Newly filed Google patent sees ‘needle-free blood draw’ device that could soon become reality and take away all needle-related fears.
Newly filed Google patent sees ‘needle-free blood draw’ device that could soon become reality and take away all needle-related fears.
When it comes to drawing blood, many are reluctant as just the image of a needle being seemingly effortlessly introduced under the skin brings chills down the spine. The newly filed Google patent could bring the perfect solution to the problem: a needle-free blood draw device.
The images attached to the patent files are thoroughly explicit. The needleless device is seen in two forms. Either a cylindrical device attached to a person’s fingertip or a wrist device much like an oversized smartwatch.
The newly filed Google patent sees ‘needle-free blood draw’ as a device that allows painless, needleless blood drawing either from automatically or manually. Could we really do away with needless and experiences conjuring the worst of sensations and feelings?
According to the Google patent, yes. The approval is still pending. However, the needle-free blood draw would be based on a simple innovative approach. A surge of gas is sent to a barrel which contains microparticles. These microparticles will gently pierce the skin due to the pressure from the gas surge.
As the skin is being pierced, blood rushes out. The blood is then collected in a negative pressure barrel. The needleless device could work wonders with diabetic patients looking to check their glucose regularly for instance. It is a perfect fit for collecting small blood samples to be used for medical analysis. The needleless device is also a comforting idea for needle-related fears.
Perhaps, provided the patent gets the needed approval, it will be taken over or even replace AccuCheck or the OneTouchUltra meters. If the needleless device is targeted at diabetic patients, it wouldn’t be the first Google is taking out for them. Earlier in 2015 it was also reported that Google patented the smart contact lenses which can measure the blood sugar levels successfully. Also, a meter the size of a bandage is also directed at measuring blood sugar levels. With 29 million American diagnosed with diabetes, all of these innovative ideas can bring a real game changer.
Google’s Life Sciences team is working relentlessly to bring such projects to life. However, a patent doesn’t always ensure that the product will become reality. Although we surely wish the needle-free blood draw device hits the market soon and makes needles obsolete.
Photo Credits: uspto.gov