Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring tissue edema. By a method in accordance with the invention an electromagnetic probe (24) is placed on the skin, and the capacitance of the probe is proportional to the dielectric constant of the skin and subcutaneous fat, which is proportional to the water content of the skin. The edema is scored by measuring the capacitance of the electromagnetic probe, so called open-ended coaxial cable, at a high frequency, approximately 20-500 MHz.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualifying and quantifying excitation-dependent physiological information extracted from wearable sensors in the midst of interference from unwanted sources are provided. An organism is interrogated with at least one excitation energy, energy response signals from two or more distinct physiological regions are sensed, and these signals are processed to generate an extracted signal. The extracted signal is compared with a physiological model to qualify and/or quantify a physiological property. Additionally, important physiological information can be qualified and quantified by comparing the excitation wavelength-dependent response, measured via wearable sensors, with a physiological model.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a biopsy sample extraction needle with a sample extraction end and a recovery end. A transport channel links the extraction end and recovery end. A pump is provided, and a multi-way valve is coupled in fluid communication with the biopsy sample extraction needle and the pump. The multi-way valve has a plurality of settings.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element (LIT) includes an incision forming member that has a cutting end configured to form an incision in tissue. A test element is attached to the incision forming member to test fluid from the incision. The test element has a sampling end with a sample opening through which the fluid is collected. The test element is bendable from a first state where the cutting end of the incision forming member is retracted from the sampling end of the test element to a second state where at least a portion of the cutting extends past the sampling end of the test element to form the incision in the tissue.

Abstract: A device is constructed so as to define a capillary channel that draws a body fluid form a proximal portion of the capillary channel toward a distal portion. A counterbore defining a “ledge” not substantially normal to the center line of channel causes the meniscus of body fluid to be “biased” into a non-radially-symmetric shape. In one example, the bias draws the body fluid toward a testing element that is set into a groove in the main body of the device. In another example, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic regions are created on or in device to produce the biasing effect. In certain configurations, device requires less blood to be drawn into the capillary channel for a successful test than if the biasing effect were not created.