Abstract: An optical probe, instrument, and method for measuring a tissue sample. The optical probe comprises a needle having a needle tip formed to penetrate a tissue surface and an optical waveguide arranged to transmit light through the needle; and a probe housing for holding the needle and comprising at least one of an actuator or a sensor configured to receive or generate a depth signal to determine a depth position of the needle tip relative to the tissue surface.

Abstract: An optical probe, instrument, and method for measuring a tissue sample. The optical probe comprises a needle having a needle tip formed to penetrate a tissue surface and an optical waveguide arranged to transmit light through the needle; and a probe housing for holding the needle and comprising at least one of an actuator or a sensor configured to receive or generate a depth signal to determine a depth position of the needle tip relative to the tissue surface.

Abstract: Method and instrument for analysing a tissue sample. Localized concentrations of an analyte are measured at a plurality of spaced apart locations around a controlled depth. Spatial variance of the analyte is calculated based on the measured analyte concentrations. The procedure is repeated while varying the controlled depth to obtain the spatial variance as a function of depth. Tissue at a particular depth may be evaluated as tumour tissue when the spatial variance is below the threshold. For example, a section distance is calculated between the tissue surface and a depth where the measured spatial variance crosses a predetermined threshold variance. Feedback can be provided based on a comparison between a calculated section distance and a pre-set minimum section margin.

Abstract: Method and instrument for analysing a tissue sample. Localized concentrations of an analyte are measured at a plurality of spaced apart locations around a controlled depth. Spatial variance of the analyte is calculated based on the measured analyte concentrations. The procedure is repeated while varying the controlled depth to obtain the spatial variance as a function of depth. Tissue at a particular depth may be evaluated as tumour tissue when the spatial variance is below the threshold. For example, a section distance is calculated between the tissue surface and a depth where the measured spatial variance crosses a predetermined threshold variance. Feedback can be provided based on a comparison between a calculated section distance and a pre-set minimum section margin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for non-invasive determination of the potential presence of one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin. The method of the invention comprises (i) obtaining a vibrational spectrum from the stratum corneum of the individual; (ii) determining the local natural moisturising factor content from the vibrational spectrum; (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii); and (iv) comparing the local natural moisturising factor content of the individual to a reference value, wherein said stratum corneum is stratum corneum of a location of the body of said individual at which said one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin has a stronger influence on the natural moisturising factor concentration than other factors influencing the natural moisturising factor concentration.

Abstract: A spectroscopic apparatus for determining a concentration and/or spatial gradient of an analyte of a bodily fluid that provides determination of a position of a capillary vessel within a biological sample in order to focus spectroscopic excitation radiation to a volume that is in close proximity to the capillary vessel but does not overlap with the capillary vessel. The provided apparatus exploits the permeability of the vessel wall with respect to an analyte that is subject to analyte concentration determination. By means of biological transport processes, the concentration of an analyte of a bodily fluid located in the capillary vessel influences the concentration in the surrounding of the capillary vessel. Spectroscopic analysis of a volume outside the capillary vessel can therefore serve for a precise and reliable analyte concentration determination inside the capillary vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using Raman spectra to identify unknown mutations in a gene, more specifically the filaggrin gene. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method to determine if a person has a homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in the filaggrin-gene comprising measurement of the presence of tyrosine in the skin. Preferably said measurements are performed by Rama spectrography and on the tsiie of the skin, most preferably on the palm of the hand. Further, when these measurements are taken together with measurements of the NMF content of the skin it, the present invention relates to a method of classifying atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for non-invasive determination of the potential presence of one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin. The method of the invention comprises (i) obtaining a vibrational spectrum from the stratum corneum of the individual; (ii) determining the local natural moisturising factor content from the vibrational spectrum; (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii); and (iv) comparing the local natural moisturising factor content of the individual to a reference value, wherein said stratum corneum is stratum corneum of a location of the body of said individual at which said one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin has a stronger influence on the natural moisturising factor concentration than other factors influencing the natural moisturising factor concentration.

Abstract: A Raman spectrum is measured inside animal tissue, such us human skin tissue, at a selected depth from a surface the tissue. A pH value is computed using a function that assigns a pH value as a function of the measured Raman spectrum. The computation may involve computing a number representing a ratio of concentrations of a protonated and a deprotonated version of a chemical substance from the Raman spectrum and generating pH information on the basis of said number. The chemical substance is for example a form of Urocanic acid (UCA). UV exposure is measured from the weight of the spectrum of cis-UCA.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus including a spectroscopic analysis apparatus comprises an excitation system and a monitoring system. The excitation system emits an excitation beam to excite a target region during an excitation period. The monitoring system emits a monitoring beam to image the target region during a monitoring period. The excitation period and the monitoring period substantially overlap. Hence the target region is imaged together with the excitation, and an image is formed displaying both the target region and the excitation area. On the basis of this image, the excitation beam can be very accurately aimed at the target region.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus including a spectroscopic analysis apparatus comprises an excitation system and a monitoring system. The excitation system emits an excitation beam to excite a target region during an excitation period. The monitoring system emits a monitoring beam to image the target region during a monitoring period. The excitation period and the monitoring period substantially overlap. Hence the target region is imaged together with the excitation, and an image is formed displaying both the target region and the excitation area. On the basis of this image, the excitation beam can be very accurately aimed at the target region.