Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held fluorescence photometer and method for measuring an analyte level, preferably a blood glucose level, from an ocular fluid. The photometer is based on a dual beams measuring system and it is capable of defining the correct positioning for the measurement. Only when the apparatus is correctly positioned the actual analyte measurement automatically takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing microspheres comprising an ionically crosslinked polymer, the process comprising: (a) producing liquid aerosol droplets (13) from a solution (3) comprising an ionically crosslinkable polyionic polymer into a continuous gas stream by using an ultrasonic nebulizer; (b) transferring the gas stream into a gelling solution (10) comprising di-, multi- or polyvalent ions, whereby crosslinked polymer microspheres (14) are formed, (c) separating the micro-spheres from the gelling solution, and (d) optionally, filtering the microspheres through a screen.