Several conditions require sampling of blood. The sampling of blood can be used to determine the blood level of drugs with narrow therapeutic ranges, determine compliance or detect drugs of abuse. Blood sampling may also be necessary to determine adequate control of a disease state where, for example, without limitation, the patient can not regulate the level of a compound. For example, diabetics do not have the ability to control glucose levels in the blood to maintain such levels in a normal range. Glucose blood levels are needed to regulate the administration of insulin or other hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic agent.
Diabetics need to test blood levels several times a day. However, the experience is not pleasant. There is pain associated with sticking a lance into the flesh in order to draw blood. Prolonged and repeated sticking causes skin abrasion as well. There is a psychological aversion to sticking a lance into oneself. Patient compliance for testing blood glucose levels is a problem.
It would be desirable to be able to test blood levels of biologically important compounds, such as glucose, or drugs without discomfort or the aversion of sticking a lance.