Blood Testing Without Needles and Syringes

Google is seeking a way to test blood without the need for needles to draw blood. This technology simplifies and reduces the pain of blood tests for patients with diabetes and other diseases. According to iWeek, in Google's patent application for this technology, it is stated that it initially introduces a sudden flow of gas into a tube containing a micro-particle. After the gas flow enters, this micro-particle creates a hole in the skin, ultimately resulting in a small drop of blood being extracted from the individual. This drop is then introduced into a tube with negative pressure for further testing. Although a model for this new technology has not yet been specified, it will be small enough to be attached to the wrist like a watch. Google claims that this new technology allows for blood sampling without the pain and complications associated with skin puncturing. The patent application states that 'generally, the smaller the needle used, the less pain and discomfort the patient experiences during blood sampling.' Google asserts that its new technology can extract blood from body tissues without the need for skin puncturing by a needle. According to Stack, which first reported the patent registration, this application does not mean that the technology will enter the consumer market. It may take years for a suitable tool to be developed for using this technology. The Life Sciences group, a part of Google now operating under the parent company Alphabet, is the main investment of the company in health, hygiene, and medical affairs. This group, which is involved in some very large public health projects, places significant emphasis on technologies related to diabetes. Obesity in America is one of the main health concerns in the country, and some researchers say that within less than a decade, one in three Americans will be diabetic. Life Sciences, in collaboration with the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, has designed a lens for the eyes of diabetic patients that will be able to measure their blood sugar levels. Human trials for this lens will begin in 2016.