Method and apparatus for enhancing penetration of a member for the intradermal sampling or administration of a substance

A device for withdrawing, delivering or monitoring a substance through the skin of a patient, said device comprising:

• a housing supporting at least one skin penetrating member for delivering a substance intradermnally to a patient;
• and
• a stretching device coupled to said housing for stretching the skin of a patient in at least one dimension, said stretching device having at least one member with a first end coupled to said device and a second end spaced axially from said housing and said at least one skin penetrating member, wherein said at least one member has a length greater than said at least one skin penetrating member and is positioned to contact and stretch the skin of a patient in said at least one dimension prior to the contact and penetration of said skin by said skin penetrating member.

A method of subjecting the skin of a patient to a medical device, said method comprising the steps of

• providing a medical device having a skin stretching device, and
• positioning said medical device with said stretching device on the skin of a patient and applying a sufficient force on said device toward said skin where said stretching device stretches the skin away from said medical device prior to said medical device contacting said skin.