Seventh Sense Biosystems, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160038068 | SAMPLING DEVICES AND METHODS INVOLVING RELATIVELY LITTLE PAIN - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., to the skin and/or from the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In certain embodiments, substances may be received from and/or delivered to the subject with relatively little pain. The pain may be assessed, for example, using pain scales such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. For example, blood may be received from the device, and/or the device may contain sensors or agents able to determine the blood and/or an analyte suspected of being contained in the blood. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 02-11-2016 |
20150320349 | PLASMA OR SERUM PRODUCTION AND REMOVAL OF FLUIDS UNDER REDUCED PRESSURE - In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the separation of blood within a device to form plasma or serum. In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the removal of fluids, such as blood, contained within a device. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for receiving blood from a subject and processing the blood to form plasma or serum. For example, a device may be applied to the skin of a subject to receive blood from the subject and pass the blood through a separation membrane, which separates the blood into plasma and a portion concentrated in blood cells. As another example, blood or plasma may be allowed to clot within the device and serum (the unclotted portion of the blood) may be withdrawn from the device. The device may contain, in some cases, a vacuum source such as a pre-packaged vacuum to facilitate receiving of blood and/or passage of the blood through the separation membrane to produce plasma or serum. In certain embodiments, plasma, serum, or other fluids may be removed from the device by inserting a needle into a portion of the device that has reduced pressure, expelling gas into the device through the needle, then receiving plasma, serum, or other fluids through the needle. | 11-12-2015 |
20150313522 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES ASSOCIATED WITH DIAGNOSTICS, THERAPIES, AND OTHER APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING SKIN-ASSOCIATED APPLICATIONS - The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor. | 11-05-2015 |
20150278476 | MONITORING OR FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring and/or providing feedback for drugs or other pharmaceuticals taken by a subject. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for determining a species within the skin of a subject; and producing feedback to a subject based on the determination of the species. The feedback may be, for example, visual, audible, tactile, a change in temperature, etc. In some cases, information regarding the determination of the species may be transmitted to another entity, e.g., a health care provider, a computer, a relative, etc., which may then provide feedback to the subject in some fashion. In some cases, the feedback may be directly indicative of the species, e.g., whether the species is present, the concentration of the species, whether a by-product of a reaction involving the species is present, whether a compound affected by the species is present, etc. However, the feedback may also be indirect in some embodiments. For example, the subject may be presented with an external reward, e.g., based on the determination of the species within the skin. For instance, a reward such as cash, coupons, songs, discounts, personal items, etc., may be offered based on the level of compliance of the subject. Still other aspects of the invention are generally directed to kits involving such devices (with or without the drug to be monitored), methods of promoting such systems, or the like. | 10-01-2015 |
20150087944 | TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES ASSOCIATED WITH BLOOD SAMPLING - The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor. | 03-26-2015 |
20150057510 | PATIENT-ENACTED SAMPLING TECHNIQUE - The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for sampling fluids from subjects. The fluid may be any suitable bodily fluid, e.g., blood or interstitial fluid. In some cases, the subject is a patient. The subject may have a device that can be applied to the skin of the subject (e.g., by the subject, or another person), and the device is able to obtain a sample of fluid. The fluid may be stored within a reservoir in the device, and the fluid may be obtained from the subject at any convenient time, e.g., at home, away from a healthcare setting, etc. In some embodiments, the device, or a portion thereof, may be returned to a clinical and/or laboratory setting to analyze the fluid stored within the device. | 02-26-2015 |
20150038876 | DELIVERING AND/OR RECEIVING FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication. | 02-05-2015 |
20140336536 | SYSTEMS AND INTERFACES FOR BLOOD SAMPLING - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood from subjects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a substance transfer component (for example, one or more needles or microneedles) and a reduced pressure or vacuum chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some embodiments, the device may contain a “snap dome” or other deformable structure, which may be used, at least in part, to urge or move needles or other suitable substance transfer components into the skin of a subject. In some cases, for example, the device may contain a flexible concave member and a needle mechanically coupled to the flexible concave member such that the needle may be urged or moved into the skin using the flexible concave member. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 11-13-2014 |
20130158482 | RAPID DELIVERY AND/OR RECEIVING OF FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. For example, blood may be received from the device, and/or the device may contain sensors or agents able to determine the blood and/or an analyte suspected of being contained in the blood. In another aspect, the present invention is generally directed to arrangements of skin insertion objects such as microneedles and methods of forming and arranging skin insertion objects. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158468 | DELIVERING AND/OR RECEIVING MATERIAL WITH RESPECT TO A SUBJECT SURFACE - The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. The flow activator may be actuated in a deployment direction by a deployment actuator, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, an effector may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and may do so in response to actuation of the flow activator. | 06-20-2013 |
20130138058 | DELIVERING AND/OR RECEIVING FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication. | 05-30-2013 |
20130081960 | LOW-PRESSURE PACKAGING FOR FLUID DEVICES - Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices for withdrawing a substance from the skin and/or from beneath the skin of a subject, and/or for delivering a substance to the skin and/or to a location beneath the skin of a subject. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise one or more skin insertion objects, such as needles or microneedles. In some cases, the device also may comprise one or more vacuum chambers. In some aspects, the device may be contained within an environment able to assist with maintenance of such pressures. For example, a package containing such an environment may also have a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and/or the package may be molded to the device or otherwise have a shape that does not contain substantial gases that can “leak” into the device and alter the pressure of any vacuum chambers that may be contained therein. | 04-04-2013 |
20130079666 | DELIVERING AND/OR RECEIVING FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication. | 03-28-2013 |
20120277697 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING FLUID FROM A SUBJECT - Systems and methods for delivering to and/or receiving fluids or other materials, such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin. Beading disruptors and/or capillaries may be used for facilitating the transport of fluids from a subject into a device. Beading disruptors may disrupt the “pooling” of bodily fluids such as blood on the surface of the skin and help influence flow in a desired way. A capillary may conduct flow of fluid in the device, e.g., to an inlet of a channel or other flow path that leads to a storage chamber. A vacuum (reduced pressure relative to ambient) may be used to receive fluid into the device, e.g., by using relatively low pressure to draw fluid into the inlet of a channel leading to a storage chamber. The vacuum source may be part of the device. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277696 | DELIVERING AND/OR RECEIVING FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277629 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTION AND/OR MANIPULATION OF BLOOD SPOTS OR OTHER BODILY FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed. | 11-01-2012 |
20120275955 | PLASMA OR SERUM PRODUCTION AND REMOVAL OF FLUIDS UNDER REDUCED PRESSURE - In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the separation of blood within a device to form plasma or serum. In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the removal of fluids, such as blood, contained within a device. For example, a device may be applied to the skin of a subject to receive blood from the subject and pass the blood through a separation membrane, which separates the blood into plasma and a portion concentrated in blood cells. As another example, blood or plasma may be allowed to clot within the device and serum (the unclotted portion of the blood) may be withdrawn from the device. The device may contain, in some cases, a vacuum source such as a pre-packaged vacuum to facilitate receiving of blood and/or passage of the blood through the separation membrane to produce plasma or serum. | 11-01-2012 |
20120271125 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY AND/OR WITHDRAWAL OF FLUIDS AND PRESERVATION OF WITHDRAWN FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or withdrawing a substance or substances such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for withdrawing or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to withdraw blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. | 10-25-2012 |
20120123297 | SYSTEMS AND INTERFACES FOR BLOOD SAMPLING - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood from subjects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a substance transfer component (for example, one or more needles or microneedles) and a reduced pressure or vacuum chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some embodiments, the device may contain a “snap dome” or other deformable structure, which may be used, at least in part, to urge or move needles or other suitable substance transfer components into the skin of a subject. In some cases, for example, the device may contain a flexible concave member and a needle mechanically coupled to the flexible concave member. | 05-17-2012 |
20120041338 | CLINICAL AND/OR CONSUMER TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from other tissues of the body. In some cases, the device may contain a substance transfer component such as needles or microneedles, which can be inserted into the skin or another organ to deliver and/or receiving fluid or other substances from the subject. In some embodiments, the device may include an activator constructed and arranged to insert one or more substance transfer components into the skin or other organ. In certain cases, the device may also include a storage chamber for receiving a fluid received from the subject. | 02-16-2012 |
20120039809 | SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES FOR MONITORING SUBJECTS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring and/or providing feedback for drugs or other pharmaceuticals taken by a subject. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for determining a species within the skin of a subject; and producing feedback to a subject based on the determination of the species. The feedback may be, for example, visual, audible, tactile, a change in temperature, etc. In some cases, information regarding the determination of the species may be transmitted to another entity, e.g., a health care provider, a computer, a relative, etc., which may then provide feedback to the subject in some fashion. In some cases, the feedback may be directly indicative of the species, e.g., whether the species is present, the concentration of the species, whether a by-product of a reaction involving the species is present, whether a compound affected by the species is present, etc. However, the feedback may also be indirect in some embodiments. For example, the subject may be presented with an external reward, e.g., based on the determination of the species within the skin. For instance, a reward such as cash, coupons, songs, discounts, personal items, etc., may be offered based on the level of compliance of the subject. Still other aspects of the invention are generally directed to kits involving such devices (with or without the drug to be monitored), methods of promoting such systems, or the like. | 02-16-2012 |
20120016308 | LOW-PRESSURE PACKAGING FOR FLUID DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin, including packaging associated with such systems. Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices for withdrawing a substance from the skin and/or from beneath the skin of a subject, and/or for delivering a substance to the skin and/or to a location beneath the skin of a subject. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise one or more skin insertion objects, such as needles or microneedles. In some cases, the device also may comprise one or more vacuum chambers, e.g., having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure. In some aspects, the device may be contained within an environment able to assist with maintenance of such pressures. For example, a package containing such an environment may also have a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and/or the package may be molded to the device or otherwise have a shape that does not contain substantial gases that can “leak” into the device and alter the pressure of any vacuum chambers that may be contained therein. In some embodiments, the pressure of the environment may be the same as or less than that of vacuum chambers contained within the device. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of creating such devices, techniques for using such devices, kits involving such devices, and the like. | 01-19-2012 |
20120010529 | SAMPLING DEVICES AND METHODS INVOLVING RELATIVELY LITTLE PAIN - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., to the skin and/or from the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In certain embodiments, substances may be received from and/or delivered to the subject with relatively little pain. The pain may be assessed, to for example, using pain scales such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. For example, blood may be received from the device, and/or the device may contain sensors or agents able to determine the blood and/or an analyte suspected of being contained in the blood. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 01-12-2012 |
20110288389 | OXYGEN SENSOR - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining oxygen in a sample, or in a subject. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to an article exhibiting a determinable feature responsive to oxygen, such as oxygen-sensitive particles. The particles may exhibit a determinable change with a change in oxygen concentration, and such particles can accordingly be used to determine oxygen. For example, in one set of embodiments, the particles may be at least partially coated with a protein, such as hemoglobin, that is able to interact with oxygen. In some cases, the protein may aggregate under certain conditions (e.g., under relatively low oxygen concentrations), and such protein aggregation may be used, for example, to cause the particles to become aggregated, which can be determined in some way. In some cases, such aggregation may be irreversible; i.e., the degree of aggregation corresponds to the most extreme oxygen concentrations that the proteins were exposed to. Such articles may be used, for example, to determine oxygen within a sample, or within a subject, such as a human subject. For instance, the article may be formed as a skin patch, or administered to the skin of a subject, e.g., on the surface of the skin, within the dermis or epidermis, etc., to determine oxygen within the subject. | 11-24-2011 |
20110251562 | RAPID DELIVERY AND/OR WITHDRAWAL OF FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or withdrawing a substance or substances such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for withdrawing or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to withdraw blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. For example, blood may be withdrawn from the device, and/or the device may contain sensors or agents able to determine the blood and/or an analyte suspected of being contained in the blood. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for withdrawing blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 10-13-2011 |
20110181410 | MONITORING OR FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring and/or providing feedback for drugs or other pharmaceuticals taken by a subject. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for determining a species within the skin of a subject; and producing feedback to a subject based on the determination of the species. The feedback may be, for example, visual, audible, tactile, a change in temperature, etc. In some cases, information regarding the determination of the species may be transmitted to another entity, e.g., a health care provider, a computer, a relative, etc., which may then provide feedback to the subject in some fashion. In some cases, the feedback may be directly indicative of the species, e.g., whether the species is present, the concentration of the species, whether a by-product of a reaction involving the species is present, whether a compound affected by the species is present, etc. However, the feedback may also be indirect in some embodiments. For example, the subject may be presented with an external reward, e.g., based on the determination of the species within the skin. For instance, a reward such as cash, coupons, songs, discounts, personal items, etc., may be offered based on the level of compliance of the subject. Still other aspects of the invention are generally directed to kits involving such devices (with or without the drug to be monitored), methods of promoting such systems, or the like. | 07-28-2011 |
20110172510 | RAPID DELIVERY AND/OR WITHDRAWAL OF FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or withdrawing a substance or substances such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for withdrawing or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to withdraw blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. For example, blood may be withdrawn from the device, and/or the device may contain sensors or agents able to determine the blood and/or an analyte suspected of being contained in the blood. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for withdrawing blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172508 | SAMPLING DEVICE INTERFACES - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or withdrawing a substance or substances such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for withdrawing or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to withdraw blood from the subject. The device, in some cases, may be interfaced with external equipment to determine an analyte contained within a fluid contained within or collected by the device. For example, the device may be mounted or engaged on an external holder, the device may include a port for transporting fluid out of the device, the device may include a window for interrogating a fluid contained within the device, or the like. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus. For example, blood may be withdrawn from the device, and/or the device may contain sensors or agents able to determine the blood and/or an analyte suspected of being contained in the blood. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for withdrawing blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like. | 07-14-2011 |
20110105952 | RELATIVELY SMALL DEVICES APPLIED TO THE SKIN, MODULAR SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The present invention generally relates, in certain aspects, to relatively small devices applied to the skin, modular systems, and methods of use thereof. In some aspects, the device is constructed and arranged to have more than one module. For instance, the device may have a module for delivering to and/or withdrawing fluid from the skin and/or beneath the skin of a subject and a module for transmitting a signal indicative of the fluid delivered to and/or withdrawn from the skin and/or beneath the skin of the subject, a module for analyzing a fluid withdrawn from the skin and/or beneath the skin of the subject, or the like. In some embodiments, the modules are connectable and/or detachable from each other, and in some cases, the connections and/or detachments may be performed while the device is in contact with the subject, e.g., while affixed to the subject. In some embodiments, the device may be repeatedly applicable to the skin of the subject to deliver to and/or withdraw fluid from the skin and/or beneath the skin of a subject, e.g., at the same location, or at different locations on the skin of the subject. In some aspects, the devices may be self-contained and/or have a relatively small size, and in some cases, the device may be sized such that it is wearable and/or able to be carried by a subject. For example, the device may have a mass and/or dimensions that allow the device to be carried or worn by a subject for various periods of time, e.g., at least about an hour, at least about a day, at least about a week, etc., or no more than about an hour, no more than about 10 min, etc. | 05-05-2011 |
20110105951 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING, SANITIZING, AND/OR SHIELDING THE SKIN OR DEVICES APPLIED TO THE SKIN - The present invention generally relates, in certain aspects, to systems and methods for treating, sanitizing, and/or shielding blood on the surface of the skin or devices applied to the skin. In one set of embodiments, while blood is withdrawn from the skin of the subject, the blood is covered and/or shielded such that the blood is not seen by the subject. In another set of embodiments, any blood present on the skin may be altered or treated such that it no longer appears as blood, e.g., by exposing the blood to a chemical such as a peroxide that alters the color of the blood. In yet another set of embodiments, blood present on the skin is withdrawn or taken up by the device such that visible residual blood is not present in an amount visible to the unaided eye once the device is removed. In some cases, the same device may be used to sanitize the skin and deliver to and/or withdraw fluid from the skin and/or beneath the skin. The sanitization may be performed before, during, or after delivering to and/or withdrawing fluid from the skin and/or beneath the skin. Sanitization may be performed, for example, using a sanitizer such as hydrogen peroxide, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or the like. | 05-05-2011 |
20110105872 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLICATION TO SKIN AND CONTROL OF ACTUATION, DELIVERY, AND/OR PERCEPTION THEREOF - The present invention generally relates, in certain aspects, to systems and methods for application to the skin, and control of actuation, delivery, and/or perception thereof. For example, certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices for delivering to and/or withdrawing fluid or from subjects, e.g., to or from the skin and/or beneath the skin. In one aspect, the delivery and/or withdrawal of fluid is at least partially obscured. For example, the obscuration may be by time, and/or by sensory obscuration (e.g., by providing tactile, olfactory, auditory, and/or visual sensations). Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices able to automatically deliver to and/or withdraw fluid from the skin and/or beneath the skin after activation, e.g., where the fluid is delivered and/or withdrawn without the need for any additional intervention. The devices may be activated by any suitable technique. In other aspects, a device may be contained in a package, and when removed from the package, the device may be constructed and arranged to be able to deliver and/or withdraw fluid when the device is applied to the skin, and in some cases, automatically and/or without any further intervention by the subject or another person. | 05-05-2011 |
20110009847 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND USING SUCTION BLISTERS OR OTHER POOLED REGIONS OF FLUID WITHIN THE SKIN - The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor. | 01-13-2011 |
20100330703 | ASSAYS INVOLVING COLORIMETRIC AND OTHER SIGNALING - The present invention generally relates to particles and, in particular, to methods of determining binding involving particles, e.g., using colorimetric and other signaling techniques. In one aspect, a mixture of particles of different colors (e.g., at least a first color and a second color) is provided that exhibits a first collective color, e.g., due to the presence of the different colors of particles within the mixture. The mixture can then be exposed to a medium containing a binding partner able to preferentially bind to some of the particles, e.g., particles of a first color relative to particles of a second color. The bound particles can be separated in some fashion (e.g., filtration, gravity, magnetism, centrifugal separation, etc.), such that the mixture exhibits a second collective color, e.g., due to the presence of a greater number of particles of the second color relative to the number of particles of the first color. Accordingly, by visualizing or otherwise determining a color change, a binding event may be determined. Other aspects of the invention relate to kits involving such particles, methods of promoting the making or use of such particles, or the like. | 12-30-2010 |
20100272652 | DETERMINATION OF TRACERS WITHIN SUBJECTS - The present invention generally relates to the use of tracers, for example, to track a substance that has been administered to a subject. A tracer may be separate from the substance to be administered, or in some cases, the tracer and the substance are chemically bonded to each other. When administered to a subject (e.g., ingested), the tracer and the substance to be administered may be absorbed and/or metabolized by the subject, and the pharmacokinetic activity of the tracer within the subject may be related to the pharmacokinetic activity of the substance. Thus, by following the pharmacokinetic activity of the tracer, the pharmacokinetic activity of the substance may be determined. The tracer itself may be determined within a subject using any suitable method, depending on the tracer. As an example, the tracer may be determined by administering an indicator able to interact with the tracer. For instance, the indicator may be applied to the skin of the subject, and the indicator may give a different visual appearance based on the concentration of the tracer, or otherwise exhibit a determinable change in a property of the indicator. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of making or using tracers, methods of promoting the making or use of such tracers, kits involving such tracers, and the like. | 10-28-2010 |
20100269837 | MONITORING OF IMPLANTS AND OTHER DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to implants and, in particular, to systems and methods for monitoring the condition of an implant within a subject. In some embodiments, an implant may be prepared that contains a tracer. After implantation, the tracer from the implant may be determined within a subject using any suitable method, depending on the tracer. As an example, the tracer may be determined by administering an indicator able to interact with the tracer to the subject. For instance, the indicator may be applied to the skin of the subject, and the indicator may give a different visual appearance based on the tracer, or otherwise exhibits a determinable change in a property of the indicator. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of making or using implants, methods of promoting the making or use of such implants, kits involving such implants, or the like. | 10-28-2010 |
20100249560 | OXYGEN SENSOR - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining oxygen in a sample, or in a subject. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to an article exhibiting a determinable feature responsive to oxygen, such as oxygen-sensitive particles. The particles may exhibit a determinable change with a change in oxygen concentration, and such particles can accordingly be used to determine oxygen. For example, in one set of embodiments, the particles may be at least partially coated with a protein, such as hemoglobin, that is able to interact with oxygen. In some cases, the protein may aggregate under certain conditions (e.g., under relatively low oxygen concentrations), and such protein aggregation may be used, for example, to cause the particles to become aggregated, which can be determined in some way. In some cases, such aggregation may be irreversible; i.e., the degree of aggregation corresponds to the most extreme oxygen concentrations that the proteins were exposed to. Such articles may be used, for example, to determine oxygen within a sample, or within a subject, such as a human subject. For instance, the article may be formed as a skin patch, or administered to the skin of a subject, e.g., on the surface of the skin, within the dermis or epidermis, etc., to determine oxygen within the subject. | 09-30-2010 |