Abstract: The subject invention utilizes the characteristics of in vivo tissue impedances to provide an embodiment of a retinal rake capable of providing a visible and/or preferably an audible signal to a surgeon that more clearly indicates which type of tissue(s) is in contact with the retinal rake. A preferred embodiment comprises a handheld, battery operated retinal rake having two electrodes, wherein at least one electrode is the modified retinal rake. Upon contact with different optical tissues, e.g., epiretinal membranes, retinal tissue, vitreous humor, etc., the electrodes detect varying impedances which are translated by onboard circuitry into various signals that indicate what type of tissue, fluid, structure, etc. is in contact with the retinal rake.

Abstract: A compound curette for removing tissue samples and delivering liquid and anti-pathogen to the treated area includes a hollow handle that fits a reservoir with a medicated or cosmeceutical solution. A solution is delivered from the reservoir through a channel to a scraping end of the curette by a button activated mechanism. The scraping end of the curette is made of a metal or hard plastic and is covered in anti-pathogen material. The liquid delivery allows placing a medicine or sterilizing solution directly at the locust of the infection. Pathogen inhibition coating provides for a good safeguard to stop or slow bacteria or fungus proliferation. The method of scraping debris and medication delivery is particularly useful for the treatment of onychomycosis, commonly referred to as a fungus infection of the toenail. Main portions of the curette could be detachable, allowing for the easy reservoir replacement and for the use of multiple scraping utensils.

Abstract: The eye sampling device (10) comprises supporting means (12) comprising a sampling surface (11), the supporting means being elastically deformable between a rest position and a sampling position and conformed so that, upon being used for sampling, the sampling surface applied in the sampling position in a coinciding way onto a sampling area (2), is detached therefrom according to a peeling movement when passing from the sampling position to a rest position.

Abstract: A cytology device and a method of use thereof are described. The cytology scraper comprises a scraping element that provides increased tissue removal capabilities over conventional cytology brushes. The edges of the scraping element can also simultaneously dilate strictures during the tissue removal procedure.

Abstract: Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of obtaining tissue from a body portion. The method includes providing a wire matrix with a covering in a collapsed configuration, advancing the wire matrix through a body lumen to the body portion, expanding the wire matrix, passing at least a portion of the covering against the body portion so as to deposit tissue on the covering, and removing the wire matrix and the covering via the body lumen.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding at least a portion of a surgical device to a desired position between two tissues in a patient's body involves coupling a guidewire to the device and pulling the distal end of the guidewire to guide at least a portion of the surgical device to a desired position between the two tissues. The surgical device generally includes one or more guidewire coupling members and may comprise a tissue access device. A system may include a guidewire and a surgical device. In some embodiments, a guidewire, a tissue access device, and one or more additional devices to use with the access device may be provided. Methods, devices and systems may be used in open, less-invasive or percutaneous surgical procedures, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously collecting exocervical and endocervical cells from a female patient, includes providing a combination exo-endocervical sampling device including a sampler having a pair of opposing wings and a prominence extending from the wings. The opposing wings include a sampling surface and the prominence includes a multiplicity of endless looped fiber pairs distributed axially along a distal end section of the prominence. Each looped fiber pair includes a first loop extending transverse from the shaft and a second loop extending transverse from the shaft. The loops define a void space therebetween configured to capture exo-endocervical cells. The method includes placing the sampling device in contact with a cervix of the female patient, collecting exocervical cells with the opposing wings of the sampling device, and simultaneously collecting endocervical cells with the prominence.

Abstract: A device with a sampling portion configured to engage, sever, and remove tissue from a body can be used to obtain one or more tissue samples from the body. The device can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a movable member having a proximal portion, the movable member defining an opening at the proximal portion. The instrument includes a stationary member defining an aperture. The stationary member is arranged relative to the movable member with a close fit between the stationary member and the movable member such that aspiration occurs through the movable member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member. The instrument includes a surgical handpiece coupled to the movable member and the stationary member to provide suction and motion to the movable member. A method of regulating aspiration through a surgical instrument includes providing a close fit between a moving member having an opening at a proximal portion and a stationary member having an aperture such that aspiration occurs through the moving member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure generating units, in particular to pressure generating unit arranged in the hand piece of a vacuum biopsy device in the form of a sirynge (2). In said units, air intake is open by a piston when said piston (5) is in the rear position thereof in the space of a vacuumed cylinder (11) which is switched for generating a superpressure, thereby initiating the outflow of a tissue liquid by the air introduced into the space of the vacuumed cylinder. For this purpose, the space of the vacuumed cylinder is connected to the space of an atmosphere pressure cylinder (12) arranged behind the piston, by means of a connection line (15), and an absorbing element (14) is placed on the piston axis.

Abstract: A combination exo-endocervical sampling device includes a pair of opposing wings disposed transverse to a shaft, and a brush that extends from the wings along a central axis of the shaft. In this regard, each of the opposing wings includes a sampling surface having a staggered array of beads, and the brush includes a multiplicity of looped fibers, where each looped fiber includes a first closed end opposite a second closed end such that the closed ends extend transverse from the central axis of the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.

Abstract: A cytology device and a method of use thereof are described. The cytology scraper comprises a scraping element that provides increased tissue removal capabilities over conventional cytology brushes. The edges of the scraping element can also simultaneously dilate strictures during the tissue removal procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collection device for obtaining a sample from within the mouth of a subject. The collection device comprises a collection wand, having a hollow shaft and a scoop attached to the end of the shaft, and optionally, a bulb, a pipetting device, and a collection tube. Also provided are methods of using the collection device to obtain a sample from the mouth of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for collection of biological material from the preputial region of a male animal. The basic principles for collection of the biological material are using a collection tip configured for filling the preputial space and scraping the mucosal walls when the device is pulled from the fornix of the prepuce. In one embodiment, the device includes a collection tip, configured for scrapping the mucosal lining of the prepuce, operably connected to an applicator rod.

Abstract: A debulking catheter comprising a tissue debulking assembly for removing a contiguous strand of material from a body lumen. Catheters of the present invention generally include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions and a tissue debulking assembly disposed at least partially within the distal portion. The tissue debulking assembly is radially movable to expose at least a portion of the assembly through a window on the catheter body. The catheter is advanced transluminally through the body lumen to contact material in the body lumen and remove a plane of contiguous material that has a length that is typically longer than a length of the window on the catheter. The contiguous material may be directed into a collection chamber. Thereafter, the material may be removed from the collection chamber and preserved or tested.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.

Abstract: Apparatus for quick screening for vaginal moisture pH level and for amine associated with such moisture, comprising a manipulable element including a probe insertable into the vagina; a pH indicator on a first side of the element, the indicator characterized as producing a color which corresponds to pH level of vaginal moisture contacting the indicator; and a second indicator on a second side of the element, the second indicator elongated lengthwise of the element and being an amine indicator, the second indicator having an outer surface exposed to vaginal moisture, the surface presenting a sequence of crests for collection of moisture between crests in response to movement of the element in the vagina.

Abstract: A microtechnological device (6) for sampling cells on or in a tissue or other element of the body. It comprises a support (12) having at least one surface of interest (14) on which is present at least one recovery zone (10) comprised of a bottom wall (22) equipped with a plurality of protuberances (24). Preferably, the microtechnological device comprises at least one recovery zone covered with a coating that has the power to attract the cells to be sampled.

Abstract: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a handle and a flexible catheter, the handle having a bore, the proximal end of the catheter being fixed within the handle bore. A protective tubular hub having a flared distal end is press-fit coaxially within the distal end of the catheter, the distal end of the catheter being sealed around the distal end of the hub so as to define a distal opening. A hollow needle having a sharp tip at its distal end is disposed within the catheter, the needle tip being sized for insertion through the distal opening of the catheter. The distal end of a flexible wire is coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the proximal end of the wire extending through the handle bore and coupled to a button slide accessible through a slot in the handle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for extracting and macerating tissue, and optionally for depositing the tissue onto a tissue scaffold. The device generally includes an outer tube having a substantially open distal end that is adapted to be placed on and preferably to form a seal with a tissue surface, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and movable between a first, proximal position in which the shaft is fully disposed within the outer tube, and a second, distal position in which a portion of a distal end of the shaft extends through the opening in the distal end of the outer tube. The device also includes a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end of the shaft that is effective to excise a tissue sample when the shaft is moved to the distal position, and a cutting member that is coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip. The cutting member is effective to macerate a tissue sample excised by the tissue harvesting tip.

Abstract: A cell scraper includes a grip, an elongate arm and a scraper blade. The cell scraper includes a substrate molded from a substantially rigid plastic. The substrate includes a blade support remote from the grip. The cell scraper also includes a resilient material over-molded onto the substrate. The resilient material may be molded onto the grip to facilitate gripping. Additionally, the resilient material is molded around the blade support to define a flexible blade for efficiently scraping cells from a tissue culture vessel.

Abstract: A method for extracting a tissue sample includes altering the pressure inside the lumen of a cannula to facilitate extraction of a tissue sample from the cannula. One aspect of the invention includes a biopsy apparatus comprising a valve for controlling the pressure inside the lumen of the cannula. In one variation, the pressure/vacuum generating device is connected to a cannula with a closed distal end and an orifice located on a circumferential surface of said cannula. A cutting sheath is slidably disposed over said cannula. The valve may be provided between the pressure/vacuum generating device and the cannula to control the pressure within the lumen of the cannula.

Abstract: In a technique for substance sampling and/or substance delivery via the skin barrier, the skin is domed and then a portion removed. Typically a contact portion of the apparatus effects doming of the skin and a cutting, grazing or scraping arrangement removes a portion of the domed skin. The doming of the skin and hence the skin removal is closely controlled. Samples may be taken via the removed portion of the skin and/or substances delivered therethrough.

Abstract: A device with a sampling portion configured to engage, sever, and remove tissue from a body can be used to obtain one or more tissue samples from the body. The device can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples simultantously.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-parameter analysis methods for determining the presence or absence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a cervical sample and for screening cervical abnormality in a cervical sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and automated methods for screening cervical abnormality in a sample. The invention further provides a sampling device and a sample collection assembly for collecting cell samples, including cervical samples.

Abstract: An open circuit gravity-assisted uroflowmeter has a urine collector having a generally open inlet in fluid communication with a sensing passage located at a lower elevation than the inlet, the sensing passage intersecting a magnetic field and having electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent voltage induced by the passage of urine through the magnetic field. Preferred embodiments of the uroflowmeter may have low pressure drop, rapid response and simple construction.

Abstract: A wire-guided curette and a method of thereof are described. The end portion of the curette is capable of scraping tissue for sampling. The end portion of the curette can also excise and/or sweep away strictures that are impeding passage through the body lumen. The curette comprises a lumen for advancing the curette over a wire guide and into body cavities that are normally difficult to access. The end portion of the curette that is performing the procedure comprises a scraping element that is affixed to a tubular shaft of the curette.

Abstract: A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.

Abstract: A combination exo-endocervical sampling device includes a pair of opposing wings disposed transverse to a shaft, and a brush that extends from the wings along a central axis of the shaft. In this regard, each of the opposing wings includes a sampling surface having a staggered array of beads, and the brush includes a multiplicity of looped fibers, where each looped fiber includes a first closed end opposite a second closed end such that the closed ends extend transverse from the central axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A mucous gathering device, comprising an elongated rotatable stem having an axis, and a rotary head piece carried at an end of the stem for flexing; the headpiece having a face sized for presentation to the cervix entrance as the head rotates about an axis angled relative to the stem; and the face having associated structure for gathering mucous proximate the cervix as the head rotates.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endometrial biopsies, wherein an applicator is disposed on the distal end of an outer tube and an injection device is connected to the proximal end of the same tube. The applicator comprises one or more ridges on its outer surface that anchor the applicator in the cervical os, and that cause the applicator to remain securely positioned and maintain the os in a dilated position during the entire procedure. The ridges may be shaped like protrusions, scalloped edges or grooves, and may be disposed in a helical or circular pattern. A method for performing endometrial biopsies is also provided. The apparatus and methods according to the present invention are configured to minimize discomfort to the patient while facilitating the operation of the clinician.

Abstract: A personal cervical cell collector that will allow a female patient to collect cervical cells in the privacy of her home, having a proximal end and a distal end that has a position unit formed therein, a guide assembly having a head formed in a front end thereof and exposing from the outer shell and a sampling assembly having a sampling unit. The guide assembly mounted in the outer shell is guiding the personal cervical cell collector to insert into the vagina guided by the head, and the head touches the woman's cervix and the position unit locks with a peripheral of the cervix for achieving position effect. Continuously, the guide assembly is taken out and the sampling assembly is mounted and then the sampling unit is adjusted to a direction corresponding to the cervix so that collecting is proceeding.

Abstract: Forceps having two-half shells are disclosed. Each half-shell includes a front rim and a base wall and is mounted on a support element in a manner such that the half-shells can adopt a first opened-out configuration and a second closed configuration. The forceps include at least one container element having a cavity for receiving a plurality of biopsy samples. The container element is preferably associated with one of the half-shells.

Abstract: An intra-vaginal self-administered cell collecting device and method includes inserting a tampon-like telescoping tube intra-vaginally. The tube includes an expandable preformed absorbent member having a textured cover. The absorbent member also includes a retrieval member extending therefrom. The tube is manipulated to expel the absorbent member intra-vaginally. The tube is removed and the absorbent member is retained intra-vaginally for a period of time. The absorbent member is retained from expanding from its preform when exposed to vaginal fluids by means of a cover on the absorbent material. The cover also captures soughed-off cells in the vaginal fluids. The absorbent material is retrieved manually by the retrieval member.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular size from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle, elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A biopsy device suitable for collecting cells from a mammary duct is provided. The device is suitable for conducting brushing biopsy and tissue excision procedures. The device comprises a sheath that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The device further comprises an endoscope disposed within and extending through the sheath. An adjustment mechanism is also operatively connected to the endoscope to longitudinally extend and retract the endoscope within the sheath.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A biopsy needle and method of using the same. The biopsy needle includes a pair of articulating members that can be moved between a retracted position where the articulating members are contained within the biopsy needle and an extended position where the articulating members extend outwardly from the distal end of the biopsy needle into the pleural cavity of a patient. Once extended, the articulating members have operative surfaces that contact the parietal pleura of the patient such that a biopsy sample can be obtained as the operative surfaces are moved in contact with the parietal pleura. The operative surfaces may be a brush blade or a knife blade. A passageway within the interior of the biopsy needle allows removal of fluids from the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the removal of tissue and cells from breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a beveled distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway and a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than the tube internal cylindrical passageway and adapted to receive and guide an endoscope with a handle assembly wherein the smaller cylindrical tube together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube forms a second passageway. A second conduit of a smaller diameter than the smaller cylindrical tube is mounted in the second passageway to divide the second passageway into two separate divided sections and is of sufficient diameter to receive a laser fiber and a micro-endoscope is mounted in the smaller cylindrical tube and a laser is mounted in the second cylindrical tube in the second passageway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having treatment means at its distal end. In some embodiments, the treatment means includes one or more retractable abrasive needles used to abrade tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. In other embodiments, treatment means includes an energy transmission member or one or more apertures for dispensing a fluid to contact and close the PFO. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter device to position the distal end adjacent the PFO, exposing a plurality of abrasive needles from the catheter, advancing the needles through the PFO and/or tissue adjacent the PFO, and retracting the needles relative to the PFO to abrade at least a portion of the tissue.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A bone grafting and/or shaping instrument includes a handle portion, a collection chamber and a blade. Features on the blade cooperate with features on the collection chamber to secure the blade to the collection chamber. A flexible joint between the collection chamber and the handle portion allows the user to orient the cutting edge of the blade in any desired position relative to the handle portion.

Abstract: A biopsy needle that is based upon an opening at the tip of the needle, not the side, that permits the entire sample to be cut from the patient yet has smooth sides to reduce injury to the patient when the needle is inserted. The needle of the invention has a coaxial inner needle or tube that allows the opening at the tip to be completely closed and the sample or specimen to be cut off at its point of attachment after insertion of the needle. The needle of the invention samples tissue in front of the needle as it is pushed forward, rather than scraping tissue from the edges of the needle track. In accordance with the invention, the coaxial inner needle can be withdrawn and the sample obtained without moving the outer needle or tube. Several samples can thus be obtained with minimal need for repositioning the needle avoiding pain, tissue damage and risks associated with such repositioning.

Abstract: A minimally invasive transdermal nucleic acid sampling method comprises piercing through the outermost layer of the skin and into the underlying epidermis with a plurality of microprojections. Living skin cells in the underlying epidermis are disrupted, causing them to release their contents including their nucleic acids (i.e., DNA, RNA, fragments thereof or other polynucleic acid material found in the nucleii and/or mitochondria of cells). The nucleic acid is collected on the surfaces of the microprojections and/or in a separate nucleic acid collection reservoir. The collected nucleic acid is then analyzed using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Optionally a suction device applies a partial vacuum through openings in the microprojection member to the microcuts in the skin for enhanced efflux of intracellular and extracellular (i.e., body) fluids containing the nucleic acid.