Abstract: The present application relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample containing suspended particles. The device comprises a radiation source adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation, a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, at least one reagent (2) on or proximal to the transducer (3), the reagent being capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation to generate energy when in contact with the analyte, a chamber (9) for holding the sample in fluid contact with transducer, and a detector which is capable of detecting the electrical signal generated by the transducer. The transducer is in a plane from +45° to ?45° to the vertical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical sensing and in particular to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample of whole blood. The method comprise, in summary, the steps of: exposing the sample to a transducer having a tethered reagent; introducing a labelled reagent; irradiating the sample with a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 600 run or above; and transducing and detecting the electrical signal and the time delay between each pulse. The label on the labelled reagent absorbs the electromagnetic radiation at a level which is at least equal to the absorption of the sample of whole blood at the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte. The device comprises a light source; at least one luminescent reagent which is capable of luminescing when irradiated by the light source wherein the luminescence of the luminescent reagent is modifiable by the analyte thereby changing the generation of heat, which change in heat generation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing the change in heat to an electrical signal, and a detector which is capable of converting the electrical signal into an indication of the concentration of the analyte. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte.