Two automated capillary puncture devices have been developed that show promise. The first, called TAP for Touch Activated Phlebotomy, has been given a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nod specifically as a blood collection device to collect blood to test the HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes. The company (7SBio) plans to add more assays for use with the device. It deploys a matrix of 30 micro-needles, each as thick as a human hair. The device, which is approximately one inch in diameter, is secured to the upper arm using hydrogel. Once secured to the skin the button is pushed and the pressure differential between the device’s interior and the skin causes the blood to be vacuumed into the device.
