There's good news for diabetics who draw blood to monitor their glucose levels. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Lasette, a battery-operated Er:YAG laser that can extract blood without the pain associated with metal lancets, for home use. Cell Robotics International Inc. in Albuquerque, N.M., manufactures the device.

Clinical tests revealed that patients who received adequate training with this device were able to perform pinpricks as easily as with lancets. It was effective with both adults and juveniles who have diabetes, a chronic disease that afflicts 15.7 million people in the US.
In the wake of the FDA's clearance, Cell Robotics' stock more than doubled, increasing from $1.81 Dec. 7 to $3.69 Dec. 9.

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