Abstract: Biomarkers of high blood pressure are measured to identify high blood pressure of the subject based on one or more biomarkers. In many embodiments, the response of the biomarker to blood pressure occurs over the course of at least an hour, such that the high blood pressure identification is based on a cumulative effect of physiology of the subject over a period of time. The methods and apparatus of identifying high blood pressure with biomarkers have the advantage of providing improved treatment of the subject, as the identified biomarker can be related to an effect of the high blood pressure on the subject, such as a biomarker corresponding to central blood pressure. The sample can be subjected to increases in one or more of pressure or temperatures, and changes in the blood sample measured over time.

Abstract: Biomarkers of high blood pressure are measured to identify high blood pressure of the subject based on one or more biomarkers. In many embodiments, the response of the biomarker to blood pressure occurs over the course of at least an hour, such that the high blood pressure identification is based on a cumulative effect of physiology of the subject over a period of time. The methods and apparatus of identifying high blood pressure with biomarkers have the advantage of providing improved treatment of the subject, as the identified biomarker can be related to an effect of the high blood pressure on the subject, such as a biomarker corresponding to central blood pressure. The sample can be subjected to increases in one or more of pressure or temperatures, and changes in the blood sample measured over time.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus comprises optical components arranged to provide parallel measurements of a biological sample. The parallel sample measurements provide improved accuracy with lower detection limit thresholds. The parallel measurements may comprise one or more of Raman spectroscopy measurements or infrared spectroscopy measurements. The parallel measurements can be combined with a light source. In many embodiments, the light source comprises one or more wavelengths corresponding to resonance frequencies of one or more molecules of the sample, such as wavelengths of ultraviolet light. The wavelengths of light corresponding to resonance frequencies can provide an increased signal to noise ratio. The parallel array optical configuration can be combined with wavelengths of light corresponding to resonance frequencies in order to provide increased measurement accuracy and detection of metabolites.

Abstract: Biomarkers of high blood pressure are measured to identify high blood pressure of the subject based on one or more biomarkers. In many embodiments, the response of the biomarker to blood pressure occurs over the course of at least an hour, such that the high blood pressure identification is based on a cumulative effect of physiology of the subject over a period of time. The methods and apparatus of identifying high blood pressure with biomarkers have the advantage of providing improved treatment of the subject, as the identified biomarker can be related to an effect of the high blood pressure on the subject, such as a biomarker corresponding to central blood pressure. The sample can be subjected to increases in one or more of pressure or temperatures, and changes in the blood sample measured over time.

Abstract: A correlation interferometric spectroscopy devices are described that detect the spectral characteristics of a sample wherein device consists of an electromagnetic radiation source for exciting a sample with photons; and a detector adapted to detect an arrival time of a photon at the detector and further adapted to detect a delay between the arrival time of different photons. The device may further consist of an autocorrelator adapted to analyze the between the arrival of photons at the detector. The device may also be used together with other spectral detection and characterizing systems, such as Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. Also provided herein are methods, systems, and kits incorporating the correlation interferometric spectroscopy device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a physiological measurement associated with a user using a portable device is disclosed herein. Information displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the portable device specifies the contact area(s) on the portable device for a user to touch. One or more areas on the portable device and/or a detachable device connected to the portable device comprise conductive areas for measuring the resistance or impedance of the user's body between those conductive areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a physiological measurement associated with a user using a portable device is disclosed herein. Information displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the portable device specifies the contact area(s) on the portable device for a user to touch. One or more areas on the portable device and/or a detachable device connected to the portable device comprise conductive areas for measuring the resistance or impedance of the user's body between those conductive areas.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for variable angle Raman spectroscopy, in which electromagnetic radiation will be caused to intersect the sample under investigation at a plurality of angles of incidence, so as to provide Raman scattering spectra at each angle. One example use of measuring such spectra at multiple angles of incidence is to enable evaluation at a plurality of depths within the sample. In many implementations, the range of the angles of incidence will include, and extend to either side, of the critical angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining one or more physiological measurements associated with a user using a portable device alone or in combination with a detachable unit is disclosed herein. One or more of different types of sensor sets are included in one or more planar surfaces of the portable device and/or the detachable unit in communication with the portable device. The accuracy of physiological measurements is automatically ensured by the fixed positioning of the sensors relative to each other. A variety of different physiological measurements can be obtained using a portable device that users normally carry around and use on a daily basis, instead of requiring use of a separate/dedicated medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining one or more physiological measurements associated with a user using ear-located sensors is disclosed herein. One or more of different types of sensors are configured to engage a user's ear. In some cases, the sensors will be included in one or both of a pair of earphones to capture physiological parameters. A portable device is configured to be in communication with the earphones to receive physiological parameters from the sensor(s) therein, and to potentially provide control signals to the sensors or other components in the earphones. The portable device determines physiological measurements corresponding to the received physiological parameters. The portable device is also configured to provide a user interface to interact with the user regarding the physiological measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining one or more physiological measurements associated with a user using ear-located sensors is disclosed herein. One or more of different types of sensors are configured to engage a user's ear. In some cases, the sensors will be included in one or both of a pair of earphones to capture physiological parameters. A portable device is configured to be in communication with the earphones to receive physiological parameters from the sensor(s) therein, and potentially to provide control signals to the sensors or other components in the earphones. The portable device determines physiological measurements corresponding to the received physiological parameters. The portable device is also configured to provide a user interface to interact with the user regarding the physiological measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a physiological measurement associated with a user using a portable device is disclosed herein. Information displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the portable device specifies the contact area(s) on the portable device for a user to touch. One or more areas on the portable device and/or a detachable device connected to the portable device comprise conductive areas for measuring the resistance or impedance of the user's body between those conductive areas.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for variable angle Raman spectroscopy, in which electromagnetic radiation will be caused to intersect the sample under investigation at a plurality of angles of incidence, so as to provide Raman scattering spectra at each angle. One example use of measuring such spectra at multiple angles of incidence is to enable evaluation at a plurality of depths within the sample. In many implementations, the range of the angles of incidence will include, and extend to either side, of the critical angle.

Abstract: Spectroscopy apparatuses oriented to the critical angle of the sample are described that detecting the spectral characteristics of a sample wherein the apparatus consists of an electromagnetic radiation source adapted to excite a sample with electromagnetic radiation introduced to the sample at an angle of incidence at or near a critical angle of the sample; a transmitting crystal in communication with the electromagnetic radiation source and the sample, the transmitting crystal having a high refractive index adapted to reflect the electromagnetic radiation internally; a reflector adapted to introduce the electromagnetic radiation to the sample at or near an angle of incidence near the critical angle between the transmitting crystal and sample; and a detector for detecting the electromagnetic radiation from the sample. Also, provided herein are methods, systems, and kits incorporating the peri-critical reflectance spectroscopy apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. A specular control device is provided that can discriminate between diffusely reflected light that is reflected from selected depths or layers within the tissue. The specular control device permits a spectroscopic analyzer to receive the diffusely reflected light that is reflected from, for example, a first layer or depth within the tissue, while preventing the remaining diffusely reflected light from reaching the spectroscopic analyzer. Furthermore, the specular control device may prevent the specularly reflected light (e.g. surface reflected light) from reaching the spectroscopic analyzer.

Abstract: An interferometer spectrometer that has reduced alignment sensitivity is described herein. Parallelism of an output ray pair formed by a single input ray is not affected by variations in relative alignment of the components. In comparison to other compensated interferometer designs, lateral separation errors in the output ray pair due to optical component misalignment are reduced. The reduced alignment sensitivity may be accomplished by utilizing simple planar components that are common to both light paths. The reduced alignment sensitivity and simplicity in design provides a more compact and more robust interferometer, with reduced manufacturing costs associated therewith. An elliptical field of view light source that utilizes an array of collimator lenses is also described. The light source provides a more compact design than a single circular collimator lens of the same area, and is suitable for single channel or multi-channel use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an attribute of a sample from a spectrum of the sample. The invention comprises samplers and methods of sampling that provide controlled optical pathlengths through the sample, increasing the accuracy of the attribute determinations. The invention is applicable, for example, in determining analyte concentrations in biological samples, such as concentrations of analytes such as glucose in human blood.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. A specular control device is provided that can discriminate between diffusely reflected light that is reflected from selected depths or layers within the tissue. The specular control device permits a spectroscopic analyzer to receive the diffusely reflected light that is reflected from, for example, a first layer or depth within the tissue, while preventing the remaining diffusely reflected light from reaching the spectroscopic analyzer. Furthermore, the specular control device may prevent the specularly reflected light (e.g. surface reflected light) from reaching the spectroscopic analyzer.

Abstract: A sample holder comprising a material that is functionally transparent to wavelengths of light that are important to visual analysis of the sample, and to wavelengths of light that are important to spectroscopic analysis of the sample. Embodiments of the invention are amenable to total internal reflection of light useful in spectroscopic analysis. Specific materials and configurations are described. Methods and apparatuses using such sample holders for measurement of sample properties, including cancer screening of cervical samples, are described.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively measuring the concentration of an analyte, particularly blood analyte in blood. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved optical interface between a sensor probe and a skin surface or tissue surface of the body containing the blood to be analyzed. An index-matching medium is disclosed to improve the interface between the sensor probe and skin surface during spectrographic analysis. In a preferred embodiment, the blood analyte concentration in blood is quantified utilizing a partial squares analysis relative to a model incorporating analysis of plural known blood samples.