Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Switzerland have developed a small patch capable of measuring drug levels without drawing any blood.

The microneedle drug monitoring system features a thin patch pressed against a patient's arm during medical treatment, which can measure drugs in the bloodstream without drawing any blood

"Many groups are researching microneedle technology for painless vaccines and drug delivery," said researcher Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi, a PhD student in UBC's faculties of applied science and pharmaceutical sciences, who developed this technology during a research exchange at PSI. "Using them to painlessly monitor drugs is a newer idea."

The needle, located within the small patch, measures drug levels in the bloodstream without drawing blood. Less than half a millimeter long, the needle has a hollow cone where a reaction occurs that allows researchers to detect drug levels using an optical sensor.

Researchers hope that one day these patches could be used to replace needles for drawing blood.