Importance

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Abstract

Bodily fluid is sampled by causing a syringe mounted in a housing to be displaced toward a skin surface. A suction element disposed on the housing is utilized to creates a suction in the area to be incised causing bodily fluid to pool. Additionally, the suction mechanism may be utilized to create a suction in the tube for drawing in bodily fluid through the piercing element and into the tube. The syringe remains in the resulting incision while the surrounding body tissue is stimulated by a stimulator ring to urge bodily fluid toward the incision. Simultaneously, the syringe may be moved relative to the incision to keep the incision open. Such movement of the syringe may comprise reciprocation in the longitudinal or lateral directions, or both. Alternatively, the movement of the syringe may comprise rotation about a longitudinal center line of the syringe, with the pointed end of the syringe being in the shape of one-half of a cone segment. The suction may then be applied to the area being incised to promote further pooling of bodily fluid. After the bodily fluid has been pooled, suction may be created in a collection tube disposed in communication with the syringe, to draw bodily fluid inwardly through the syringe.

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First Claim