Abstract: A guide sheath includes ports at a handle portion through which flexible endoscopic tools may be advanced until they emerge from corresponding ports at a distal tip of the guide sheath. The guide sheath includes a position sensor at its distal tip that is compatible with an image guided surgery (IGS) system, such that a virtual view of the distal tip's position relative to a surgical site may be presented by the IGS system. The virtual view may assist a surgeon in precisely positioning the distal tip at the surgical site, and then one or more flexible endoscopic tools may be advanced the length of the guide sheath for use at the surgical site. The guide sheath may also include an articulating portion at the distal tip that may be deflected in one or more directions in order to provide additional control over placement within the surgical site.

Abstract: A guiding probe for identifying a location within an anatomical region of a patient. The guiding probe can optionally: a graspable portion, an insertion portion and an emitter. The insertion portion can be coupled to the graspable portion. The insertion portion can have an elongated extent and a longitudinal axis. The insertion portion can include a flexible section and a bending section. The bending section can be positioned distal of the flexible section. The emitter can be coupled to a distal end portion of the insertion portion. The emitter can be configured for use within the anatomical region to emit a signal that can be detectable extracorporeally of the patient whereby the signal enables the location within the anatomical region to be identified extracorporeally for therapy to be applied.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly may include a first component, a second component, a tracker device connected at least to the first component. A quick connect system for releasably connecting the first component to the second component, the quick connect system including a male and female engagement, a latch mechanism for latching the first component to the second component. Complementary features are on the first component and on the second component to ensure a planned positional alignment between the first component and the second component upon latching of the male and female engagement, for tracking of the second component with the tracker device.

Abstract: A hardware platform includes adapters to interface with medical provisioning equipment involved in a remote robotic medical procedure at a patient site and a software system component, potentially cloud-based, to process real-time incoming data streams and a database to store the data streams for later use or archival. Each data stream can itself contain different types of sensory data. The software system component provides overall control and overrideable supervision over the remote robotic operations includes a state manager that synergistically processes the incoming data streams possibly of varying transmission rates, times of receipt or transmission, resolution, and quality. The state manager forms a near- or real-time virtual representation of the operative field. The software system component includes a data broker that can parse the RTVR into subsets data tailored to the needs of the medical provisioning and monitoring equipment, which may also be deployed and co-located at the patient site.

Abstract: An instrument drive unit for use in a robotic surgical system includes a carriage configured to be coupled to a robotic arm, a hub rotationally coupled to the carriage and configured to be non-rotatably coupled to an electromechanical surgical instrument, a plurality of electric motors disposed within the carriage, a plurality of drive shafts rotationally supported in the hub, and a plurality of drive gears. Each electric motor includes a stator and a rotor disposed within the stator. Each drive gear is fixed to a corresponding drive shaft and is configured for interfacing with a corresponding driven member of the electromechanical surgical instrument. Each rotor is configured to rotate a corresponding drive gear in response to an activation of a respective electric motor to actuate a function of the electromechanical surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a robotic system effecting autonomous therapy or treatment of a body having soft and/or hard tissue. A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a robotic control system having a fused sensing stream for predicting the deformation of a robotic end effector and the tissue that the end effector is in contact with using, e.g., a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model. The model updates provide adjustment parameters for the control system to compensate for changes in the mechanical nature of the robotic end effector and the characteristics and/or movement of the tissue being treated by the robotic end effector.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system for performing a procedure to treat a vascular lesion including a bedside system and a remote workstation is provided. The bedside system includes a first percutaneous device including an end section, the end section structured to allow the first percutaneous device to create a bore through the vascular lesion. The bedside system includes a second percutaneous device. The bedside system also includes a first actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the first percutaneous device and a second actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the second percutaneous device. The remote workstation includes a user interface and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface and to the bedside system.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system with user engagement monitoring includes a robot assembly, a surgeon console, and a tracking device. The robot assembly includes a robotic arm coupled to a surgical instrument. The surgeon console includes a display device and a handle communicatively coupled to at least one of the robot assembly, the robotic arm, or the surgical instrument. The tracking device includes an image capture device configured to capture an image of a user position reference point. At least one of the surgeon console or the tracking device is configured to compute a position of the user position reference point based on the image; determine whether a user is engaged with the surgeon console based on the computed position; and, in response to a determination that the user is disengaged from the surgeon console, cause the robotic surgical system to operate in a safe mode.

Abstract: An instrument system includes an instrument, a drive system, and a controller operably connected to a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism of the drive system. The controller is configured to operate the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism drive a flexible tensioning member of the instrument to cause movement of an end effector of the instrument while maintaining a tension applied to the flexible tensioning member of the instrument in a tension range.

Abstract: A teleoperational medical system includes a teleoperational control system, a teleoperational manipulator configured for operating a medical instrument in a medical environment, and an operator controller. The teleoperational control system includes a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to determine whether a head portion of an operator of the operator controller is directed toward or away from a display region of a display device based on at least one marker on the operator that is configured to remain substantially fixed relative to the head portion of the operator during a movement of the head portion. The processing unit is further configured to, based on a determination that the head portion is directed away from the display region for at least a threshold time period, enter a standby mode such that movement of the operator controller does not provide corresponding movement to the teleoperational manipulator.

Abstract: A slave-end apparatus for an interventional robot includes: a body, and a front clamper, a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism and a third drive mechanism that are mounted on the body; wherein in a case that the first guide wire runs into the second catheter, the second catheter runs into the first catheter, and the first guide wire, the second catheter and the first catheter are moved along on the body to a desired position, the front clamper and the second drive mechanism take over to clamp the first catheter and the second catheter, the third catheter is caused to run into the second catheter and the second guide wire is caused to run into the third catheter, and the third catheter and the second guide wire are respectively clamped by the second drive mechanism and the third drive mechanism and move on the body.

Abstract: Provided is an instrument for surgery and, more specifically, to an instrument for surgery which can be manually operated in order to be used for laparoscopic surgery or various types of surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and method for resisting external articulation of one or more joints of a manipulator assembly when the joints are approaching mechanical limits. For example, an articulable system may include a joint mechanism, an actuator coupled to the joint mechanism, a sensor system for sensing a joint state and a controller. The controller can operate the articulable system in an external articulation facilitation mode. The controller can command the actuator to resist movement of the joint in response to the joint state indicating the joint is moving toward a mechanical limit location with a joint velocity meeting a first velocity criterion. The controller can also command the actuator resist movement of the joint at a second joint position when the joint velocity meets a second criterion.

Abstract: A method for cell stimulation by mechanical energy as well as a method for determining a subject specific set of treatment parameters for acoustic wave stimulation and a method for validating a set of treatment parameters for acoustic wave stimulation. The method for determining a subject specific set of treatment parameters includes generating subject specific data, which includes measuring a geometric property of a body portion, and determining a target field distribution in the body portion. The method for validating a set of treatment parameters for acoustic wave stimulation includes determining a target field distribution of an acoustic field in a body portion, receiving a related set of treatment parameters for at least one transducer, generating a subject specific 3D model of the body portion, and determining a difference between the target field distribution and a field distribution determined in the subject specific 3D model.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for wearable device vital signs monitoring are provided. An apparatus system includes a remote device, and a wearable device in communication with the remote device. The wearable device includes a polychromatic light source, a spectral sensor, a processor, and a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by the processor. The wearable device is configured to illuminate, via the polychromatic light source, a perfused tissue of the body of the patient, receive, via the spectral sensor, a resultant signal from the body of the patient, and determine a spectral property of the resultant signal. The wearable device may then determine a vital sign of the patient based, at least in part, on a lookup table and the spectral property of the resultant signal.

Abstract: An optically computed optical coherence tomography (OC-OCT) technology is disclosed. The OC-OCT system performs depth resolved imaging by computing the Fourier transform of the interferometric spectra optically. The OC-OCT system modulates the interferometric spectra with Fourier basis function projected to a spatial light modulator and detects the modulated signal without spectral discrimination. The optical computation strategy enables volumetric OCT imaging without performing mechanical scanning and without the need for Fourier transform in a computer. OC-OCT performs Fourier transform signal processing optically, without the need of mechanical scanning, and before data acquisition unlike traditional OCT methods and systems. The scan-less OCT imaging is achieved through the use of spatial light modulator (SLM) that precisely manipulates light wave to generate output with desired amplitude and phase.

Abstract: A tissue inflammation detection system (600) including: a light emitter (602) configured to emit light towards tissue (604); at least one light detector (606) configured to detect diffuse reflective light from the tissue; and a controller (613) including a tissue inflammation detection unit (614) configured to analyze the detected diffuse reflective light in its spectral components. The tissue inflammation detection unit is configured to: determine a tissue contribution from a first wavelength region of a diffuse reflective spectroscopy signal where the diffuse reflective spectroscopy signal is dominated by tissue; extrapolate the tissue contribution to a second wavelength region where the diffuse reflective spectroscopy signal includes at least one detectable hemoglobin absorption feature; subtract the extrapolated tissue contribution from the diffuse reflectance signal; and determine the degree of tissue inflammation.

Abstract: Systems configured to acquire temperature signals from an Abreu Brain Thermal Tunnel (ABTT), to analyze the temperatures signals, and to determine a condition of a human body from the analysis, and a method for doing the same, are described. In addition, systems for application of thermal signals to the ABTT for treatment of conditions are described.

Abstract: A thermographic sensing device for measuring temperatures at one or more regions of the human body, particularly the breast, utilizes a thermographic composition deposited into linear arrays of recesses formed in the lobes of a conformable medium which is disposable against the skin. The thermographic composition includes a binary solvent system and at least one colorant, wherein the compositions in each array are formulated to melt at precise temperatures, within a diagnostically temperature relevant range, to change from a first visible color to a second visible color.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and techniques for identifying a respiration rate based on an impedance signal. In some examples, a medical device system includes a medical device including a plurality of electrodes. The medical device is configured to perform, using the plurality of electrodes, an impedance measurement to collect a set of impedance values, where the set of impedance values is indicative of a respiration pattern of a patient. Additionally, the medical device system includes processing circuitry configured to identify a set of positive zero crossings based on the set of impedance values, identify a set of negative zero crossings based on the set of impedance values, and determine, for the impedance measurement, a value of a respiration metric using both the set of negative zero crossings and the set of positive zero crossings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ring-shaped wearable device for detecting biometrics with a light source and a photodetector directed towards a digit wearing the ring-shaped device. The ring can thus detect oxygen saturation of a wearer based on light transmitted through the wearer's finger. The ring can include power saving measures to extend the battery life. A motion sensor can help determine opportune moments for data collection such as when the wearer is still. The motion sensor can be used to remove noise from the data caused by motion. After data is collected or during data collection, the ring can wirelessly communicate the data to another portable electronic device such as a phone or watch.

Abstract: A system and method for using algorithms and acoustic input to control, monitor, annotate, and configure a wearable patch that monitors physiological signals. The method comprises the receiving a transmission at a wearable device wherein the transmission can identify a mode of operation, an annotation to the data in the device, a request for data from the device, a modification of the configuration of parameters, and signals in the device.

Abstract: A probe including a first sensor having a first magnetometer and a first accelerometer and a second sensor having a second magnetometer and a second accelerometer is configured for determining the distance and direction to a marker. The marker may be magnetic and may be surgically inserted into a patient's body to mark a specific location. The probe may be used to locate the marker, thus identifying the location. The probe may include a microprocessor that receives an output from the first sensor and an output from the second sensor and determines the distance and direction to the marker.

Abstract: A continuous blood glucose monitoring system and method measures emitted microwave energy transmitted to and accepted by blood vessels in a desired target area of a patient in order to determine, in real time and in vivo, appropriate blood glucose levels. A measurement unit comprises a transmitter operatively connected to an antenna to deliver energy towards appropriate subcutaneous blood vessels. The measurement unit determines an accepted energy power value in the blood vessels associated with the desired target area. This measurement energy power value is compared with a calibration value, and the difference is used to determine a resultant blood glucose value. The determined blood glucose value may further be acclimatized using additional sensed values compensating for biological and ambient factors relevant to the patient. The final determined blood glucose value can be displayed for reading and/or transmitted and stored for recording for further reference.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for determining a respiration phase by extracting a distance characteristic value, a score characteristic value, and an area characteristic value from the respiration signal, wherein the distance characteristic value, the score characteristic value and the area characteristic value are used to indicate waveform variation between two adjacent waveforms in the respiration signal. The techniques include training a respiration signal model according to the distance characteristic value, the score characteristic value, and the area characteristic value to determine the respiration phase of the respiration signal using the respiration signal model.

Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic resonance facility in which a measurement gradient pulse is used to record magnetic resonance signals for sampling k-space along a trajectory section. The recorded magnetic resonance signals are assigned to k-space points using a shape function describing the time profile of the measurement gradient pulse. To correct deviations of the real time profile of the measurement gradient pulse from an assumed target profile, a first correction measurement is performed to ascertain first magnetic resonance signals of the trajectory section. A second correction measurement is then performed using a reference sampling pattern or a reference gradient pulse with fewer deviations from an assigned reference target profile. If a deviation criterion is met, a correction function for the shape function is ascertained by aligning the first and second magnetic resonance signals to one another, providing correction information to be used in an imaging measurement.

Abstract: A medical device, system, and method having a flexible shaft and a multi-core fiber within the flexible shaft. The multi-core fiber includes a plurality of optical cores dedicated for shape sensing sensors, and a plurality of optical cores dedicated for force sensing sensors. A medical device flexing structure assembly can comprise a multi-core fiber comprising a plurality of cores, and a flexing structure comprising at least one slot. Each of the plurality of cores can comprise a fiber Bragg grating, and the flexing structure can be configured to bend in response to a force imparted on the flexing structure.

Abstract: A catheter for positioning a guidewire across an occluded portion of a vessel includes an elongate catheter body, an integrated rotatable distal tip, a proximal handle region, and a catheter lumen extending through the elongate catheter body. The elongate body has a distal region configured to be bent to a set angle. The integrated rotatable distal tip includes one or more channeled flutes extending around the distal tip that are configured to be rotated in a first direction to dissect tissue and a second direction for bluntly contacting tissue. A proximal handle region includes a control for rotating the distal tip in either the first or second directions. The catheter lumen is configured to pass a guidewire.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method for estimating a breathing rate, including: receiving a plurality of channel state information (CSI) from a wireless device; selecting an initial reference CSI from the plurality of CSI; computing a perturbation index using the initial reference CSI and a portion of the plurality of CSI; determining an optimal reference CSI based upon the perturbation index; re-computing the perturbation index using the optimal reference CSI on a portion of the plurality of CSI subsequent to the optimal reference CSI; and determining a breathing rate from the perturbation index using a frequency analysis of the perturbation index.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for respiration-controlled virtual experiences. In an embodiment, a controller presents a virtual experience via a user interface that is perceptible to a user. The controller receives a respiration-data stream from a respiration device with which the user is operably engaged. The respiration-data stream includes one or more respiration-parameter values of one or more respiration parameters associated with ongoing respiration of the user. The controller updates the virtual experience based at least in part on the one or more respiration-parameter values in the respiration-data stream. The virtual experience includes a plurality of sequential phases that have an associated phase sequence. Among the sequential phases is an active-induction phase that corresponds in time to the user receiving anesthetic induction via the respiration device, as well as one or more phases that each precede the active-induction phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides system and method for monitoring of at least one physiological parameter of a person engaged in a physical activity, for example, an impact received by a player engaged in a contact sport such as football. The system includes a monitoring unit that actively monitors the physiological parameter of the person, wherein the monitoring unit generates an alert event when the monitored physiological parameter exceeds a threshold of the parameter. The monitoring unit determines whether the parameter exceeds an over-exposure threshold, wherein said threshold is based upon both a single incidence or cumulative incidences.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patient interface for sealed delivery of a flow of air at a continuously positive pressure with respect to ambient air pressure to an entrance to the patient's airways includes collecting anthropometric data of a patient's face. Anticipated considerations are identified from the collected anthropometric data during use of the patient interface. The collected anthropometric data is processed to provide a transformed data set based on the anticipated considerations, the transformed data set corresponding to at least one customised patient interface component. At least one patient interface component is modelled based on the transformed data set.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a system comprises a target image display forming a skeleton image of a subject on a grid pattern with a predetermined unit length and coordinates via image processing by a three-dimensional (3D) depth camera, specifying, on the skeleton image, feature points corresponding to the subject's joints, a reference point corresponding to a measurement target among the feature points, and a motion point corresponding to a joint moving with respect to the reference point, and generating a connection line connecting the feature points and an information processor obtaining the body information from the skeleton image using the feature points, the connection line, the grid pattern, and a gravity line and median line of the subject, evaluating the posture information according to a preset posture classification criterion, and measuring the joint motion range by tracking motion of the motion point with respect to the reference point.

Abstract: Introduced here are techniques for digitally characterizing the movement of a subject in order to detect the presence of a disorder or monitor the progression of the disorder. More specifically, one or more angular features can be identified that define how certain part(s) of the human body move relative to other part(s) of the human body. These angular feature(s) can be used, for example, to affirmatively diagnose instances of a disorder, eliminate a disorder as the source of symptoms experienced by a subject, generate confidence scores that can be used to assist in diagnosing a subject, monitor disorder progression due to treatment or lack thereof, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods to detect a wide range of eardrum conditions by using visually-descriptive words of a tympanic membrane of a subject.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-layered device for automatically sensing sweat biomarkers, storing and transmitting sensed data via wireless network to a computing device having software applications operable thereon for receiving and analyzing the sensed data. The device is functional in extreme conditions, including extremely hot temperatures, extremely cold temperatures, high salinity, high altitude, extreme pHs, and/or extreme pressures.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system for controlling glucose levels comprising receiving behavioral sensor measurements and analyte sensor measurements, determining a plurality of analyte profiles from continuous analyte sensor measurements; grouping the plurality of analyte profiles into clusters; assigning a selected behavioral parameter or a selected pattern of behavioral parameters to each analyte profile in a first cluster, and providing a treatment recommendation.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods for patient monitoring. An example method comprises receiving an estimated glucose concentration level of the patient from a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system for a first time period. The method may also include receiving non-glucose information relating to the patient for the first time period and determining a relationship between the estimated glucose concentration level and the non-glucose information. The method may also include receiving non-glucose information relating to the patient for a second time period and determining diabetic information about the patient for the second time period based upon the determined relationship and the non-glucose information. The method may include electronically delivering a notification about the diabetic information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous blood glucose measurement apparatus which, by manufacturing a body-attachable unit in an assembled state inside an applicator, minimizes the additional work by a user for attaching the body-attachable unit to the body and thus enables the body-attachable unit to be attached to the body simply by means of operating the applicator, and, by providing a wireless communication chip on the body-attachable unit and enabling communication with an external terminal, can be used in a simple and convenient manner without the additional work of connecting a separate transmitter and enables easier maintenance and management, and, by having the operation of the body-attachable unit initiated by means of the user's manipulation after being attached to the body, enables the operation initiation point to be adjusted to an appropriate point as necessary by the user, enables an operation initiation in a stabilized state and thus enables more accurate blood glucose measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and processes for measuring, monitoring, processing, and visualizing biological data including blood glucose levels. In various embodiments, a biomarker monitoring fitness system may facilitate one or more of the monitoring of fitness data including blood glucose levels measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor for an individual user or group of users, the prediction of carbohydrate intake needs or insulin delivery needs during physical activity of a user and the active indication thereof to the user and/or a delivery system of the user, and the collection and management of de-identified and identifiable user fitness data including blood glucose data.

Abstract: A body-monitoring system (1), intended to be attached to a limb of a living being, having a first module (100) having fastening and clamping mechanisms (110) configured to hold and clamp the system (1) on a limb; a second module (200) having microneedles (210) configured to be inserted into the skin in order to sample and/or analyse a bodily fluid of the wearer of the body-monitoring system (1) when positioned on the limb, the two modules (100, 200) being able to be coupled together in position by a complementarity of shape. The first module (100) and the second module (200) are connected together by a separable link (300), the separable link being configured to be released when a tearing threshold is exceeded, the link also being reusable.

Abstract: A smart wearable device includes a detection apparatus and a case, the detection apparatus specifically includes one set of measuring parts and a plurality of sets of light emitting parts; the one set of measuring parts and the plurality of sets of light emitting parts are inlaid into the case and arranged into a polygon, where each of the plurality of sets of light emitting parts and the one set of measuring parts each occupies one of a plurality of angles of the polygon, and a central position of the polygon is at a specified distance to each angle of the polygon. A specific embodiment of the present invention provides a smart wearable device. One set of measuring parts and a plurality of sets of light emitting parts are disposed into a case and arranged into a polygon.

Abstract: The double layer capacitance of a working electrode of a sensor may be measured with minimal disruption to the sensor equilibrium by open circuiting the working electrode and measuring the voltage drift on a periodic, or as-needed, basis. The values of the double layer capacitance may be monitored over time to determine, e.g., sensor age and condition.

Abstract: A medical device for transcutaneously inserting an insertable element into a body tissue. The medical device includes an insertable element and an insertion cannula for subcutaneously inserting the insertable element. The insertable element includes an in vivo distal end for subcutaneous insertion and an ex vivo proximal end. The insertion cannula has a lumen configured to receive the insertable element that is fully or partially enclosed by a wall of the insertion cannula. The wall comprises at least one shape memory alloy wherein the insertion cannula is stored in a first shape configuration and is configured to be transformable into a second shape configuration for insertion.

Abstract: Devices are presented for measurement of an analyte concentration. The devices comprise: a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of an analyte; and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises an enzyme domain comprising an enzyme, a base polymer, and a hydrophilic polymer which makes up from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of the enzyme domain.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as interference rejection membranes, and associated architectures, as well as methods for making and using such sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the expression levels of some microRNAs (miRNAs) can use a diagnostic signature to predict transplant outcomes in a transplant recipient. Thus, in various embodiments described herein, the methods of the invention relate to methods of diagnosing a transplant subject for acute rejection such as acute cellular rejection (ACR), methods of predicting a subject's risk of having or developing ACR and methods of assessing in a subject the likelihood of a successful or failure minimization of immunosuppression therapy (IST) dosage from standard ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Freshly obtained blood samples are deposited into a device that contains blood sample carriers, each of the carriers is designed to hold a fixed amount of blood and allow excess blood sample to flow through and be discarded. A desiccant within the blood sample carrier aids with the drying of the blood and the discarding of the excess sample blood. The device is stored/transported within a modified atmosphere package comprised of an impermeable sealable bag and an oxygen scavenger compound for removing oxygen from the bag.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to the collection of bodily fluids through the use of gravity and microfluidic properties by way of a collector. The collector can make use of microfluidic networks connected to collection sites on the skin of a subject to gather and shuttle blood into a reservoir by a combination of capillary action and gravitational forces. The collected fluid is moved through the microfluidic networks and into the reservoir by a variety of approaches.