August 8, 2017 | ProgressTH Lancing tools are used for breaking open blisters and sores, and in this case, breaking only one to take a sample for diagnosis. 

We don't really think that 3D printing is good for this application, but the national children's hospital wanted to test the idea out anyway because if 3D printed PLA plastic is not viable, the overall design may be modified to use more appropriate materials. 

The advantage these sort of projects have, leveraging 3D printing, is to help hospitals develop their R&D capabilities further, including testing without the need for expensive and time-consuming third parties being involved. 

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