with particular reference to fig1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 and 10 , this invention describes an integrated patient measurement and control system 100 ( ipmc ) for delivering medications . the preferred elements of the system as depicted are the blood sampler / withdrawal tubing set ( or sits )- 110 , one or more sensors , 120 a medication control unit 130 and an integrated drug delivery technology 140 through which medication can be delivered . in one aspect , one of the key features of the ipmc system is an integrated drug delivery technology , shown in fig5 is an integrated intravenous ( iv ) infusion pump . this integration minimizes the chance for communication errors that could occur with an external infusion device leading to potentially serious consequences such as infusion without proper feedback . additional elements of the system include an integrated bar code reader ( or rfid reader ) 150 to read the name , dosage , and concentration of the medication to be delivered and patient id to further minimize any medication delivery errors ; intermittent sampling and control , and an inflatable tourniquet / constriction cuff that can be used in conjunction with the sampler device and medication control unit . the term cuff encompasses cuffs , including pneumatic cuffs , tourniquets or other forms of constriction devices . the system is capable of controlling different medications via interchangeable sensor and algorithms , or multiple medications through a multiplexed assay cassette . an alternative embodiment of the system is shown in fig6 , again containing integration of all of the elements described . the sampling system can be arranged to withdraw any biological fluid including blood , urine , interstitial fluid , or saliva . the preferred sample is blood . the sampling system preferably contains a bar code / rfid tag and interlock with the system to ensure patient safety and notify the medication control unit if any errors occur ( e . g . occlusion , attempted removal , etc ). the sampling system is capable of either intermittent sampling or could be adapted to continuous sampling based on the sensor ( s ). the preferred embodiment of the sampling system incorporates an inflatable cuff 112 ( blood pressure like cuff ) and works in conjunction with the controller and sampler to ensure smooth withdrawal of blood . in one embodiment , two or more cuffs may be utilized . in the preferred embodiment of a multi - cuff system , one cuff 112 is located proximal of the point of insertion and the other cuff 114 is located distal to the point of insertion . the sampling system is coupled with a specific algorithm to inflate automatically prior to sampling ( an automated corresponding to a tourniquet manually used for a lab blood draw ) and use a sensing algorithm to set the pressure just above the systolic pressure to ensure a smooth draw and more frequent success to prevent vein collapse ( especially in elderly ). the sampling system is preferably housed in a cassette that will fit into the device . in one aspect of the invention , an interlock system and optionally a bar code or rfid tag pair it with the ipmc . in one system embodiment , the automated blood sampling system preferably comprises a tourniquet , an indwelling catheter , a pressure measuring system , a pump , a disposable set , an optical source and detector and a computer controlled adaptive algorithm . the tourniquet may be of any appropriate type , including hydraulic , pneumatic or mechanical , or any other fashion by which circumferential pressure can be applied to a limb . in one embodiment , the tourniquet optionally has a very low compliance , that is , it is relatively rigid system . such a system has a relatively quick response time , with a fast on / fast off . the tourniquet can be either above or below the point of insertion of the pressure monitoring catheter or system . if it is below the point of insertion , increased pressure may be utilized . the catheter may be “ a single lumen catheter ” or “ a multi lumen catheter ”. the pressure measuring system can be both invasive ( via the indwelling catheter ) or non - invasive ( external pressure sensor ). the catheter may be used to have a direct measure of venous pressure . the pump may be of any type consistent with the application , such as a peristaltic pump , linear , rotary or cassette pump . a re - usable or disposable in - line transducer may be used to provide the pressure signal . if utilized , the disposable set interfaces with the pressure measuring system to provide real time or historic pressure measurement . optionally , the pressure measuring system reads through the disposable set . in a preferred embodiment , pressure is measured transmurally , such as through use of an elastic segment of tubing laid across a strain gauge . the optical sensor provides information to the adaptive algorithm . in the system , the presence of whole blood is indicated by absorbance of the optical signal , thus preventing it from reaching the optical detector . optionally , the optical detector reads through the disposable set . in one embodiment , multiple tourniquets are utilized adjacent the catheter . in the most preferred embodiment of this system , one tourniquet is disposed below the catheter and another is disposed above the catheter . such a system provides the ability to meter the vessel dilation by adjusting each tourniquet pressure separately . while not limited to the following , various options for the pressure of the multiple cuffs are as follows : in a second embodiment , applying pressure to cuff distal to catheter , keeping the pressure below the diastolic pressure , in a third embodiment , for a distal location , use a pressure above diastolic pressure , or for a proximal approach use a pressure above systolic pressure . in a fourth embodiment , alternate between both cuffs , which can be used to induce venous distension and dilation . by limiting pressure to just below diastolic ( or just above or both ) safety is increased as arterial flow is still permitted . the enhanced safety aspect of a tourniquet that operates near or below diastolic offers significant safety advantage ( no pain , hemostasis , etc ) and if operated in a narrow pressure band , the time to reach and / or adjust tour pressure is quite short , which is an advantage to ‘ manipulate ’ the vessel diameter somewhat . as pressure in the vein drops , the pump rate ( and therefore its vacuum ) also drops to prevent vein collapse . as the pressure cuff enhances venous pressure , the pump speeds up . a goal is to maintain constant local venous pressure in the area of the catheter tip , most particularly proximal to the nearest valve in the vein . as venous pressure rises , so does the withdrawal rate of the pump . it may exceed baseline pressure ( venous pressure with no external fluid moving in or out of the catheter ) depending on the effect of tourniquet . optionally , ramp rates may be varied . this mechanically moves the catheter tip away from whatever might be blocking it by using reactionary force . if the infusion is fast , the catheter tip will have a force on it that moves it away from the valve or venous wall . again , this might be in conjunction with the tourniquet manipulations . in yet another embodiment , the algorithm alerts an infusion pump , fluidically connected to the indwelling catheter , to infuse saline or other fluid at a high rate . one effect of fast infusion is to enhance vein lumen diameter . first , an infusion of saline may be used to enhance venous diameter . optionally , this infusion may be used in conjunction with some tourniquet pressure . second , a local vasodilator may be used rather than saline if it does not interfere with the aptt infusion , and is effective at dilating a vein . while saline may result in physical distention , other infusates have a dilating effect , e . g ., nitroprusside , or other vasodialator known to those skilled in the art . enhancers of nitrous oxide , delivered locally , may provide a vasodilatation effect . a very low concentration may be utilized . a fluid that produces very local vasodilation may be used to enhance sample withdrawal success rate . third , in one embodiment , the pressure to the tourniquet is oscillated . the oscillations may be rapid or slow . one advantageous result of the oscillations is to enhance venous dilation . fourth , a special multi - orifice catheter may be employed to avoided positional effects of the catheter opening . the algorithm may alert an infusion pump , fluidically connected to the indwelling catheter , to infuse saline or other fluid at a high rate to displace the catheter tip from the venous wall to enhance sample withdrawal . such an infusion results in mechanical movement of the catheter tip away from whatever might be blocking it by using a reactive force . upon fast infusion the catheter tip will have a force on it that moves the catheter away from the valve , venous wall or other obstruction . optionally , this technique may be used in conjunction with the tourniquet manipulations . the ipmc 110 is a modular system with the capability of providing feedback on different parameters from different medications or on more than one parameter ( e . g ., drug level , pharmacodynamic response ) simultaneously . this is achieved by having the sensor be interchangeable in the device or by a sensor that can be used with more than one assay parameter . one embodiment , shown below in fig7 a and 7b , is a cassette 160 which consists of multiple assays for different assays ( e . g ., a 1 162 , a 2 164 ( alternating ); or a 1 162 , a 2 164 , a 3 166 , a 4 168 ( in sequence )). thereby multiple assay parameters ( e . g . aptt , glucose concentration , potassium level ) can be detected in sequence . the embodiment below preferably interlocks with the system and contains a barcode / rfid tag to ensure that the correct parameters are being measured . in another aspect of the invention of the system , vital signs monitoring ( e . g . ecg , blood pressure , sp02 ) is integrated into the overall monitoring of the safety and state of patient . the blood pressure and heart rate can be analyzed using the cuff 112 that is part of the sampling system . the ipmc system is based on intermittent sampling or if the sensor allows , continuous measurement . it is important to note that the sampling system may take intermittent samples , and the mcu 130 uses algorithms to reconstruct patients state , response and then calculate drug delivery rate based on intermittent samples . in addition , the optimal sampling time to take a sample can be determined by analyzing the response of the patient and if patient response is unexpected ( e . g ., in wrong direction ) the medical delivery is halted and an alert or alarm is raised . there is also an alarm / alert infrastructure / supervisory system 100 to oversee the entire mcu . if all aspects of the ipmc system are functioning there is a “ green light ” and delivery proceed . if there is an alert , ( e . g ., a non - critical problem that is potentially correctable ) has been detected ( e . g . sampling error , communication error , etc .) a yellow alert and audible alarm occurs . if a serious condition occurs ( incorrect infusion rate , multiple missed samples , disconnected line ) then the system immediately goes into alarm ( red light , audible alarm , communication to central station ). fig8 shows a representative display of a monitor 170 for the system . the adaptive algorithm controls the pneumatic or mechanical tourniquet to apply pressure or release pressure to the subject &# 39 ; s extremity proximal ( closest to the heart ) to the indwelling catheter . in one implementation , the adaptive algorithm controls the tourniquet pressure based on real time and historic data both within patient and based on population data . the adaptive algorithm preferably adjusts the withdrawal rate of the pump based on real time and historical measurement provided by the pressure measuring system . a heuristic algorithm is optionally included that ‘ learns as it goes ’ on a per - subject basis . such a system preferably starts with a population basis . real - time venous pressure measurements may be included in the algorithm , if available . alternatively , pressure may be measured indirectly , such as via external strain gauge . the algorithm attempts to optimize the sample integrity , such as by maximizing the sample draw speed , to minimize sample time in the sample tube , to avoid sample degradation , e . g ., degradation of aptt measurements . in yet another embodiment , the adaptive algorithm controls both the tourniquet pressure and the with - drawl rate based on real time and historic pressure data . the combination of these two ideally results in better sample draw than either factor individually . the adaptive algorithm may compensate for inferred venous pressure drop by altering the withdrawal rate . as pressure in the vein drops , the pump rate ( and therefore its vacuum ) also drops to prevent vein collapse . as the pressure cuff enhances venous pressure , the pump speeds up . the goal is to maintain constant local venous pressure in the area of the catheter tip and certainly proximal to the nearest valve in the vein . as venous pressure rises , so does the withdrawal rate of the pump , indeed , it may exceed baseline pressure ( venous pressure with no external fluid moving in or out of the catheter ) depending on the effect of tourniquet . other variations may be utilized , such as ramp rates . the adaptive algorithm may be implemented on a microprocessor or microcontroller . fig9 and 10 show flow charts for possible implementations of the systems and methods of the inventions . in fig9 , the system initially issues a “ take sample ” command . next , the cuff is inflated . in the third step , the sample line pressure is monitored . if the pressure is within acceptable limits , the system proceeds to turn on the sample pump under adaptive control . at least while the pump is on , the system monitors for blood in the line . preferably , the sample line pressure is also monitored , which is then used to optimize the sample pump flow rate . if no blood is seen , the sample is then deposited , and the system can then end . if blood is seen , an abort is an option . if ( after step 3 , above ) the pressure is not within acceptable limits , the system any either ( 1 ) abort and run saline in the line , or ( 2 ) attempt various mitigation routines as discussed herein , including but not limited to oscillation of the pressure , infusion of a vaso dilator , or to turn the saline on . the process of the multi - tourniquet system is as described for fig9 , but further includes the option after the third step in the event the pressure is not within acceptable limits , to vary the cuff pressure sequence . possible sequences could include , but are not limited to , inflate the proximal cuff , recheck the pressure , and if it is not within acceptable limits , to inflate the distal cuff , and deflate the proximal cuff . if the pressure is still not within acceptable limits , the distal cuff could be deflated and the procedure repeated . these sequences may be performed in any order or combination or permutation . in one embodiment , the tourniquet pressure is limited to approximately or slightly lower than diastolic pressure to prevent hemostasis in the extremity . by limiting pressure to just below diastolic ( or just above or both ) we are increasing safety as arterial flow is still permitted . the enhanced safety aspect of a tourniquet that operates near or below diastolic offers significant safety advantage ( no pain , hemostasis , etc ) and if we operate in a narrow pressure band the time to reach and / or adjust tour pressure may be quite short . this can advantageously serve to ‘ manipulate ’ the vessel diameter . the medication delivery technology optionally consists of intravenous infusion pumps 142 , syringe pumps , implantable pumps , transdermal iontophoretic systems . the preferred embodiment is an intravenous infusion pump . the preferred delivery route is intravenous , but other portals such as intrarterial , transdermal , peritoneal , subcutaneous , or buccal could also be used . in the preferred embodiment , the pump is an integral part of the system rather than connected by an interface . this prevents any potential safety issues including 1 ) communication errors between devices , 2 ) incorrect information being sent between devices , 3 ) loss of control of device , 4 ) undetected error that is missed by pump and not detected by the medication control unit . optionally , the system , will contain a bar code reader 150 that can read the identity of the medication being delivered as well as its concentration , and patient for whom it is intended . optionally , a safety algorithm alerts the caregiver that a sample can not be obtained unless a set of predefined conditions are met . various alerts and alarms may be used . a clinical alert can also be incorporated to notify a clinician that drug is scheduled to be delivered , and require approval by the physician ( directly or through a remote connection ) before administration . the systems and methods described herein may be used for automated blood sampling , and then used in combination with other systems , methods and applications . of particular utility are closed loop systems which use the described automated blood sampling in combination with a diagnostic assay to provide an analysis of the blood , and where that analysis is used in providing a drug or other material to the patient . most preferably , the closed loop system is fully automated from the blood sampling , to the diagnostic assay , to the provision of drug delivery . the system preferably includes telemetry ( either wired via ethernet or like , or wireless like bluetooth or wifi ) to communicate information to central station . the system has the ability to pair the system with the patients instructions to make sure the right patient is being started on the right drug . while various embodiments have been described herein , they may be used in combination with multiple embodiments . the embodiments may be combined in order to optimize successful sampling and control . although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding , it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims . 1 the joint commission sentinel event alert : preventing errors relating to commonly used anticoagulants issue 41 , sep . 24 , 2008 . 2 granger c b , hirsh j , califf r m et al . for the gusto - i investigators . activated partial thromboplastin time and outcome after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction : results from the gusto - i trial . circulation . 1996 ; 93 : 870 - 878 . 3 cheng s , morrow d a , sloan s , antman e m , sabatine m s . predictors of initial nontherapeutic anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin in st - segment elevation myocardial infarction . circulation . 2009 mar . 10 ; 119 ( 9 ): 1195 - 202 . epub 2009 feb 23 . 4 anand et al . relationship of activated partial thromboplastin time to coronary events and bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome who receive heparin . circulation . 2003 ; 107 : 2884 - 2888 . 5 cannon et al . automated heparin delivery system to control activated partial thromboplastin time . circulation . 1999 ; 99 : 751 - 756 . 6 alchemia &# 39 ; s generic fondaparinux a potential beneficiary of heparin product recall . alchemia ltd . press release : mar . 27 , 2008 . & lt ; http :// www . alchemia . com & gt ; 7 ims national sales perspective report . ims health inc . june 2008 . 9 medmarx ® is a national database that tracks and trends adverse drug reactions and medication errors . 10 c . peterson , c . ham , t . vanderveen . improving heparin safety : a multidisciplinary invited conference . hospital pharmacy , vol . 43 , no . 6 , pp 491 - 497 . 12 granger c b , hirsh j , califf r m et al . for the gusto - i investigators . activated partial thromboplastin time and outcome after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction : results from the gusto - i trial . circulation . 1996 ; 93 : 870 - 878 . 13 anand et al . relationship of activated partial thromboplastin time to coronary events and bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome who receive heparin . circulation . 2003 ; 107 : 2884 - 2888 . 15 t . k . gandhi et al . protocols for high - risk drugs : reducing adverse drug events related to anticoagulants . agency for healthcare research and quality ( ahrq ). 16 t y wang , e peterson , m ohman et al . excess heparin dosing among fibrinolytic - treated patients with st - segment elevation myocardial infarction . american journal of medicine ( 2008 ) 121 : 805 - 810 . 17 the joint commission sentinel event alert : preventing errors relating to commonly used anticoagulants issue 41 , sep . 24 , 2008 . 18 c . peterson , c . ham , t . vanderveen . improving heparin safety : a multidisciplinary invited conference . hospital pharmacy , vol . 43 , no . 6 , pp 491 - 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an integrated patient monitoring and control system is provided which includes a sits , the sits being adapted for coupling to the patient to obtain a specimen from the patient , a sensor , the sensor being adapted to receive the specimen from the sits and to analyze the sample , a medication control unit , the medication control unit receiving information from the sensor , and utilizing that information to determine medication dosing information for the patient , and a medication administration system , the medication administration system receiving the dosing information from the medication control unit , and adapted to cause administration of the medication to the patient . if the sits is adapted for blood draw , the system advantageously is performed in conjunction with a pneumatic pressure cuff , inflated so as to aid in blood draw .