According to Russian media reports, the innovative project of collecting blood samples with green laser pointer without contact puncture finger has recently obtained investment from Moscow Seed Fund.
The project was initiated by the R&D team at the Troitsk Science City. The team consists of two types of professionals: one is a medical talent who understands the needs of health care institutions, and the other is a technical person who knows how to design and use laser instruments.
Today, there are two types of puncture tools used by medical institutions to collect blood. One is an outdated metal piece that can be used multiple times if desired, but there is a risk of infecting dangerous diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. The other is a spring-loaded plastic shell blood collection needle that can be automatically retracted after puncture to prevent secondary use.
It is understood that 95% of medical institutions in Moscow are still using the most common paper-wrapped metal sheets, which have been banned in some countries. The remaining 5% of medical institutions use automatic blood collection needles, but at a much higher cost.
The principle of the green laser pointer is to let the skin absorb a certain amount of radiant energy. Solid-state lasers developed by Russian physicists operate in the near-infrared range at a wavelength of 3 microns. This is the peak wavelength of water absorption in this band, and water is the main constituent of human tissue. Therefore, when the laser is focused on the surface of the skin, the tissue at the focus position will evaporate violently, forming a tiny hole sufficient to collect blood. Compared with the retractable automatic blood collection needle currently used, the laser perforating instrument is characterized by absolute sterility, almost painless, rapid wound healing and low cost.
According to the report, for popular medical methods such as blood collection, the main factor affecting the choice of instruments and consumables by medical institutions is economic considerations.
The main problem with the green laser pointer is the cost. If the developer can make the cost of a single puncture significantly lower than a disposable lancet, the medical facility will be happy to use the instrument. Aleksey Kostrov, CEO of the Moscow Seed Fund, confirmed that developers can do this.
Preliminary statistics show that the laser puncture device can be used in the general community clinic for about 5 years, during which the cost is only half of the cost of using the disposable blood collection needle. The next phase of project development is the manufacture of home portable penetrators based on the same principles. This will be an irreplaceable tool for those who have diabetes and have to pierce their fingers nearly 10 times a day to measure blood sugar.