US Patent 9033898 Sampling devices and methods involving relatively little pain

Systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances, such as blood, from subjects. In one embodiment, devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject employ devices including a substance transfer component (such as one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In certain embodiments, substances may be received from and/or delivered to the subject with relatively little pain. The pain may be assessed, for example, using pain scales such as the WONG BAKER FACES Pain Scale. The device may be self-contained, applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood using sensors or agents in the device or an external apparatus. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for receiving bodily fluids kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like.