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Abstract

A laser and method for punching tiny holes in human skin for the purpose of taking blood samples. A laser is provided for producing laser pulses in a narrow beam having a cross section of about 0.2 to 1.5 millimeter in diameter to deposit 0.5 joules to 4 joules of laser energy on the skin in a time period of between 5 us and 600 us. A preferred method comprises directing a 1.5 joule, 150 us, 0.5 millimeter diameter pulse at a patient's finger tip. The pulse vaporizes a hole about 1 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm deep to produce about one to three drops of blood for a blood sample. In another preferred embodiment a large vein in the arm is punctured by a four pulse beam of 1.5 joule pulses. A hole of about 1 mm diameter and about 4 mm deep is produced which permits blood samples of several milliliters to be taken.

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First Claim