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SpectRx and Altea Technologies of Atlanta, Georgia are patenting
(WO 00/03758) a way of using tiny explosive charges to inject drugs, take blood
samples or even etch tattoos. In place of a needle the syringe uses a blunt
probe tipped with a pyrotechnic mixture. The explosion produces a tiny opening
in the skin through which fluids—including drugs or tattoo dyes—can
be pushed or sucked. The flash of a laser diode or an electrical pulse triggers
the charge. It all happens in 10 milliseconds, so the skin temperature never
rises above 40 °C—well below the human pain threshold. The probe can
also have an electrochemical biosensor which measures blood glucose levels for
diabetics. And if backed with ink, the pyrotechnic can produce an instant
tattoo.