Recently, researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) developed a microneedle device, and such device is expected to realize the idea. The microneedle device was designed with a 0.5mm micro needle. When the researcher contacts and extrudes the upper arm of the patient with such device, the needle will penetrate into the outer layer of the skin epidermis without deepening into the epidermis or corium layer, so as to realize painless detection.

At present, researchers have applied such device to test the level of antibiotic named vancomycin in patients. At least four drops of blood were required for conventional test. While the device requires about only a millionth drop of blood to complete above test. Researchers can get the data easily through the optical sensor connected with the device needle.

The study participant Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi said the painless vaccination or medicine delivery with such microneedle device is a hot field in biological medicine field. However, to have blood drug testing with the device is still a new idea.