Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed which facilitate the rapid, noninvasive and quantitative measurement of the concentration of flavonoid compounds, as well as their isomers and metabolites, in biological tissue such as human skin. Low-intensity, visible-light illumination of intact tissue provides for high spatial resolution, and allows for precise quantification of the flavonoid levels in the tissue. The preferred embodiments make use of a previously unknown, low-oscillator strength, optical absorption transition of flavonoids. This makes it possible to optically excite flavonoids in living human tissue outside the absorption range of other, potentially confounding skin chromophores.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to measuring the levels of carotenoids and other similar chemical compounds that are present in varying degrees in human bone and surrounding tissues. The invention permits non-contact, quantitative measurements of carotenoid levels of tissues, exposed during surgery, from a safe distance. Light reflected from an exposed bone or surrounding tissue is captured and processed to accurately quantify the carotenoid content of the bone or tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the determination of carotenoid antioxidants and similar chemical compounds in biological tissue such as living skin. The method and apparatus provide a noninvasive, rapid, accurate, and safe determination of carotenoid levels which in turn can provide diagnostic information of the antioxidant status of tissue. Reflection spectroscopy is used to measure the concentrations of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue. White light is directed upon the area of tissue that is of interest. A small fraction of diffusively scattered light is collected and measured. The tissue is pressured to temporarily squeeze blood out of the measured tissue volume while the reflection spectrum is continuously monitored, displayed, and analyzed in near real time. After an optimal time period of typically 15 seconds, the influence of the dominating hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin tissue absorptions on the reflection spectra are minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the determination of carotenoid antioxidants and similar chemical compounds in biological tissue such as living skin. The method and apparatus provide a noninvasive, rapid, accurate, and safe determination of carotenoid levels which in turn can provide diagnostic information of the antioxidant status of tissue. Reflection spectroscopy is used to measure the concentrations of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue. White light is directed upon the area of tissue that is of interest. A small fraction of diffusively scattered light is collected and measured. The tissue is pressured to temporarily squeeze blood out of the measured tissue volume while the reflection spectrum is continuously monitored, displayed, and analyzed in near real time. After an optimal time period of typically 15 seconds, the influence of the dominating hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin tissue absorptions on the reflection spectra are minimized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed which facilitate the rapid, noninvasive and quantitative measurement of the concentration of flavonoid compounds, as well as their isomers and metabolites, in biological tissue such as human skin. Low-intensity, visible-light illumination of intact tissue provides for high spatial resolution, and allows for precise quantification of the flavonoid levels in the tissue. The preferred embodiments malce use of a previously unknown, low-oscillator strength, optical absorption transition of flavonoids. This malces it possible to optically excite flavonoids in living human tissue outside the absorption range of other, potentially confounding skin chromophores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the determination of carotenoid antioxidants and similar chemical compounds in biological tissue such as living skin. The method and apparatus provide a noninvasive, rapid, accurate, and safe determination of carotenoid levels which in turn can provide diagnostic information of the antioxidant status of tissue. Reflection spectroscopy is used to measure the concentrations of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue. White light is directed upon the area of tissue that is of interest. A small fraction of diffusively scattered light is collected and measured. The tissue is pressured to temporarily squeeze blood out of the measured tissue volume while the reflection spectrum is continuously monitored, displayed, and analyzed in near real time. After an optimal time period of typically 15 seconds, the influence of the dominating hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin tissue absorptions on the reflection spectra are minimized.