“…In current practice, blood samples are often obtained from the fingertip due to its high vascularization and easy accessibility (Dufaitre-patouraux et al 2004). However, in some circumstances, the fingertip is not an appropriate site for lancingfor example, if the fingers are injured or oedematous (Le Floch et al 2008, Dahiya et al 2012, or it is clinically contraindicated to obtain a blood sample when intravenous infusion is being given through the hand. Also, as the fingertip is rich in sensory nerves, the pricking procedure can be a painful experience and repeated pricking at the fingertips is highly likely to lead to tissue damage and poor fine sensitivity (Monami et al 2002, Giannini & Mayr 2004, Anzalone 2008.…”