Abstract: Apparatus for producing thin layers of a fluid sample for analysis, has a two dimensional array of analysis chambers (45), and a branching pattern of entry channels (25) coupled to the array to enable the analysis chambers to be filled in parallel. The analysis chambers are planar with a height less than that of the entry channels so as to produce the thin layers when filled with the fluid sample. The array enables more spacers between chambers in a given area, so that variations in height of the chambers can be reduced, while still enabling fast filling of the chambers. The analysis chambers can be suitable for capillary filling by a specified fluid sample such as blood. A pattern of exit channels (35) can be coupled to the array. The entry and exit channels can form comb patterns, fingers of the comb patterns being interdigitated, and the analysis chambers being arranged between the interdigitated fingers of the comb patterns.

Abstract: A cuvette (10) for storing a biological sample to be analyzed by means of a predefined detection technique is disclosed. The cuvette (10) is formed from a moldable material that contains particles (15a, 15b) at a concentration within a predefined range. The particles (15a, 15b) are randomly distributed, in order to form a unique pattern. Moreover, the particles (15a, 15b) have measurable physical properties, so that the unique pattern is detectable using the detection technique that is used to analyze the biological sample. The unique properties obtained by the randomly distributed particles (15a, 15b) render copying nearly impossible, since it is more complicated to distribute the particles in a predetermined pattern than to let them distribute randomly.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing thin layers of a fluid sample for analysis, has a two dimensional array of analysis chambers (45), and a branching pattern of entry channels (25) coupled to the array to enable the analysis chambers to be filled in parallel. The analysis chambers are planar with a height less than that of the entry channels so as to produce the thin layers when filled with the fluid sample. The array enables more spacers between chambers in a given area, so that variations in height of the chambers can be reduced, while still enabling fast filling of the chambers. The analysis chambers can be suitable for capillary filling by a specified fluid sample such as blood. A pattern of exit channels (35) can be coupled to the array. The entry and exit channels can form comb patterns, fingers of the comb patterns being interdigitated, and the analysis chambers being arranged between the interdigitated fingers of the comb patterns.

Abstract: A cuvette (10) for storing a biological sample to be analyzed by means of a predefined detection technique is disclosed. The cuvette (10) is formed from a moldable material that contains particles (15a, 15b) at a concentration within a predefined range. The particles (15a, 15b) are randomly distributed, in order to form a unique pattern. Moreover, the particles (15a, 15b) have measurable physical properties, so that the unique pattern is detectable using the detection technique that is used to analyze the biological sample. The unique properties obtained by the randomly distributed particles (15a, 15b) render copying nearly impossible, since it is more complicated to distribute the particles in a predetermined pattern than to let them distribute randomly.

Abstract: A detector (210, 310) that is configured to detect ghost-coherent reflections (260) produced by a superluminescent diode (SLD). The ghost reflections (260) are detected based on the optical coherence produced by reflections from surfaces (350, 450, 555) that are at integer multiples of the reflections within the SLD cavity (213), and thus exhibit the fine resolution discrimination that is typical of optical coherent detectors. In a preferred embodiment, the detector (210, 310) is configured to detect ghost reflections (260) from a surface at a particular multiple of the internal reflections. Ghost reflections (260) at other multiples are optically attenuated (330), or, if such reflections are known to be non-varying, canceled via a calibration procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for an analyte determination in blood, relying on spectroscopic techniques, in which sample is illuminated with light having dedicated spectral characteristics. The first light source (20) is a broadband light source in the IR-range, the second light source (25) is comprised of one or more monochromatic sources, such as laser diodes. The sources are chosen to correspond to wavelength highly correlated with glucose adsorption.