Method and apparatus for obtaining blood for diagnostic tests

A method for obtaining a sample of blood for a diagnostic test, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted;
• (b) extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, with the aid of (1) a vacuum generated by a pump capable of being switched on and off to maintain a desired level of vacuum and (2) stretching of the skin, whereby sufficient blood is collected for said diagnostic test, wherein said opening in said area of said skin from which the sample is to be extracted is formed by a lancet, wherein said lancet is cocked by means of a vacuum.

A method for obtaining a sample of blood for a diagnostic test, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted;
• (b) extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, with the aid of (1) a vacuum generated by a pump capable of being switched on and off to maintain a desired level of vacuum and (2) stretching of the skin, whereby sufficient blood is collected for said diagnostic test, wherein said lancet is triggered by means of a vacuum.

A method for obtaining a sample of blood for a diagnostic test, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted;
• (b) extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, with the aid of (1) a vacuum generated by a pump operated to maintain a desired level of vacuum and (2) stretching of the skin, whereby sufficient blood is collected for said diagnostic test, further comprising the step of increasing the availability of blood to said area of said skin from which said sample is to be extracted prior to forming said opening in said area of said skin from which said sample is to be extracted.

A method for obtaining a sample of blood for a diagnostic test, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted:
• (b) extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, with the aid of (1) a vacuum generated by a pump operated to maintain a desired level of vacuum and (2) stretching of the skin, whereby sufficient blood is collected for said diagnostic test, wherein said opening in said area of said skin from which the sample is to be extracted is formed by a lancet, wherein said lancet is cocked by means of a vacuum.

A method for obtaining a sample of blood for a diagnostic test, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted;
• (b) extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, with the aid of (1) a vacuum generated by a pump operated to maintain a desired level of vacuum and (2) stretching of the skin, whereby sufficient blood is collected for said diagnostic test, wherein said lancet is triggered by means of a vacuum.

An apparatus suitable for obtaining a sample of blood through an area of skin for analysis in a diagnostic test, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in said area of said skin through which the sample is to be extracted;
• (b) a pump for generating a vacuum for extracting said sample from said unobstructed opening in said area of said skin, and
• (c) means for controlling said pump, wherein said means for controlling said pump operates said pump to maintain said vacuum at a specified level.