Blood collection assistance device for self-monitoring blood glucose in elderly patients with diabetes

Abstract

 Elderly patients with diabetes have difficulties mastering self-monitoring of blood glucose（SMBG）procedures due to declines in dexterity and cognitive function. SMBG devices that require less dexterity and simpler procedures are needed for these patients. We developed a blood collection assistance device for use on a new SMBG device. The purpose of this study was to examine the optimum depth of puncture, load intensity of compression on the area surrounding the puncture site, and the number of compressions needed to get enough blood for 11 elderly volunteers. We found our device could lead to stable bleeding of more than 0.8μL, the amount required for SMBG in general, if the surrounding area of the punctured spot was compressed using 14.7 N loading for 5 seconds and for two compressions. This assistive device might be useful if it could be mounted on an SMBG device.