| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for obtaining blood from a patient which comprises: n (a) iontophoretic delivery of a bacteriocidal effective amount of a bacteriocide through the patient's skin, and n (b) obtaining blood through the skin at the site of the iontophoretic delivery. n The invention is particularly advantages in reducing the effects of contaminants responsible for large numbers of false positives. This advantageous is beneficial not only to a patient who benefits from an accurate diagnosis, but is also beneficial economically by eliminating unnecessary hospital stays, testing, and consulting. |