Abstract: A sensor component for use in a system for measuring concentration of analytes in fluid in a fluid line comprises one or more sensing elements having an optical property that varies with the concentration of the analytes and engages with the fluid line such that the sensing elements are exposed to the fluid. The sensor component comprises a connector connecting to one or more optical waveguides and transmits light between the waveguides and the sensing elements. The sensor component comprises one or more of a sampling port configured to provide fluidic access to the fluid line, a data storage medium storing data representing information about the sensor component, and a reflective element. Where it comprises a reflective element, the sensor component transmits light between the waveguides and the reflective element on a separate optical path from an optical path between the waveguides and the sensing elements.

Abstract: A sensor component is sterilised for use in a system for measuring the concentration of one or more analytes in fluid in a fluid line. The sensor component comprises one or more sensing elements having an optical property that varies with the concentration of the one or more analytes in the fluid, and is configured to engage with the fluid line such that the sensing elements are exposed to the fluid. The method comprises introducing a gaseous sterilising agent into a sealed cavity via one or more ports providing fluid connection to the cavity, wherein the one or more sensing elements are exposed to the cavity, replacing the gaseous sterilising agent with a sterile liquid via the ports, and sealing the ports. Also disclosed is a sensor component with a configuration facilitating the application of the method.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with methods for producing a useful and highly uniform optical component which is useful in the construction of an optical sensor. Also discussed are the optical component itself, an optical sensor comprising the optical component, a process for producing the optical sensor and a process for detecting and/or quantifying the amount of an analyte in a sample using the optical sensor.

Abstract: A sensor component for use in a system for measuring concentration of analytes in fluid in a fluid line comprises one or more sensing elements having an optical property that varies with the concentration of the analytes, and engages with the fluid line such that the sensing elements are exposed to the fluid. The sensor component comprises a connector connecting to one or more optical waveguides, and transmits light between the waveguides and the sensing elements. The sensor component comprises one or more of a sampling port configured to provide fluidic access to the fluid line, a data storage medium storing data representing information about the sensor component, and a reflective element. Where it comprises a reflective element, the sensor component transmits light between the waveguides and the reflective element on a separate optical path from an optical path between the waveguides and the sensing elements.

Abstract: There is provided a method of calibrating a sensor comprising a luminescent compound having a luminescence that depends on the concentration of an analyte, and a detector configured to detect light emitted by the luminescent compound, the method comprising providing a component comprising the luminescent compound in a package that maintains exposure of the luminescent compound to the analyte at a known first concentration, assembling the component into the sensor and measuring a first value of a characteristic of the luminescence of the luminescent compound while exposed to the analyte at the first concentration, measuring a second value of the characteristic of the luminescence of the luminescent compound while exposed to the analyte at a known second concentration different from the first concentration, and determining parameters representing the dependence of the characteristic of the luminescence on concentration of the analyte using the first value and the second value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of calibrating a gas sensor comprising a luminescent compound having a luminescence lifetime that is quenched by a gaseous substance which uses a model of the relationship between the luminescence lifetime and the concentration of the gaseous substance that is modified by a calibration factor representing a proportion of the compound not being exposed to the gaseous substance, the method comprising: measuring values of the luminescence lifetime of the luminescent compound while the gas sensor is exposed to at least two known concentrations of the gaseous substance; and deriving the calibration factor from the measured values of the luminescence lifetime using the model. Also disclosed are a corresponding gas sensor apparatus for measuring the concentration of a gaseous substance in an environment, and method of measuring a concentration of a gaseous substance in an environment using a gas sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a method of validating a calibration of a sensor represented by a calibrated relationship between concentration of an analyte in a sample and measurements from a sensor of an optical property of a sensing substance, wherein the optical property of the sensing substance has a spectrum that varies with the concentration of the analyte in the sample, and the spectrum has an isosbestic wavelength at which the optical property does not vary with concentration of the analyte, the method comprising making measurements of the optical property at three or more wavelengths of light while the sensing substance is exposed to the sample, determining whether the measurements of the optical property are inconsistent with the calibrated relationship, and outputting a warning signal in response to the measurements of the optical property being inconsistent with the calibrated relationship.