Although we might not always realize it, vacuum plays a role in countless aspects of our everyday lives. In this series, we take a closer look at just how much we rely on vacuum, from the way we breathe to our bicycle helmets to life-saving medical procedures.
While getting blood drawn is not a particularly agonizing process, The Boston Globe reports that an estimated 15 million Americans are afraid of needles. For these people, even a simple blood test can be a stressful, extremely unpleasant process. This is why researchers and innovative startups around the country have designed and launched pain-free blood sampling devices.
“An estimated 15 million Americans are afraid of needles.”
One Boston-based startup, Seventh Sense Biosystems, released its device, called TAP100, which is around the size of a walnut and attaches to a patient’s arm with an adhesive strip. Then, the device uses around 30 spring-loaded, micro-needles to prick the skin and vacuum 100 microliters of blood from the patient painlessly and quickly.
The vacuum technology in this device makes it possible for many patients to report not feeling any discomfort and that the sample process leaves no visible trace on their arm. Other companies, such as Metabolon and Theranos, are also developing diagnostic devices that will revolutionize the way the general public views medical testing, according to VentureBeat. It would seem that vacuum technology is the future of blood testing methods.
At VACUUBRAND®, we are experts in vacuum for science. To learn more about our laboratory and OEM vacuum pumps, please visit our website. If you’d like details about our modular, energy-saving alternative to central vacuum systems for labs, our technology microsite offers an overview. Or simply contact us today about your lab vacuum needs.