Abstract: An analysis instrument comprises a sample receiving section for receiving samples provided by a plurality of users, an analysis section operable to receive an aliquot of each received sample, perform an analysis of each received aliquot, and generate an output based on the analysis, and a presentation section adapted to present the output in a human discernable format. The analysis instrument further includes an identification section adapted to autonomously generate an identifier unique to each user and each sample provided thereby and to supply each identifier for presentation by the presentation section in a human discernable format together with a portion of the output that corresponds with one or more samples provided by a user to which the identifier is unique. Each identifier consists of one or more graphic symbols, one or more colours, and/or one or more numbers.

Abstract: An indicator reservoir, including a porous support material and an indicator substance which is enclosed in pores of the porous support material by a releasable pore-closing material, the pore closing material being bound to the porous support material by a compound that is anchored to the porous support material, the indicator substance being released from the pores when the pore closing material binds an analyte being present in a liquid that wets the indicator reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for detecting an analyte, configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a distal portion and also a membrane permeable to the analyte. The membrane is coupled to the distal portion of the fiber and surrounding a sampling region at least in part, by being fitted over the distal portion of the fiber. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for detecting an analyte, configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a distal portion and also a membrane permeable to the analyte. The membrane is coupled to the distal portion of the fiber and surrounding a sampling region at least in part, by being fitted over the distal portion of the fiber. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a support (21) configured to be implanted within a body of a subject and a sampling region (30, 1430) coupled to the support (21). The apparatus is configured to passively allow passage through the sampling region (30, 1430) of at least a portion of fluid from the subject. The apparatus also includes an optical measuring device in optical communication with the sampling region (30, 1430). The optical measuring device comprises at least one light source (40) configured to transmit light through at least a portion of the fluid, and at least one sensor (42) configured to measure a parameter of the fluid by detecting light passing through the fluid. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Obtaining spectral images of an eye includes taking an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array and the digital sensor array, wherein the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system. The resulting system facilitates acquisition of a snap-shot image of the eye tissue with the digital sensor array. The snap shot images support estimation of blood oxygen saturation in a retinal tissue. The resulting system can be based on a non-mydriatic fundus camera designed to obtain the retinal images without administration of pupil dilation drops.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a support configured to be implanted within a body of a subject and a sampling region coupled to the support. The apparatus is configured to passively allow passage through the sampling region of at least a portion of fluid from the subject. The apparatus also comprises an optical measuring device in optical communication with the sampling region. The optical measuring device comprises at least one light source configured to transmit light through at least a portion of the fluid, and at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter of the fluid by detecting light passing through the fluid. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Obtaining spectral images of an eye includes taking an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array and the digital sensor array, wherein the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system. The resulting system facilitates acquisition of a snap-shot image of the eye tissue with the digital sensor array. The snap shot images support estimation of blood oxygen saturation in a retinal tissue. The resulting system can be based on a non-mydriatic fundus camera designed to obtain the retinal images without administration of pupil dilation drops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating the interior of the eye through the sclera without any contact to the eye. The apparatus contains a lamp element and optics that focus the light on the eye sclera. One or more fiber optics bundles may be used to convey the light from the light source close to the illuminated eye, ending with condensing optical elements. Alternatively, light could be conveyed by sharing the optics of an imaging system. It is useful for observing or imaging the interior of the eye, the retina, or the choroid. The observation or the imaging of the interior of the eye, the retina, or the choroid by applying the disclosed illumination method can be done in conjunction with any system that includes optics for that purpose, e.g., fundus cameras and ophthalmoscopes, without using those systems' illumination elements.

Abstract: An illumination system for fundus imaging apparatus employing transcleral illumination of the interior of the eye. Color images of the interior of the eye are obtained by illuminating the sclera successively with red, yellow and green light. Those images are then treated as red, green and blue images by a post processing unit, which combines them to give a color image. This is useful for observing or imaging the interior of the eye, the retina, or the choroid. The observation or the imaging of the interior of the eye, the retina, or the choroid by applying the disclosed illumination method can be performed in conjunction with any system that includes optics for that purpose.

Abstract: A synchronizing imaging apparatus to obtain images from an object undergoing variations according to a cycle with the apparatus comprising an acquisition device to acquire a plurality of pre-images at respective phases over each one of a plurality of cycles, and an image matcher to match together the pre-images from different ones of said cycles according to respective phases within said cycles, to create a representation of said cycle.

Abstract: A method of functional brain mapping of a subject is disclosed. The method is effected by (a) illuminating an exposed cortex of a brain or portion thereof of the subject with incident light; (b) acquiring a reflectance spectrum of each picture element of at least a portion of the exposed cortex of the subject; (c) stimulating the brain of the subject; (d) during or after step (c) acquiring at least one additional reflectance spectrum of each picture element of at least the portion of the exposed cortex of the subject; and (e) generating an image highlighting differences among spectra of the exposed cortex acquired in steps (b) and (d), so as to highlight functional brain regions. Algorithms for calculating oxygen saturation and blood volume maps which can be used to practice the method are also disclosed. Systems for practicing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spectral bio-imaging method for enhancing pathologic, physiologic, metabolic and health related spectral signatures of an eye tissue, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing an optical device for eye inspection being optically connected to a spectral imager; (b) illuminating the eye tissue with light via the iris, viewing the eye tissue through the optical device and spectral imager and obtaining a spectrum of light for each pixel of the eye tissue; and (c) attributing each of the pixels a color or intensity according to its spectral signature, thereby providing an image enhancing the spectral signatures of the eye tissue.