Portable laser for blood sampling

A laser device for obtaining blood samples through skin of humans or animals, said device comprising:

• A) a laser crystal,
• B) optical resonator comprising at least two mirror surfaces optically located on opposite sides of said laser crystal,
• C) a laser pumping means to produce from said crystal and resonator at least one short duration laser pulse defining a beam path and having sufficient energy when shaped and focused to vaporize skin tissue,
• D) a power supply means for providing power to said laser pumping means,
• E) a pulse shaping means for shaping and focusing said laser pulse to produce at at least one location along said beam path, defining a sampling location, a pulse cross section having a long dimension and a short dimension, said long dimension being at least three times longer than said short dimension, and
• F) a vapor trap means for trapping tissue vapor produced at said sample location said vapor trap means comprising a filter means for filtering said tissue vapor and a fan means contained in said housing for providing cooling air for said laser crystal and a suction source for sucking air and vaporized tissue into said filter means.