lower concentrations may also be achieved. 
     While the above describes the dermal patch  100  as including the detector  110 , in other embodiments, the detector  110  may be omitted. In these embodiments, the collection chamber  312  may be configured to store the processed physiological sample so that the processed physiological sample may be analyzed at a later time as previously discussed herein. Furthermore, in such embodiments, an absorbent element (e.g., a nitrocellulose strip, a microfiber filter, gauze, a non-woven sheet, a polymer, etc.) may be in communication with the collection chamber  312  to collect at least a portion of the drawn physiological sample. For example, in one embodiment where the collection chamber  312  stores the drawn physiological sample for later testing, a laboratory technician may remove the drawn physiological sample from the dermal patch  100  and employ a detector or another device that is external to the dermal patch  100  to analyze the drawn physiological sample (e.g., for further genetic testing). 
     In some embodiments, after the physiological sample is collected (e.g., by contacting the drawn physiological sample to the absorbent element), the user of the dermal patch  100  may place the dermal patch  100  into a secure travel safe bag. This bag can be humidity controlled, or temperature controlled or oxygen controlled, or UV/Light controlled or for any purpose required to store the physiological sample. 
     As further depicted in  FIG.  1   , the dermal patch  100  may house a computer system (e.g., in the form of a programmed ASIC)  700  that is in communication with the detector  110 . The connection between the computer system  700  and the detector  110  may be established via any of a wired or wireless protocol. In some embodiments, the computer system  700  and/or the detector  110  can be supplied with power via an on-board power supply (e.g., a battery incorporated within the dermal patch  100 ). Alternatively, in some implementations, the computer system  700  and/or the detector  110  can be provided with power via an external device (e.g., a wearable device). Such transfer of power from an external device may be achieved using techniques known in the art, such as inductive coupling between two elements (e.g., two coils) provided in the dermal patch  100  and the external device. 
     As will be discussed in further detail herein, the computer system  700  receives one or more signals (e.g., detection signals) generated by the detector  110  and determines whether the target analyte is present in the drawn physiological sample at a quantity above the detector&#39;s limit-of-detection (LOD). In some embodiments, the computer system  700  may be configured to determine a quantitative level of the target analyte (e.g., the concentration of the target analyte in the collected sample) based on the received signals, e.g., by employing one or more calibration tables. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , the computer system  700  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 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.  9   , the computer system  700  includes one or more processors or processing units  702 , a system memory  704 , and a bus  706  that couples various components of the computer system  700  including the system memory  704  to the processor  702 . 
     The system memory  704  includes a computer readable storage medium  708  and volatile memory  710  (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 computer system. The computer readable storage medium  708  includes non-volatile and non-transitory storage media (e.g., flash memory, read only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, etc.). Computer readable 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 (e.g., the computer system  700 ) to function in a particular manner such that a computer readable storage medium (e.g., the computer readable storage medium  708 ) comprises an article of manufacture. Specifically, when the computer readable program instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium  708  are executed by the processor  702  they create means for determining a presence of a target analyte as a function of signals sent by the detector  110  and optionally for quantifying a level of a target analyte as a function of signals sent by the detector  110  (e.g., the steps  814  and  816  of the method  800 ). 
     The bus  706  may be one or more of any type of bus structure capable of transmitting data between components of the computer system  700  (e.g., a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, etc.). 
     The computer system  700  may further include a communication adapter  712  which allows the computer system  700  to communicate with one or more other computer systems/devices via one or communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, BTLE, etc.) and in some embodiments may allow the computer system  700  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  700  may be connected to one or more external devices  714  and a display  716 . 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  714  and the display  716  may be in communication with the processor  702  and the system memory  704  via an Input/Output (I/O) interface  718 . 
     The display  716  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  714  (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  702  to execute computer readable program instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium  708 . In one example, a user may use an external device  714  to interact with the computer system  700  and cause the processor  702  to execute computer readable program instructions relating to at least a portion of steps of the methods disclosed herein. 
     While  FIG.  1    depicts the dermal patch  100  as including the computer system  700 , in some embodiments, the computer system  700  may be omitted. In these embodiments, the detector  110  may detect the target analyte without any computer system  700  needed (e.g., a lateral flow assay). When the detector  110  is a lateral flow assay, the top portion  200  may include a window that allows for visual inspection of the detector  110 . Such visual inspection can be used to observe the result of the test provided by the detector  110 . Furthermore, in other embodiments the computer system  700  may be external from the dermal patch  100 . In these embodiments, the computer system  700  may be in wireless communication with the detector  110  as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 - 19   , another dermal patch  800  is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As will be discussed in further detail herein, the dermal patch  800  is similar to the dermal patch  100 , however in the dermal patch  800 , the detector  110  and the fluid pouch  500  has been omitted. 
     The dermal patch  800  includes a housing  802 . The housing  802  may be formed using a variety of suitable materials including, but not limited to, polymeric materials, e.g., polyolefins, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), polyurethanes, polynorbornenes, polyethers, polyacrylates, polyamides (Polyether block amide also referred to as Pebax®), polysiloxanes, polyether amides, polyether esters, trans-polyisoprenes, 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, and photocrosslinkable polymers. In some embodiments, some of the housing  802  may be formed poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to allow visibility of components disposed within the housing  802 . 
     The housing  802  includes a top surface  804  and an opposed bottom surface  806 . The housing  800  defines an aperture  808  that extends through the housing  802 . Stated another way, the aperture  808  extends between the top surface  804  and the bottom surface  806 . 
     The dermal patch  800  also includes an adhesive layer  810  disposed on the bottom surface  806  thereof and surrounds the aperture  808  such that the adhesive layer  810  does not cover the aperture  808 . In use, the dermal patch  800  may be attached to a subject&#39;s skin as previously discussed herein with respect to the dermal patch  100 . In some embodiments, a removeable protective liner may cover the adhesive layer as previously discussed herein. 
     The dermal patch  800  also includes a septum  812  which extends longitudinally throughout the housing  802  such that the septum  812  covers the aperture  808 . The septum  812  may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polyisoprene, and may be configured such that it can be punctured via a lancet, as previously discussed with respect to the septum  106 . In some embodiments, the thickness of the septum  812  can be in a range of about 0.015″ to about 0.040″. 
     In some embodiments, the septum  812  may be omitted. In these embodiments, a lancet  900  (depicted in  FIGS.  12 - 14   ) that engages with the aperture  808  and seals the dermal patch  800  such that a vacuum may be created within the dermal patch  800  may be employed to draw a physiological sample as discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the lancet  900  is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The lancet  900  includes an outer wall  902 , a concentric inner wall  904  and a cover  906 . The inner wall  904  is retained within the outer wall  902  and the cover  906  is coupled to the outer wall  902  such that the cover  906  seals the lancet  900 . 
     The outer wall  902  includes generally cylindrical wall  908 . The wall  908  includes an outer surface  908   a , an opposed inner surface  908   b , a top surface  908   c , and a bottom surface  908   d . The outer surface  908   a  and the inner surface  908   b  extend vertically between the top surface  908   c  and the bottom surface  908   d  and the top surface  908   c  and the bottom surface  908   d  extend horizontally between the outer surface  908   a  and the inner surface  908   b . The wall  908  further includes a ledge  908   e  that extends circumferentially within the outer wall  902 . 
     The inner surface  908   b  defines an inner chamber  910  of the outer wall  902 . The wall  908  includes plurality of apertures  912  that extend through the wall  908 . Stated another way, the apertures  912  extend between the outer surface  908   a  and the inner surface  908   b  of the wall  908 . The wall  908  also includes a groove  914  that extends circumferentially around the wall  908 . The groove  914  is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate an elastomeric O-ring  916  such that the elastomeric O-ring  916  is retained within the groove  918 . 
     The cover  906  includes a top wall  918  with a top surface  918   a  and a bottom surface  918   b . When the cover  906  is coupled to the outer wall  902 , the bottom surface  918   b  contacts the top surface  908   c  of the wall  908 . 
     The cover  906  further includes an outer wall  920  that extends vertically from the top wall  918 . Specifically, the outer wall  920  extends from the bottom surface  918   b  of the top wall  918 . The outer wall  920  includes an outer surface  920   a , an opposed inner surface  920   b , and a bottom surface  920   c . The outer surface  920   a  and the inner surface  920   b  extend vertically between the bottom surface  918   b  of the top wall  918  and the bottom surface  920   c . The bottom surface  920   c  extends horizontally between the outer surface  920   a  and the inner surface  920   b . Furthermore, when the cover  906  is coupled to the outer wall  902 , the outer surface  920   a  contacts the inner surface  908   b  of the wall  908 . 
     The cover  906  also includes an inner wall  922  that extends vertically from the top wall  918 . Specifically, the inner wall  922  extends from the bottom surface  918   b  of the top wall  918 . The inner wall  922  includes an inner surface  922   a , an opposed outer surface  922   b , and a bottom surface  922   c . The outer surface  922   a  and the inner surface  922   b  extend vertically between the bottom surface  918   b  of the top wall  918  and the bottom surface  922   c . The bottom surface  922   c  extends horizontally between the outer surface  922   a  and the inner surface  922   b.    
     The inner wall  904  is retained within the inner chamber  910  of the outer wall  902  and includes a generally cylindrical wall  924  and a bottom wall  926 . The wall  924  extends vertically from the bottom wall  926  and bottom wall  926  extends horizontally between opposing sides of the wall  924 . The wall  924  includes an outer surface  924   a , an opposed inner surface  924   b  and the bottom wall  926  includes a top surface  926   a  and an opposed bottom surface  926   b . The wall  924  further includes a ledge  924   c  that contacts the ledge  908   e  of the wall  908 . The inner surface  924   b  of the wall  924  defines an inner volume  928  of the inner wall  904 . The bottom wall  926  defines an aperture  930  that extends through the bottom wall  924 . Stated another way, the aperture  930  extends between the top surface  926   a  and the bottom surface  926   b  of the bottom wall  926 . 
     The inner wall  904  further includes a plurality of latches  932  that extend horizontally from and perpendicular to the wall  924 . Specifically, the plurality of latches  932  extend horizontally from and perpendicular to the outer surface  924   a  of the wall  924 . When the inner wall  904  is coupled to the outer wall  902 , the latches  932  extend through the apertures  912 . 
     The lancet  900  further includes a needle platform  934  that is retained within the inner volume  928  of the inner wall  904 . The needle platform includes a cylinder  936  with a top surface  936   a , a bottom surface  936   b  and an outer surface  936   c  that extends vertically between the top surface  936   a  and the bottom surface  936   b . The needle platform  934  also includes a lip  938  that extends horizontally beyond the outer surface  9336   c  of the cylinder  936 . When the needle platform is within the inner volume  928  of the inner wall  904 , the lip  938  contacts the inner surface  924   b  of the inner wall  904 . The needle platform  934  is coupled to and supports a needle  940 . In some embodiments, the needle  940  is molded into the needle platform  934 . The needle platform  934  further includes a notch  942 , which extends vertically from and perpendicular to the top surface  936   a  of the cylinder  936 . 
     The lancet  900  also includes a first biasing element (i.e., a spring)  944  and a second biasing element (e.g., a spring)  946 , which collectively allow causing the needle to puncture the subject&#39;s skin and then retract. The first biasing element  944  extends circumferentially around the inner wall  922  of the cover  906  and extends circumferentially around the notch  942  of the needle platform  934 . Furthermore, the first biasing element  944  contacts the bottom surface  918   b  of the top wall  918  of the cover  906  and contacts the top surface  936   a  of the needle platform  934 . The second biasing element  946  extends circumferentially around the needle  940  and contacts the bottom surface  936   b  of the needle platform  934  and the top surface  926   a  of the inner wall  904 . 
     The needle platform  934  is moveable between an undeployed position ( FIG.  15   ) and a deployed position ( FIG.  16   ). In the undeployed position, the first biasing element  944  and the second biasing element  946  are, respectively, in a compressed and a stretched state so as to retain the needle  940  within the lancet  900 . 
     After the dermal patch  800  is adhered to the skin of the subject, the lancet  900  may be used to draw a physiological sample from the subject. First, a user may place the lancet vertically above the aperture  808  such that the latches  932  of the lancet  900  contact the top surface  804  of the housing  802 . When a user of the dermal patch pushes the lancet  900  further into the dermal patch  800 , the latches  932  are displaced thereby releasing the needle platform  934  allowing the first biasing element  944  to extend. When the first biasing element  944  extends, the first biasing element  944  moves the needle platform  934  from the undeployed position to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the needle  940  extends through the aperture  930  of the inner wall  904 . This allows the needle  940  to puncture the septum  812  and draw a physiological sample as previously discussed herein. Furthermore, when compressed into the dermal patch  800 , the elastomeric O-ring  916  forms an airtight seal within the dermal patch  800  thereby retaining the drawn physiological sample between the septum and the skin of the subject. 
     While the above describes the lancet  900  as used in conjunction with the dermal patch  800 , in other embodiments the dermal patch  800  may be used with the dermal patch  100 . Furthermore, while the lancet  900  is depicted as separate from the dermal patch  800 , in other embodiments, the lancet  900  and the dermal patch may be formed as an integral unit (e.g., the lancet can be molded to the dermal patch  800 . In this embodiment, the lancet  900  may be moved from the undeployed position to the deployed position by rotating or pushing the lancet as previously discussed. 
     With reference to  FIG.  11   , similar to the previous embodiment, the housing  802  further includes a pin receptacle  814  that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a pin  816  and retain the pin  816  in place via an interference fit. The housing  802  further includes a vacuum channel  818  that is in fluid communication with the pin receptacle  814 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  17   , the pin  816  includes a cylindrical barrel  820 , which includes an outer surface  822  that extends between a proximal end  824  and a distal end  826  of the barrel  820 . The outer surface  822  defines a plurality of grooves  828  that extend circumferentially about the barrel  820 . The grooves  828  are shaped and dimensioned to retain elastomeric O-rings  830 . When the barrel  820  is positioned within the pin receptacle  814  (in the “undeployed position”), the elastomeric O-rings  830  contact the surface of the pin receptacle  814  to create an airtight seal between the barrel  820  and the inner surface of the pin receptacle  814 . 
     The pin  816  further includes a handle  832  that is connected to the barrel  820  and extends external to the pin receptacle  814  when the barrel  820  is within the pin receptacle  814  and hence can be employed to remove the barrel  820  from the pin receptacle  814  and generate a vacuum for drawing a physiological sample. In some embodiments, the dermal patch and the pin can be configured such that the pin can be used to apply a positive pressure to create fluidic flow. 
     A user can pull the handle  832  as previously discussed herein to remove pin  816  from the pin receptacle  814  to create a vacuum within the vacuum channel  818  as previously discussed herein. The vacuum channel is in communication with a physiological sample channel  834  which is in communication with a collection chamber  836 . Thus, removing the pin barrel  820  from the pin receptacle  814  results in the generation of a vacuum within the sample channel  834 , thereby facilitating the drawing of a physiological sample from the subject and directing the drawn physiological sample into a collection chamber  836  as previously discussed herein. 
     The collection chamber  836  an absorbent element  838  as previously discussed herein. The storage absorbent element  838  contacts the drawn physiological sample and preserves the physiological sample for further testing (i.e., genetic testing) as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  19   , in some embodiments, the dermal patch  800  may include a plurality of collection chambers  836  each with an absorbent element  838 . In this embodiment the vacuum channel  818  and the sample channel  834  each branch to both of the collection chambers  836 . When the pin  816  is moved to the deployed position, the created vacuum draws the physiological sample to both collection chambers  836  as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10    a method  1000  for detecting a target analyte in a physiological sample is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As previously discussed herein, the steps  1014  and  1016  of the method  1000  may be stored as computer readable program instructions in a computer readable storage medium (e.g., the computer readable storage medium  708 ). A processor that is configured according to an aspect of the present disclosure (hereinafter “a programmed processor”) executes the computer readable program instructions for the steps  1012  and  1014  of method  1000 . In one embodiment, the programmed processor is the processor  702 . 
     At  1002 , the dermal patch  100  is applied to the skin of a subject via the adhesive patch  104  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1004 , a user of the dermal patch  100  uses the lancet  108  to puncture the skin of the subject to draw a physiological sample as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1006 , the user of the dermal patch  100  moves the pin  400  to the deployed position to draw the physiological sample to the collection chamber  312  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1008 , the user of the dermal patch  100  moves the slider  600  to the deployed position to transfer the processing fluid stored in the fluid pouch  500  to the collection chamber  312  as previously discussed herein. 
     After the physiological sample and the processing fluid mix within the collection chamber, at  1010 , the detector  110  detects the target analyte in the processed physiological sample and generates a signal indicative thereof as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1012 , the programmed processor receives the signal(s) from the detector  110  and determines the target analyte is present in the physiological sample (or the processed physiological sample) when a level of the target analyte exceeds a LOD and optionally quantifies a level (e.g., concentration) of the target analyte as a function of the received signal(s) as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1014 , the programmed processor outputs a notification indicative of the determined presence of the target analyte and/or the determined level of the target analyte to the display  714 . In response to receiving the notification, the display  714  displays the notification. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  21   , the dermal patch  100  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, a quick response (“QR”) code  112  is printed onto the top surface  202  of the top portion  200  of the dermal patch. In this embodiment, a user may install an application stored as computer readable program instructions on a computer system  114  (i.e., a smartphone, tablet, etc.) and employ a camera of the computer system  114  to take a photo of the QR code  112  which is the saved in a memory of the computer system  114 . Generally, the computer system  114  includes same or similar components as the computer system  700  (i.e., system memory, processor, display, etc.). In this embodiment, a processor of the computer system  114  may execute the program instructions associated with the application to retrieve the photograph from the memory. 
     In some embodiments, the computer system  114  may be in communication with an electronic medical record (“EMR”) database  116  via a network connection. The EMR database  116  includes a plurality of EMRs  118  each associated with an individual subject. In these embodiments, the instructions associated with the application further cause the processor of the computer system  114  to analyze the photograph to identify the QR code  112  and associate the QR code  112  with an EMR  118  stored in the EMR database  116 . When the detector  110  includes a visible readout and the readout is included in the photograph, the processor of the computer system  114  may further analyze the received photo to evaluate the readout and automatically determine the presence of a target analyte and/or a level of a target analyte based on the readout as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  22   , a cloud computing environment  1100  is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The cloud computing environment  1100  is connected to one or more user computer systems  1102  and provides network access to shared computer resources (i.e., storage, memory, applications, virtual machines, etc.) to the one or more user computer systems  1102 . As depicted in  FIG.  22   , the cloud computing environment  1100  includes one or more interconnected nodes  1104 . Each node  1104  may be a computer system or device with local processing and storage capabilities. The nodes  1104  may be grouped and in communication with one another via one or more networks. This allows the cloud computing environment  1100  to offer software services to the one or more user computer systems  1102  and as such, a user computer system  1102  does not need to maintain resources locally. 
     In one embodiment, a node  1102  includes the computer system  700  or the computer system  114  and as such, includes the computer readable program instructions for carrying out various steps of the methods discussed herein. In these embodiments, a user of a user computer system  1102  that is connected the cloud computing environment  1100  may cause a node  1104  to execute the computer readable program instructions to carry out various steps of the methods disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  23   , a method  1200  for automatically updating an EMR is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Steps  1204 - 1210  of the method  1200  may be stored as computer readable program instructions in a computer readable storage medium (e.g., memory of the computer system  114 , memory of a node  904 , etc.). A programmed processor (e.g., a processor of the computer system  114 , a processor of a node  904 , etc.) executes the computer readable program instructions for the steps  1204 - 1210  of method  1200 . 
     At  1202 , the dermal patch  100  is applied to the skin of a subject, and is activated to draw a physiological sample from the subject (e.g., a blood sample or a sample of interstitial fluid) and the detector  110  detects an analyte as previously discussed herein. Stated another way, at  1202  the steps  1002 - 1012  of the method  1000  are carried out. 
     At  1204 , a user of the computer system  114  scans the QR code  112  with a camera of the computer system  114  as previously discussed herein and a programmed processor analyzes the QR code  112  and associates the QR code  112  with an EMR  118 . 
     At  1206 , the programmed processor analyzes an image of the detector read-out (e.g., an image of bands in a lateral flow strip detector) to evaluate the readout of the detector  110  and automatically determine whether a target analyte is present in a physiological sample drawn from the subject, and optionally quantify the target analyte if the target analyte is detected in the sample as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1208 , the programmed processor automatically updates the associated EMR to include the determined presence of the target analyte and/or a level of the target analyte. In some embodiments, at  1208 , the programmed processor also updates the associated EMR to include the photograph of the QR code and the detector  110 . 
     At  1210 , the programmed processor outputs a notification indicative of the determined presence of the target analyte and/or the determined level of the target analyte to a display in communication with the programmed processor and/or outputs a notification indicative of the determined presence of the target analyte and/or the determined level of the target analyte to another device (i.e., a physician&#39;s smartphone). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  24  and  25   , in some embodiments the dermal patch  100  may further include a moveable cover  120  and an electromechanical actuator  122  configured to move the moveable cover  120  between a closed positioned ( FIG.  24   ) and an open position ( FIG.  25   ). In the closed position, the moveable cover  120  covers the aperture  102  and the septum  106  and is generally impenetrable. As such, when the moveable cover  120  is in the closed position and the dermal patch  100  has been adhered to the subject, the cover  120  prevents a user from inserting the lancet  108  through the septum  106  and the aperture  102  to draw a physiological sample from the subject. When in the open position the moveable cover  120  is retracted within the dermal patch  100  such that the aperture  102  and the septum  106  are exposed thereby allowing a user to draw a physiological sample from the subject. While  FIGS.  24  and  25    depict the dermal patch  100  as including the moveable cover  120 , in other embodiments, the dermal patch  100  may include other means that prevent a user of the dermal patch  100  from drawing the physiological sample from the subject. 
     The electromechanical actuator  122  is connected to and in communication with the computer system  700 . As such, the electromechanical actuator  122  is connected to and in communication with the processor  702 . In some embodiments, the electromechanical actuator  122  is wirelessly connected to the computer system  700  and in other embodiments the connection between the electromechanical actuator  122  and the computer system  700  is a wired connection. The electromechanical actuator  122  is configured to move the cover  120  from the closed position to the open position in response to receiving a signal from the processor  702  to open the cover  120 . Stated another way, the electromechanical actuator  122  is configured to place the dermal patch  100  in a state ready to obtain and optionally analyze a physiological sample in response to a signal from the processor  702 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  26   , in some embodiments, the dermal patch  100  further includes a skin sensor  124  located on the bottom surface  204  of the dermal patch  100 . The skin sensor  124  is configured to determine when the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the skin of the subject. Stated another way, the skin sensor  124  is configured to determine when the bottom surface  204  contacts skin of a subject. The skin sensor  124  includes, but is not limited to optical sensors, infrared sensors, light sensors, etc. 
     The skin sensor  124  is connected to and in communication with the computer system  700 . As such, the skin sensor  124  is connected to and in communication with the processor  702 . In some embodiments, the skin sensor  124  is wirelessly connected to the computer system  700  and in other embodiments the connection between the skin sensor  124  and the computer system  700  is a wired connection. In response to determining the dermal patch is adhered to the skin of the subject, the skin sensor  124  sends a signal to the processor  702  indicating that the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject. 
     In some embodiments, in response to receiving the signal indicating that the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject, the processor  702  sends a signal to open the cover  120  to the electromechanical actuator  116 . In response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120 , the electromechanical actuator  122  moves the cover  120  from the closed position to the open position. Stated another way, the electromechanical actuator  122  opens the cover  120  thereby allowing the user to draw a physiological sample when the dermal patch  100  is adhered to skin of the subject. 
     As previously discussed, a user may employ a camera of the computer system  114  to scan the QR code  112 . In some embodiments, before scanning the QR code  112 , the previously discussed installed application may require a user to verify their identity (i.e., by entering a password, scanning a fingerprint, etc.). For example, the installed application may require a user to enter a username and password that is associated with an EMR. In response to verifying the identity of the user, the application may unlock thereby allowing the user to scan the QR code  112 . Furthermore, after the application verifies the identity of the user and in response to associating the QR code  112  with the correct EMR as previously discussed herein, the computer system  114  may send a signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified to the processor  702 . In some embodiments, in response to receiving the signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified, the processor  702  sends a signal to open the cover  120  to the electromechanical actuator  116 . In response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120 , the electromechanical actuator  122  moves the cover  120  from the closed position to the open position. Stated another way, the electromechanical actuator  122  opens the cover  120  thereby allowing the user to draw a physiological sample when the identity of a user of the dermal patch  100  (i.e., the subject wearing that wears the dermal patch  100 ) has been verified. 
     In some embodiments, before sending the signal to open the cover  120 , the processor  702  may only send the signal in response to receiving both signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified as previously discussed herein and a signal indicating that the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  27   , a method  1300  for unlocking the dermal patch  100  to draw a physiological sample is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Steps  1304  and  1306  of the method  1300  may be stored as computer readable program instructions in a computer readable storage medium. A programmed processor executes the computer readable program instructions for the steps  1304  and  1306  of method  1300 . 
     At  1302 , the dermal patch  100  is applied to the skin of a subject via the adhesive patch  104  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1304 , the skin sensor  124  determines if the dermal patch  100  is adhered to skin of the subject as previously discussed herein and in response to determining the dermal patch  100  is adhered to skin of the subject, the skin sensor  124  sends a signal indicating the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject to the processor  702 . 
     At  1306 , in response to receiving the signal indicating the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject, the programmed processor sends a signal to the electromechanical actuator  116  to open the cover  120 . In response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120 , the electromechanical actuator  122  transitions the cover  120  from the closed position to the open position as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  28   , another method  1400  for unlocking the dermal patch  100  to draw a physiological sample is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Steps  1404  and  1406  of the method  1400  may be stored as computer readable program instructions in a computer readable storage medium. A programmed processor executes the computer readable program instructions for the steps  1404  and  1406  of method  1400 . 
     At  1402 , the dermal patch  100  is applied to the skin of a subject via the adhesive patch  104  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1404 , a user scans the QR code  112  and the computer system  114  verifies the identity of the user as previously discussed herein. In response to verifying the identity of the user, the computer system  114  sends a signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified to the processor  702  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1406 , in response to receiving the signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified, the programmed processor sends a signal to the electromechanical actuator  116  to open the cover  120 . In response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120 , the electromechanical actuator  122  transitions the cover  120  from the closed position to the open position as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  29   , a medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. While  FIG.  29    depicts the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  as a smartphone, in other embodiments the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  may be another type of computer system (i.e., a tablet, laptop, etc.). As depicted in  FIG.  29   , the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  may be connected to and in communication with one of or both of the computer system  114  and the computer system  700  (i.e., when the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126 , the computer system  114 , and/or the computer system  700  are connected to a same network). 
     As previously discussed herein, the processor  702  may receive a signal indicating that the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject&#39;s skin from the skin sensor  124  or a signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified. In response to receiving one or both of these signals, in the processor  702  may send a signal indicating that the dermal patch  100  is ready for operation to a processor of the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126 . In some embodiments, after verifying the identity of the user as previously discussed herein, a processor of the computer system  114  sends a signal indicating that the dermal patch  100  is ready for operation to the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126 . 
     In response to receiving the signal indicating that the dermal patch  100  is ready for operation, the processor of the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  causes a display of the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  to display a notification indicating the dermal patch  100  is ready for operation and displays a GUI with an actuatable icon that when selected by the medical professional sends a signal to open the cover  120  to the processor  702 . In response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120 , the processor  702  causes the actuator  122  to open the cover  120  as previously discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  30   , another method  1500  for unlocking the dermal patch  100  to draw a physiological sample is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Steps  1504  and  1506  of the method  1500  may be stored as computer readable program instructions in a computer readable storage medium. A programmed processor executes the computer readable program instructions for the steps  1504  and  1506  of method  1500 . 
     At  1502 , the dermal patch  100  is applied to the skin of a subject via the adhesive patch  104  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1504 , a programmed processor sends a signal indicating the dermal patch  100  is ready for operation to a medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  in response to verifying an identity of a user and/or in response to determining the dermal patch  100  is adhered to skin of a subject as previously discussed herein. Furthermore, at  1504 , in response to a medical professional selecting an icon displayed in a GUI of a display of the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126 , the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126  sends a signal to open the cover  120  to the processor  702  as previously discussed herein. 
     At  1506 , in response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120 , the programmed processor  702  causes the actuator  122  to open the cover  120  as previously discussed herein. 
     While the methods  1300 ,  1400 , and  1500  include the processor  702  causing the actuator  122  to move the cover  120  to the open position in response to receiving one of a signal indicating the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject or a signal indicating that the identity of the user has been verified or in response to receiving a signal to open the cover  120  from the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126 , in other embodiments, the processor  702  sends the signal to open the cover  120  in response to receiving more than one of the previously recited signals. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  31   , a metaverse network  1600  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The metaverse network  1600  includes a plurality of user computer systems  1602 , a metaverse server  1604 , and a network  1606 . In some embodiments, the computer systems  1602  may include one or more of the computer system  700 , the computer system  114  and the medical professional&#39;s computer system  126 . While  FIG.  13    depicts the metaverse network  1600  as including three user computer systems  1602  and one metaverse sever  1604 , in other embodiments the metaverse network  1600  may include more or less user computer systems  1602  (e.g. 2, 5, 7, etc.) and more than one metaverse server  1604  (e.g., 2, 3, 6, etc.). The user computer systems  1602  are connected to and interface with the metaverse server  1604  via a network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public network (the Internet), etc.). 
     The metaverse server  1604  hosts a virtual reality environment and/or an augmented reality environment (hereinafter “a metaverse”) with which the users of a computer system  1602  may interact. In one embodiment, a specified area of the metaverse is simulated by a single server instance and the metaverse server  1604  may include a plurality of instances. The metaverse server  1604  may also include a plurality of physics servers configured to simulate and manage interactions, collisions, etc. between characters and objects within the metaverse. The metaverse server  1604  may further include a plurality of storage servers configured to store data relating to characters, media, objects, related computer readable program instructions, etc. for use in the metaverse. 
     The network  1606  may employ traditional internet protocols to allow communication between user computer systems  1602  and the metaverse server  1604 . In some embodiments, the user computer systems  1602  may be directly connected to the metaverse server  1604 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  32    a user computer system  1602  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Generally, the user computer system  1602  includes the same or similar components that operate in a same or similar manner as the components of the computer system  700  (i.e., a processor  1608 , system memory  1610 , a bus  1612 , a computer readable storage medium  1614 , volatile memory  1616 , a communication adapter  1618 , one or more external devices  1620 , a display  1622 , and an I/O interface  1624 ). For the sake of brevity, these components are shown, but are not discussed in further detail herein. 
     The computer system  1602  also includes a metaverse client  1626  and a network client  1628 . The metaverse client  1626  and the network client  1628  include computer readable program instructions that may be executed by a processor  1608  of the user computer system  1602 . While  FIG.  23    depicts the computer readable storage medium  1614  as including the metaverse client  1626  and the network client  1628 , in other embodiments the metaverse client  1626  and the network client  1628  may be stored in a different location that is accessible to the processor  1608  (i.e., in a storage element of the cloud computing environment  900 ). 
     When executed, the metaverse client  1626  allows a user of a computer system  1602  to connect to the metaverse server  1604  via the network  1606  thereby allowing a user of the user computer system  1602  to interact with the metaverse provided by the metaverse server  1604 . The metaverse client  1626  further allows a user of a user computer system  1602  to interact with other users of other computer systems  1602  that are also connected to the metaverse server  1604 . 
     The network client  1628 , when executed by the processor  1608 , facilities connection between the user computer system  1602  and the metaverse server  1604  (i.e., by verifying credentials provided by the user). For example, when executed and a user of a computer system  1602  requests to log onto the metaverse server  1604 , the network client  1628  maintains a stable connection between the user computer system  1602  and the metaverse server  1604  and handles commands input by a user of a computer system  1602  and handles communications from the metaverse server  1604 . 
     When a user of the user computer system  1602  is logged into the metaverse server  1604 , the display  1622  conveys a visual representation of a metaverse provided by the metaverse server  1604 . In some embodiments wherein a computer system  1602  is a VR headset and the VR headset includes the display  1622 , the metaverse server  1602  provides a three-dimensional (“3D”) environment to the VR headset thereby creating a lifelike environment for the user. 
     In one embodiment, wherein the computer systems  700  and  114  are user computer systems  1602  (and therefore include the metaverse client  1626  and the network client  1628 ), a user of the dermal patch may log into the metaverse server  1604  by verifying their identity as previously discussed herein. In response to verifying the identity of a user, the computer system  700  sends a signal indicating the user identity has been verified to the metaverse server  114  and thereby logging the computer systems  700  and  114  into the metaverse. 
     When a user computer system  1602  logs into the metaverse server  1604 , the metaverse server  1604  may generate a subject avatar  1630  corresponding to a user of the dermal patch  100 . In some embodiments, the metaverse server  1604  generates a generic subject avatar  1630  that corresponds to the user and in other embodiments, the subject avatar  1630  has been previously generated by the metaverse based on user inputs. When the subject avatar  1630  is based on user inputs, the avatar may look similar to a subject using the dermal patch  100 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  24   , The metaverse server  1604  also generates a virtual reality environment (or a “metaverse”)  1632 . In some embodiments, the metaverse  1632  looks like a physician&#39;s examination room (i.e., including chairs, examination table, sink, etc.) and may be based on user inputs to create a personalized metaverse  1632 . After the subject avatar  1630  is generated, the metaverse server  1604  populates the subject avatar  1630  into the metaverse  1632 . 
     Furthermore when the computer system  700  and/or the computer system  114  is a user computer system  1602  and is logged into the metaverse server  1604 , in response to the skin sensor  124  determining the dermal patch  100  is contacting skin of the subject and sending a signal to the computer system  700  or the computer system  114  indicating the dermal patch  100  is adhered to the subject as previously discussed herein, the computer system  700  or the computer system  114  may send a corresponding signal to the metaverse server  1604 . In response to receiving the signal indicating the dermal patch  100  is adhered to skin of the subject, the metaverse server  1604  generates a dermal patch avatar  1634  on the subject avatar  1630 . While the dermal patch avatar  1634  is depicted on an arm of the subject avatar  1630 , in other embodiments, the dermal patch avatar  1634  may be depicted as attached to different parts of the subject avatar  1630  (i.e., on a leg of the subject avatar). 
     The dermal patch avatar  1634  includes an actuatable button  1636 . When a user within the metaverse selects the actuatable button  1636 , the metaverse server  1604  sends a signal to the processor  702  of the dermal patch  100  to open the cover  120 . In response to receiving the signal to open the cover  120  from the metaverse server  1604 , the processor  702  causes the electromechanical actuator to open the cover  120  as previously discussed herein. Stated another way, a user in the metaverse  1632  may place the dermal patch  100  in a ready position (i.e., by opening the cover  120 ) by pushing a button  1636  of a virtual dermal patch  1634 . 
     In some embodiments, the actuatable button  1636  may only be actuated by a user of a computer system  1602  with specific login credentials (i.e., a medical professional). Stated another way, only a user with medical professional credentials may cause the dermal patch  100  to enter a ready position by actuating the actuatable button  1636 . 
     In some embodiments, wherein a user computer system  1402  includes a VR headset that is connected to the metaverse server  1604 , a user may view the metaverse  1632  via a display of the VR headset. Furthermore, when the metaverse  1632  includes the subject avatar  1630  with the dermal patch avatar  1634 , the VR headset may track the hands of the user in the VR headset to determine when the user “pushes” (and therefore selects) the actuatable button  1636 . In response to determining the user pushed the actuatable button  1636 , the VR headset (the user computer system  1402 ) sends a signal to the metaverse server  1604  indicating a user has selected the actuatable button  1636 . In response to receiving this signal, the metaverse server  1636  causes the dermal patch  100  to be placed into a ready position. 
     In some embodiments, wherein a medical professional logs into the metaverse server  1604  via their login credentials, the metaverse server may populate a corresponding avatar (e.g., a medical professional avatar) into the metaverse  1632 . In these embodiments, when the medical professional selects the actuatable button  1636  the metaverse server depicts the medical professional&#39;s avatar as interacting with the dermal patch avatar  1634 . 
     While the above describes the dermal patch  100  as being capable of connecting with the metaverse server  1604 , in other embodiments, the dermal patch  800  may include a moveable cover and a computer system that allows the dermal patch  800  to connect to the metaverse as discussed herein. In this embodiment, the dermal patch  800  may be placed in a ready position by a user selecting an actuatable button in the metaverse as previously discussed herein. 
     While the invention has 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.