Handheld Device for Drawing, Collecting, and Analyzing Bodily Fluid

Abstract

A handheld device for drawing, collecting, and analyzing bodily fluid includes a body having a lumen defined therein, a plunger configured to be user-actuated, and a base. Multiple needles are fixed to the plunger, and at least one of the needles is configured to pass through the apertures of the base and penetrate a subject's skin to release bodily fluid when the plunger is actuated. After the plunger is actuated, a mechanism retracts the plunger from the subject's skin and creates a vacuum within the lumen. A network of passages on the base is configured to collect at least some of the bodily fluid and communicate the bodily fluid to one or more sensing areas for analysis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/590,644, filed Jan. 25, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/674,415, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to medical devices, and in particular, handheld bodily fluid sensing devices for the extraction and subsequent handling of bodily fluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided to assist the understanding of the reader. None of the information provided or references cited is admitted to be prior art to the present technology.

Current handheld medical devices for bodily fluid extraction, such as lancet finger punctures and syringe blood draws, typically involve a single needle making a single puncture site for fluid extraction. Mechanically or electrically actuated spring-loaded needles are used to achieve high velocity skin penetration to ensure the level of reliability required to draw blood from a single needle. If the device prematurely actuates, or if the subject flinches when the device is triggered, proper skin penetration may not occur. Furthermore, high velocity skin penetration can often be painful for the subject. Once bodily fluid is extracted and collected, an additional step is necessary in order to analyze the fluid, as the analysis step is not integrated into current devices. This results in a need for a low velocity device which functions to collect and analyze bodily fluid in a single, integrated design.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device includes a body with a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. A base is attached to the distal end of the body. The base includes an outer face, an inner face, multiple apertures, one or more sensing areas, and a network of passages in communication with the apertures and the one or more sensing areas. The device also includes a plunger with a proximal end and a distal end with a face. The distal end of the plunger is configured to be inserted into the proximal end of the body, and the plunger is configured to be user-actuated from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body. Multiple needles are fixed to the face of the plunger, and at least a portion of each of the needles is configured to extend through the apertures of the base and beyond the outer surface of the base when the plunger is actuated to the distal end of the body. The device also includes a mechanism configured to retract the face of the plunger from: the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body and create a vacuum within the body. At least one of the needles is configured to pass through the apertures of the base and penetrate a subject's skin to release bodily fluid. The network of passages of the base is configured to collect at least some of the bodily fluid and communicate the bodily fluid to the one or more sensing areas.

In another aspect, a method of using a device is provided. The device is provided includes a body with a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. A base is attached to the distal end of the body. The base includes an outer face, an inner face, multiple apertures, one or more sensing areas, and a network of passages in communication with the apertures and the one or more sensing areas. The device also includes a plunger with a proximal end and a distal end with a face. The distal end of the plunger is configured to be inserted into the proximal end of the body, and the plunger is configured to be user-actuated from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body.

Multiple individual needles are fixed to the face of the plunger, and at least a portion of each of the needles is configured to extend through the various apertures of the base and beyond the outer surface of the base when the plunger is actuated to the distal end of the body. The device also includes a mechanism configured to retract the face of the plunger from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body and create a vacuum within the body. At least one of the needles is configured to pass through the apertures of the base and penetrate a subject's skin to release bodily fluid. The network of passages of the base is configured to collect at least some of the bodily fluid and communicate the bodily fluid to the one or more sensing areas. The outer face of the base is placed on a subject's skin. The plunger is manually actuated toward the distal end of the body to cause the needles to pass through the apertures and at least one of the needles to penetrate the subject's skin. The plunger is retracted from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body causing a vacuum to form in a space defined by the face of the plunger, the inner surface of the body, and the inner face of the base and drawing bodily fluids from the subject's skin into the network of passages of the base. The bodily fluid is directed through the network of passages of the base to the one or more sensing areas for analysis.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the handheld device on its side, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded cross sectional front view of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the bottom of the base of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top of the base of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the top of the base of the handheld device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 9C is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 9D is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 9E is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 9F is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 10A is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for a one-way valve for the handheld device.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for a one-way valve for the handheld device.

FIG. 10C is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for a one-way valve for the handheld device.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the mechanism for retracting the plunger of the handheld device.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the handheld device showing alternative embodiments of the handheld device.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the handheld device.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the handheld device showing an alternative embodiment of the handheld device.

FIG. 13A is a front view of the handheld device showing exemplary embodiments for collection and analysis of bodily fluid in the at least one sensing area.

FIG. 13B is a front view of the handheld device showing exemplary embodiments for collection and analysis of bodily fluid in the at least one sensing area.

FIG. 13C is a front view of the handheld device showing exemplary embodiments for collection and analysis of bodily fluid in the at least one sensing area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, a handheld device is used to draw, collect, and analyze bodily fluid. The handheld device includes of a body with a distal end and a proximal end, a plunger with a face, and a base with multiple apertures, a network of passages, and one or more sensing areas. Multiple needles are fixed to the face of the plunger and aligned such that when a user actuates the device, the needles are guided to pass through the multiple independent apertures of the base. The base is attached to the distal end of the body. The handheld device is user-actuated. A user places the device on a subject's skin and actuates the handheld device by displacing the plunger from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body. The displacement of the plunger guides at least a portion of each of the needles fixed to the face of the plunger to pass through the apertures on the base and at least one of the needles penetrates the subject's skin, drawing bodily fluid.

Typical handheld devices for collection of bodily fluid only contain one needle that is electrically or mechanically actuated and must puncture a subject's skin at a high velocity, inflicting a nontrivial amount of pain. The high velocity penetration is necessary to ensure the level of reliability required to draw blood from a single needle. High-velocity needle actuation has thus been preferred because prior art low-velocity systems may not penetrate the skin deeply or reliably enough to ensure that bodily fluid may be extracted, or run the risk of insufficient bodily fluid sample volume. However, in typical devices and applications using high velocity penetration and employing only one needle, the devices are not always successful in drawing blood upon actuation, in part because there is no redundancy. In other known applications and devices, such as patches, microarrays are employed to address this known problem, but utilize arrays of needles that are extremely dense. In such devices, although multiple needles are employed, they are typically concentrated, which may also induce a non-trivial amount of pain and does little to increase the efficacy of fluid collection, as the punctures are all highly localized around a single site, and thus all penetrate the same region of skin, thereby localizing on a single capillary, arterial or other fluid dispersion region. In the many subjects, this may not provide significant coverage to reliably produce a sample. Furthermore, the redundancy of multiple needles for multiple puncture sources does not introduce the needed redundancy for fluidic handling failure, as the cluster of needles is still isolated to a single fluid handling passage.

The various embodiments of the handheld device described herein achieve higher reliability than that observed in the prior art by drawing blood using multiple needles spaced amongst numerous independent sites, thereby utilizing a system that can accommodate less than all of the independent collection sites drawing blood while remaining effective. These handheld devices are user-actuated, thus the needles puncture the subject's skin at a low velocity, minimizing pain while maintaining the increased efficacy and reliability readily observed when drawing from a plurality of distinct sites. When a user actuates the handheld device, and the needles are guided through the apertures on the base, not all of the needles need to penetrate the subject's skin, but enough bodily fluid is drawn by at least one of the needles for the handheld device to work effectively.

In addition, typical handheld devices only perform the step of collecting bodily fluid; they require the transfer of the fluid to a separate system for analysis. The handheld device described herein allows the drawing and analysis of bodily fluid in a single, integrated platform. When a user actuates device and at least one of the needles penetrates the subject's skin, a mechanism retracts the plunger from the distal end to the proximal end of the body, retracting the needles from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum within the body, enhancing fluid extraction and causing bodily fluid to pool on the surface of the skin. The vacuum contributes to the reliability of the handheld device, optimizing fluid extraction from puncture sites where needles penetrate the subject's skin and at the same time minimizing the size of the puncture sites. The bodily fluid is then collected by the network of the passages on the base and directed to one or more sensing areas for analysis. To further enhance reliability, the network of passages may include U-shaped channels that handle the bodily fluid without worrying about air bubbles causing fluid flow failure. Additionally, synchronization of multiple sub-channels is not necessary in order for the handheld device to properly conduct bodily fluid analysis. The handheld device thus eliminates the need for employing an additional step for analysis and provides a simple and effective mechanism for drawing, collecting, and analyzing bodily fluid.

Referring now to the figures, the handheld device for drawing and analyzing bodily fluids will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a handheld device 10. It is understood that various device and system embodiments disclosed herein, including the handheld device 10 of FIG. 1, can be used for a variety of medical procedures and tasks including, but not limited to, bodily fluid collection and analysis. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment, the handheld device 10 contains a body 12 with a proximal end 14 and distal end 16. A plunger 18 rests between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16. According to one implementation, the body 12 defines a lumen 22 (as best shown in FIG. 2) disposed through the body 12, such that the body 12 in certain embodiments is considered a “hollow body” 12). The body 12 may be cylindrical in shape as illustrated in FIG. 1, however other shapes such as oval, square, triangular, and the like may be readily used as well. Further, the lumen 22 can also be cylindrical, oval, square, triangular, or any other known shape for a lumen. The plunger 18 is disposed in the lumen 22 between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16 of the body 12, such that its displacement may be controlled by a user-imparted force. It is understood that the device embodiments disclosed herein can also be used with any other known system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the handheld device 10 on its side, in accordance with one implementation. The handheld device 10 contains the body 12 with the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16. The plunger 18 fits into the proximal end 14 of body 12, and a base 20 attaches to the distal end 16 of the body 12. The body 12 defines a lumen 22 extending longitudinally, in some implementations, from the distal end 16 to the proximal end 14. According to one aspect, the lumen 22 can also be known as a “vacuum creation space” 22. The body 12 also has a spring 24 and a membrane tethering area 26. To use the handheld device 10, a user places the handheld device 10 on a subject's skin, creating a seal. In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive is attached to the distal end 16 of the handheld device 10 to adhere the handheld device 10 to the subject's skin and create a seal.

In these exemplary embodiments, when a user actuates the handheld device 10 by imparting a force on the plunger 18, the plunger 18 is displaced towards the distal end 16 of the body 12 through the lumen 22. Once the plunger 18 reaches its full displacement, a mechanism for retracting the plunger 18 is triggered. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the mechanism for retracting the plunger 18 is the spring 24. In an alternative embodiment, a membrane may be attached to the membrane tethering area 26, and the membrane may be used to retract the plunger 18. The mechanism for retracting the plunger 18 may be activated by the user's manual removal of the user-provided force on the plunger 18. In an alternative embodiment, when the user-imparted force pushes the plunger 18 past a trigger point, an internal mechanism in the handheld device 10 is triggered, activating the mechanism for retracting the plunger 18.

FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the handheld device 10, in accordance with one implementation. The plunger 18 is configured to be inserted into the lumen 22 at the proximal end 14 of the body 12 and contains a face 28 and a plurality of needles 30. The plurality of needles 30 is fixed to the face 28. The base 20 attaches to the distal end 16 of the body 12 and contains a plurality of apertures 32 that are in fluid communication with the lumen 22 and match with the needles 30 on the plunger 18. The plurality of needles 30 may include needles having a gauge from 20 gauge to 40 gauge. In some embodiments, the needles are from 29 gauge to 40 gauge. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of needles 30 may include a plurality of microneedles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of apertures 32 on the base 20 illustratively includes four apertures. In alternative embodiments, the plurality of apertures 32 may include from two to one hundred apertures. The plurality of needles 30 is aligned to be guided to pass through the plurality of apertures 32 when a user actuates the handheld device 10.

FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of the handheld device 10, in accordance with one implementation, and FIG. 5 is an exploded cross sectional front view of the handheld device 10, respectively, in accordance with one implementation. In these and other exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of apertures 32 on the base 20 defines a fluid extraction site 32. The plurality of needles 30 is fixed to the face 28 of the plunger 18 and configured such that when a user actuates the handheld device 10, the plunger 18 is urged distally and the plurality of needles 30 is guided through the plurality of apertures 32 on the base 20, and at least one of the plurality of needles 30 penetrates the subject's skin to release bodily fluid. At least one of the plurality of needles 30 penetrate a subject's skin at a low velocity and as a result, not all of the plurality of needles 30 will necessarily penetrate the subject's skin. All of the plurality of needles 30 may penetrate the skin. However, even when less than all of the plurality of needles 30 penetrate a subject's skin, the handheld device 10 achieves high extraction reliability and is able to accommodate not all of the plurality of needles 30 penetrating the subject's skin, as there are multiple fluid extraction sites 32 from which the plurality of needles 30 can draw bodily fluid.

By increasing the number of the plurality of needles 30, the handheld device 10 increases the probability of extracting a proper amount of bodily fluid. The configuration of the plurality of needles 30 thereby ensures bodily fluid extraction but without as much pain as is caused by a single, high velocity needle used in typical handheld fluid extraction devices or array devices. This approach also lowers the variability induced by the number of capillaries present at various locations on the subject's skin and differences or defects in the manufacturing of the plurality of needles 30. Additionally, the low velocity needle penetration allows a simple design for the handheld device 10, as low velocity needle penetration requires fewer mechanical parts than a typical high velocity device.

In one embodiment, bodily fluid extracted by the plurality of needles 30 may be blood. In another embodiment, bodily fluid extracted may be interstitial fluid. Once bodily fluid is extracted from the subject and begins to pool on the subject's skin, the mechanism for retracting the plunger 18 is activated. The spring 24 retracts the plunger 18 through the lumen 22 from the distal end 16 to the proximal end 14 of the body 12, removing the plurality of needles 30 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the vacuum creation space 22, which is the portion of the lumen 22 distal to the plunger 18. In an alternative embodiment, a membrane (not shown) may be attached to the membrane tethering area 26, and the membrane retracts the plunger 18 from the distal end 16 to the proximal end 14 of the body 12 through the lumen 22, removing the plurality of needles 30 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the lumen 22 distal to the plunger 18. The vacuum created in the lumen 22 creates a vacuum at each of the fluid extraction sites 32, thereby enhancing the pooling of bodily fluid on the subject's skin, optimizing fluid extraction from each puncture site where one of the plurality of needles 30 penetrates the subject's skin, and at the same time minimizing the size of each puncture site. The vacuum created may be from greater than 0 Pa to 75,000 Pa.

FIG. 6 an isometric view of the bottom of the base 20 of the handheld device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top of the base 20 of the handheld device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the base 20 contains the plurality of apertures 32, at least one sensing area 36, and a network of passages 34 in fluidic communication with the plurality of apertures 32 and the at least one sensing area 36, all of which are in fluidic communication with the lumen 22. In various embodiments, the needles (no shown) are able to slide through the apertures 32 so as to puncture the skin of the subject and cause bodily fluid to pool on the subject's skin. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the network of passages 34 includes microfluidic channels that promote the pooled fluid to be directed toward the at least one sensing area 36 for collection and analysis. In exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of apertures 32 is a part of such microfluidic channels. In alternative embodiments, the network of passages 34 may include tubes or paper channels.

When a user actuates the handheld device 10, resulting in bodily fluid pooling in at least one of the fluid extraction sites defined by the plurality of apertures 32 in the base 20, the network of passages 34 collects the bodily fluid pooling on the surface of the subject's skin from at least one of the fluid extraction sites. The network of passages 34 collects bodily fluid from any fluid extraction site in which fluid extraction by the plurality of needles 30 was successful. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the network of passages 34 directs collected bodily fluid by capillary action to the at least one sensing area 36 on the base 20 for analysis. The at least one sensing area 36 collects the bodily fluid transported by the network of passages 34 and performs a sample preparation step. In one embodiment, the sample preparation step consists of filtration of erythrocytes of other constituents of the blood. In alternative embodiments, the sample preparation step may consist of bio-chemical labeling, cell-lysis, a bio-chemical reaction, or separation of the bodily fluid into different sub-components, as discussed in relation to FIGS. 13A-13-C herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the top of the base 20 of the handheld device 10 according to various embodiments. This portion of the top of the base 20 contains part of the network of passages 34, part of one of the plurality of apertures 32, defining part of a fluid extraction site 32, and at least one sensing area 36. In this embodiment, a passage 34 of the network of passages 34 includes a U-shaped channel within a hydrophilic material such that the channel-fluid interface defining the wetted perimeter is larger than the liquid-air interface, defining the free perimeter. Bodily fluid is moved in a non-planar three-dimensional channel, allowing bodily fluid collection and analysis in at least one sensing area 36 to occur on different levels without increasing fabrication costs. Additionally, reliability is increased, as air bubbles do not cause fluid flow failure. In alternative embodiments, the geometry of each of the passages in the network of passages 34 may be varied to allow bodily fluid handling using one-way valves, passive fluid pumps, specific volume isolation for analysis, interfaces with a pad, and combinatorial flows.

FIG. 9A through 9F are front views of various handheld device embodiments showing alternative embodiments of the mechanism for retracting the plunger. As described herein, and in many exemplary embodiments, actuation of the handheld device causes the depressing of the plunger by various means, so as to allow for the piercing of patient skin, variously by sliding needles through the apertures or other means, and then the plunger is retracted, in various embodiments thereby creating a vacuum in the lumen that enhances blood collection and facilitates the flow of fluid through the channels and to the at least one sensing area.

To use the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9A, a user places the handheld device 101 in FIG. 9A on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 102 that is positioned proximally from the plunger 104 to actuate the handheld device 101. The lid 102 contains a plurality of leg pieces 103. When the user imparts a force on the lid 102, the plurality of leg pieces 103 move distally in the lumen 109 and into contact with the plunger 104, transmitting enough force to the plunger 104 such that at least one of the plurality of needles 105 penetrates the subject's skin. The plurality of leg pieces 103 are designed to radially splay but are also held inside of the lumen 109 of the body 106 to ensure reliable contact with the plunger 104 while the user actuates the handheld device 101. When the user imparts a force on the lid 102, the lid 102 compresses the spring 107 and moves to a defined displacement, and the plurality of leg pieces 103 splay into a plurality of grooves 108 defined in the inner surface of the lumen 109, allowing the spring 107 to decompress and proximally retract the plunger 104, removing the plurality of needles 105 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the vacuum creation space 109 created in the lumen 109 as a result of the proximal retraction of the plunger 104.

To use the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9B, a user places the handheld device 120 in FIG. 9B on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 121 to actuate the handheld device 120. The lid 121 contains a collapsible spring 122. The lumen 129 of the body 123 contains a plurality of protrusions 124, which hold a pre-compressed spring in place. The lid 121 is in contact with the plunger 125, and when the user imparts a force on the lid 121, this compresses the collapsible spring 122 and transmits enough force to the plunger 125 such that at least one of the plurality of needles 126 penetrates the subject's skin. The user-imparted force displaces the plunger 125 such that the plurality of protrusions 124 fold into the body 123, releasing the pre-compressed spring previously held in place by the plurality of protrusions 124, allowing the plunger 125 to retract, removing the plurality of needles 126 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the vacuum creation space 129. When the plunger 125 retracts, the collapsible spring 122 collapses.

To use the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9C, a user places the handheld device 140 in FIG. 9C on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 141 to actuate the handheld device 140. Lid 141 is wider than the body 142 and it contains a plurality of arms 143 spanning over the proximal end 144 of the body 142 and in contact with the plunger 145. When the user imparts a force on the lid 141, this transmits enough force distally to the plunger 145 to compress the spring 146 enough such that the plunger 145 moves distally such that at least one of the plurality of needles 147 penetrates the subject's skin. When the plunger 145 reaches a defined distal displacement such that plurality of arms 143 come into contact with the proximal end 144 of the body 142, the plurality of arms 143 fold back, allowing the spring 146 to retract the plunger 145, removing the plurality of needles 147 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the vacuum creation space 149 created in the lumen 149.

To use the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9D, a user places the handheld device 160 in FIG. 9D on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 161 to actuate the handheld device 160. Lid 161 contains a plurality of arms 162 which are connected to a bi-stable spring 163; the bi-stable spring 163 holds the plunger 165. The bi-stable spring 163 has two distinct states or configurations and can automatically switch between the two states when an external force is imparted. In the initial state of the bi-stable spring 163 (before any force is applied to the lid 161), the plunger 165 is located closer to the distal end 164 of the body 166. When the user imparts a force on the lid 161 and displaces the plunger 165 a defined distance distally in the lumen 169, at least one of the plurality of needles 167 penetrates the subject's skin and the bi-stable spring 163 is triggered to flip to its alternate state, such as compaction, buckling, or otherwise retracting. When the bi-stable spring 163 flips to its alternate state, the plunger 165 retracts proximally, removing the plurality of needles 167 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in a portion of the lumen 169 called the vacuum creation space 169.

To use the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9E, a user places the handheld device 180 in FIG. 9E on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 181 to actuate the handheld device 180. Lid 181 is connected a traction spring 182 set in a pre-extended state and connected to the plunger 185. The plunger 185 is kept in place by a plurality of arms 183, which help to connect the plunger 185 to the lid 181 via the spring 182. When the user imparts a force on the lid 181, this transmits enough force in the distal direction through the spring 182 to the plunger 185 such that at least one of the plurality of needles 187 penetrates the subject's skin. The user-imparted force pushes the plunger 185 distally to reach a defined displacement, causing a plurality of protrusions 184 on the body 186 to break the plurality of arms 183. As a result, the plunger 185 disconnects from the lid 181, allowing the traction spring 182 to retract the plunger 185, removing the plurality of needles 187 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the vacuum creation space 188.

To use the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9F, a user places the handheld device 200 in FIG. 9F on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 201 to actuate the handheld device 200. The lid 201 contains a plurality of bi-stable springs 202, which can exist in an upper and lower state. The plurality of bi-stable springs 202 are initially in a lower state with the plurality of needles 207 closer to the distal end 203 of the body 204. When the user imparts a force on the lid 201, this transmits enough force to the plunger 205 such that at least one of the plurality of needles 207 penetrates the subject's skin. When the plunger 205 reaches a defined displacement, the plurality of bi-stable springs 202 change from the lower state to the upper state, retracting the plunger 205, removing the plurality of needles 207 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum creation space 206 in the lumen 206.

The various views depicted in FIGS. 10A-10C show exemplary embodiments of a one-way valve in the handheld device during and following actuation. More specifically, FIGS. 10A-10C depict various embodiments having one or more one-way air valves in fluid communication with the lumen of the body that are passively operated by a user's actuation of the handheld device. Generally speaking, when the device is used and the plunger is depressed, an excess of air in the body must be expelled from the area in the lumen distal to the plunger (between the plunger and the subject's skin) so as to create a vacuum when the plunger is retracted to the top position. As such, all of these drawings refer generally to methods that allow air to escape the lumen of the body when the plunger is depressed and prevent the re-entry of air into the lumen when the plunger is retracted. The various embodiments offer simpler and cheaper alternatives to that which is known in the art.

In an exemplary embodiment of the handheld device 220 depicted in FIG. 10A, a user places the handheld device 220 in FIG. 10A on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 221 to actuate the handheld device 220. The lid 221 contains a plurality of leg pieces 222. When the user imparts a force on the lid 221, the plurality of leg pieces 222 come down and into contact with the plunger 223, as described further in reference to FIG. 9A-9F, transmitting enough force to the plunger 223 such that at least one of the plurality of needles 225 penetrates the subject's skin. In various embodiments, the plurality of leg pieces 222 are designed to radially splay but are also held inside of the body 224 to ensure reliable contact with the plunger 223 while the user actuates the handheld device 220. Other embodiments, such as those described in reference to FIGS. 9A-9F are possible. When a user imparts a force on the lid 221, the lid 221 compresses the spring 226 and moves distally to a defined displacement, allowing the spring 226 to decompress and retract the plunger 223, removing the plurality of needles 225 from the subject's skin and creating a vacuum in the body 224. Again, other embodiments, such as those described in reference to FIGS. 9A-9F are possible. In this embodiment, a gasket 227 is mounted on the lid 221 of the handheld device 220 such that when force is applied to the lid, the gasket 227 completely covers an air channel 228 in the body 224 (wherein the air channel 228 is in fluid communication with the lumen 230, and the plunger 223 moves freely in the body 224 while the one-way airtight seal is maintained by the gasket 227 being positioned at the air channel 228.

In an exemplary embodiment of the handheld device 240 depicted in FIG. 10B, a user places the handheld device 240 in FIG. 10B on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 241 to actuate the handheld device 240. In various embodiments, the handheld device 240 further comprises an elastic membrane 242, further comprising a small hole or holes 243, such that when the plunger 245 is depressed, the air pressure in the lumen (###?) increases and airflow is directed outwards on the elastic membrane 242 such that the elastic membrane 242 pushes away from a flat surface of the body 246, and air can pass through. Conversely, when the plunger 245 is retracted following operation of the needles 247 and subsequent actuation of the springs 248, the airflow back toward the lumen (###?) is reintroduced into the small hole or holes 243, thus causing the elastic membrane 242 to press against the body 246, thereby establishing a one-way airtight seal around the hole or holes 243 and creating a vacuum within the lumen (###?).

In an exemplary embodiment of the handheld device 260 depicted in FIG. 10C, a user places the handheld device 260 in FIG. 10C on a subject's skin and the user imparts a force on a lid 261 to actuate the handheld device 260, as has been previously described. In various embodiments, at least one sealing component 262 is operationally coupled to at least one separate leg component 264. In these embodiments, the at least one sealing component 262 further comprises at least one gasket 263 that, upon actuation of the handheld device 260 by the user depressing the lid 261, forms a fluidic seal with the channel 266, such that the seal remains following the retraction of the plunger 265 by way of the spring 269, thereby creating a vacuum in the lumen 270 of the body 267 following deployment of the needles 268.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary embodiment wherein the handheld device 280 comprises a lid 281, a body 282, needles 284 and a plunger 285, as has been previously described. In various embodiments, the handheld device further comprises a pre-loaded retraction spring 283. The pre-loaded retraction spring 283 is pre-loaded with at least one frangible trigger 286A, 286B. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the frangible trigger 286A, 286B further comprises a plurality of components, a cover 286A and a thinner anchor 286B. Other embodiments are possible. The needles 284 are also covered with frangible covers, such that in operation, the plunger 285 is depressed, first breaking the frangible covers 287 over the needles 284 so that the needles may enter the skin, and subsequently breaking the frangible trigger 286A, 286B and deploying the spring 283 so as to remove the needles 284 from the skin. Thereby, in these embodiments, the user may simply compress the lid and the puncture of the skin, collection of the bodily fluid and retraction of the needles will all occur in automatic succession, thus increasing the usability and reliability of the handheld device. FIG. 11 also depicts an embodiment wherein the handheld device further comprises a channel 288 for creation of a vacuum, various embodiments of which are described in detail in relation to FIGS. 10A-10C. In these embodiments, the channel 288 can be closed by way of a gasket, thereby creating a fluidic seal and vacuum in the lumen 290 of the body 284 when the plunger 285 is depressed. The various anchors 288A, 288B are of a breakable substrate such that when the plunger 285 is actuated to and past each anchor point, the anchors are broken, causing a release of the plunger 285 and subsequently a release of the preloaded spring 283.

FIGS. 12A through 12C depict various embodiments of the arrangement of needles in the handheld device. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, individual needles 301A, 301B are aligned over individual isolated openings 302A, 302B spaced throughout the channel 303 created in the bottom of the handheld device 300.

FIG. 12B depicts the embodiment of FIG. 12A, wherein each of the multiple needles 301A, 301B can be lowered to a lower position, as described previously, through the openings 302A, 302B thereby perforating the skin below and performing a bodily fluid draw into the channel 303.

FIG. 12C depicts the embodiment of FIG. 12B, wherein the needles 301A, 301B have been retracted. Following retraction, the bodily fluid 304 is captured by the channel 303. Theses embodiments thereby allow multiple bodily fluid extraction sites to be collected into the same fluidic handling system even in the event that one or more of the extraction sites do not extract any fluid. The bodily fluid 304 flowing into the fluidic handling mechanism, or channel 303 from one of the extraction sites is able to fill the device by itself, or connect with the fluid from a different extraction site without causing a blockage or air bubble in the fluidic paths.

FIGS. 13A through 13C depict various embodiments for sensing biomarkers in the bodily fluid collected from the patient by the device and flowing in the channels. After sample preparation, the at least one sensing area 36 analyzes the bodily fluid for chemicals or particles of interest and provides a method of readout that may be electrical, visual, or audial. A visual readout may include chemistries that result in a change in color, fluorescence, or emitted light from or resulting from the sensing region that would be detectable by any form of optics or visually by the user. An electrical readout may include electrodes within the at least one sensing area 36 that detect a change in resistance, capacitance, voltage, or current within the sensing region resulting from an accumulation of compounds that modify the electrical properties of the fluid. An audial readout may include the transmission of information from the sensing region to the user based on an audial medium.

According to the handheld device 400 embodiment of FIGS. 13A-13B, the fluid 401 flows into the handheld device 400 by way of a channel 402. The handheld device further comprises at least one sensing area 403. In various embodiments, the at least one sensing area further comprises either a fluid reservoir or an absorbent mesh to hold the fluid 401. As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 13A, after the bodily fluid has collected in the at least one sensing area 403, a chemical or physical reaction in the at least one sensing area 403 displays a color or texture change 404 visible from the back side of the device. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, an electrical signal 405A can be outputted by the sensing area 403 that can be detected by a receiver 405B, such as a smartphone.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13A-13B, the at least one sensing area is a single, unified unit for collection and analysis of the bodily fluid. In other various embodiments, an exemplary handheld device 420 of which is depicted in FIG. 13C, the at least one sensing area is subdivided into a plurality of chambers 423A, 423B by way of a membrane 425 so as to separate particles or fractionate fluids from the incoming fluid, 421 so as to detect specific biomarkers or perform other analysis for detection, either visually or by other chemical or electronic means, as is well known in the art. By way of example, such an embodiment could separate plasma from blood. In various embodiments, a visual or electrical detection system can be placed on the back side allowing to perform a readout.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a. a body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and a lumen defined within the body;

b. a base attached to the distal end of the body, the base comprising an outer face, an inner face, a plurality of apertures, at least one sensing area, and a network of passages in communication with the plurality of apertures and the at least one sensing area;

c. a plunger comprising: i. a proximal end; and ii. a distal end comprising a face; iii. wherein the distal end of the plunger is configured to be disposed within the lumen at the proximal end of the body and the plunger is configured to be user-actuated within the lumen from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body; and

d. a plurality of needles fixed to the face of the plunger, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of needles is configured to extend through the plurality of apertures of the base and beyond the outer face of the base when the plunger is actuated to the distal end of the body;

e. wherein: i. at least one of the plurality of needles is configured to pass through the plurality of apertures of the base and penetrate a subject's skin to release bodily fluid; and ii. the network of passages of the base is configured to collect at least some of the bodily fluid and communicate the bodily fluid to the at least one sensing area.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism configured to retract the face of the plunger within the lumen from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body and create a vacuum within the lumen.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the mechanism further comprises a spring.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the mechanism further comprises an elastic membrane.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the vacuum created by the mechanism is from greater than 0 Pa to 75,000 Pa.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one pre-loaded spring, wherein the preloaded spring is activated by the actuation of the plunger so as to return the plunger to its original location following actuation.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer face of the base comprises an adhesive configured to releaseably adhere the device to the subject's skin.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises from two to 100 apertures.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of needles comprises a plurality of microneedles.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the needles has a gauge from 29 gauge to 40 gauge.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the network of passages comprises tubes, microfluidic channels, or paper channels.

13. The device of claims 1, wherein the at least one sensing area further comprises a sensing apparatus, said sensing apparatus selected from a group consisting of: an electrical sensing apparatus, an audial sensing apparatus, and a visual sensing area.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the bodily fluid is blood or interstitial fluid.

15. A method comprising:

a. providing a handheld device for drawing, collecting, and analyzing bodily fluid, the device comprising: i. a body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and a lumen defined within the body; ii. a base attached to the distal end of the body, the base comprising an outer face, an inner face, a plurality of apertures, at least one sensing area, and a network of passages in communication with the plurality of apertures and the at least one sensing area; iii. a plunger comprising: 1. a proximal end; and 2. a distal end comprising a face; 3. wherein the distal end of the plunger is configured to be disposed within the lumen of the body and the plunger is configured to move between the proximal end of the body and the distal end of the body; and iv. a plurality of needles fixed to the face of the plunger, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of needles is configured to extend through the plurality of apertures of the base and beyond the outer face of the base when the plunger is actuated to the distal end of the body; v. wherein: 1. at least one of the plurality of needles is configured to pass through the plurality of apertures of the base and penetrate a subject's skin to release bodily fluid; and 2. the network of passages of the base is configured to collect at least some of the bodily fluid and communicate the bodily fluid to the at least one sensing area;

b. placing the outer face of the base on a subject's skin;

c. manually actuating the plunger within the lumen toward the distal end of the body to cause the plurality of needles to pass through the plurality of apertures of the base and at least one of the plurality of needles to penetrate the subject's skin;

d. retracting the plunger from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body, thereby causing a vacuum to form in the lumen and drawing bodily fluid from the subject's skin into the network of passages of the base; and

e. directing the bodily fluid through the network of passages of the base to the at least one sensing area for analysis.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a mechanism configured to retract the face of the plunger from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body and create a vacuum within the lumen;

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mechanism comprises a spring or an elastic membrane.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the bodily fluid is blood or interstitial fluid.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the retracting comprises removal of the manual activation force from the plunger.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the retracting comprises activation of an internal mechanism triggered when the user-provided force imparted on the plunger pushes the plunger past a trigger point.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the internal mechanism is a preloaded spring.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the vacuum is from greater than 0 Pa to 75,000 Pa.

23. The method of claim 15 further comprising: providing a readout from the at least one sensing area that is electrical, visual, or auditory.

24. The device of claim 16, further comprising providing a one-way valve, wherein the one-way valve creates the vacuum.