winnoz’s vacuum-assisted haiim makes finger prick blood draws more efficient

Winnoz’s Haiim system streamlines the process of obtaining blood samples from fingertips, enhancing the quantity collected to accommodate a wider range of diagnostic tests. This vacuum-assisted technology, developed by the company headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is capable of gathering between 150 and 500 microliters of blood from a simple finger prick, typically within a two-minute timeframe, with results varying based on individual physiology.
Winnoz is currently showcasing both Haiim and eGGi, its molecular diagnostic platform utilizing isothermal DNA/RNA amplification techniques, at the Taiwan Tech Arena exhibit within CES. The company’s objective is to establish collaborations with prospective partners and attract investment opportunities.
The development of Haiim stemmed from the personal experiences of founder and CEO Joses Hsiung, recalling his mother’s frequent visits to clinics for routine blood work. Due to the difficulty in locating her veins, multiple attempts were often needed to obtain a sufficient blood sample, ultimately leading to vein collapse. This inspired Hsiung to create a device focused on maximizing blood yield from fingertip samples.
Conventional finger-prick blood collection is generally limited to tests requiring minimal blood volume – typically under 10 microliters – such as glucose or cholesterol assessments. However, Haiim is engineered to collect enough blood for tests demanding larger quantities, potentially eliminating the need for traditional venipuncture procedures for patients.
The system comprises a core unit and disposable cartridges designed to preserve the collected blood until analysis. Recognizing the staffing challenges faced by many healthcare facilities, Haiim is designed for ease of use, requiring less extensive training compared to conventional blood collection techniques. Haiim received approval from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration in 2019 and is intended for implementation within healthcare institutions, clinics, and hospitals.