Optical methods to modulate local blood perfusion at the skin

Abstract

Methods and systems for collecting blood samples are described. The disclosed methods and systems employ exposure of the skin surface at a sampling location to electromagnetic radiation, such as blue light, to induce vasodilation in the skin in order to increase a rate of capillary perfusion and blood collection. Following or during the exposure process, the skin at the sampling location can be pricked with one or more lancets to generate capillary perfusion sites for the blood collection process. Following collection of a blood sample, some of the disclosed devices and methods can optionally use heat or infrared electromagnetic radiation to increase a clotting rate to close the capillary perfusion sites.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.