| abstract |
The present invention relates to a device for withdrawing fluid from and/or under the skin of a subject, the device comprising: a deformable structure having a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration, The deformable structure is movable between the first stable configuration and the second stable configuration; one or more microneedles, wherein the deformable structure is constructed and arranged to move the microneedles in the microneedles; some of the microneedles are inserted into the skin of the subject; a retraction mechanism constructed and arranged to cause the one or more microneedles after the deformable structure reaches the second stable configuration moving away from the subject's skin; and a storage chamber for receiving fluid from the subject via insertion of the one or more microneedles into the subject's skin, wherein the storage chamber has an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure before the device is applied to the subject's skin. |