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Polsky, along with the University of New Mexico, the U.S.

“Dermal interstitial fluid, because of its important regulatory functions in the body, actually carries more immune cells than blood, so it might even predict the onset of some diseases more quickly than other methods.” “We believe interstitial fluid has tremendous diagnostic potential, but there has been a problem with gathering sufficient quantities for clinical analysis,” said Polsky. The new method’s larger draws could be more effective in rapidly measuring exposure to chemical and biological warfare agents as well as diagnosing cancer and other diseases, says Sandia National Laboratories researcher and team lead Ronen Polsky, who is principal investigator on the project sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development program. Previously, microneedles - tiny, hollow, stainless steel needles - have drained tiny amounts of interstitial fluid needed to analyze electrolyte levels but could not draw enough fluid to make more complicated medical tests practical.

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Now a technique using microneedles able to draw relatively large amounts of interstitial fluid - a liquid that lurks just under the skin - opens new possibilities. But a blood draw - usually performed by a medical professional armed with an uncomfortably large needle - might not be quickest, least painful or most effective method, according to new research. When people are in the early stages of an undiagnosed disease, immediate tests that lead to treatment are the best first steps.

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