Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling unit, a measurement system and method for transcutaneous blood gas measurements. In particular the invention relates to a sampling unit and system adapted for rapid measuring and monitoring of blood gases in a continuous gas flow. The sampling unit is provided with an ambient air inlet and a blood gas extraction and mixing chamber wherein air is mixed with extracted blood gases. The method of continuous transcutaneous measurement of carbon dioxide in the blood utilizes a pulsed heating to minimize the detrimental effects of the heating.

Abstract: A coupled cavity filter structure that uses a surface acoustic wave, in particular, a guided surface acoustic wave, comprises an acoustic wave propagating substrate, at least one input transducer structure and one output transducer structure, provided over the substrate, each comprising inter-digitated comb electrodes, at least one reflecting structure comprising at least one or more metallic strips positioned at a distance and in between the input and output transducer structures, in the direction of propagation of an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave propagating substrate is a composite substrate comprising a base substrate and a piezoelectric layer. In additional embodiments, a coupled cavity filter structure comprises a groove. In additional embodiments, a SAW ladder filter device comprises at least two coupled cavity filter structures as described herein, wherein the at least two coupled cavity filter structures are positioned on a single line.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for collecting and analyzing breath samples to detect one or more target analytes are disclosed.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to propose a novel method for spectral study of a biological fluid from an absorption spectrum of a sample of the biological fluid. The inventors have made an original use of spectroscopy in order to accurately determine the protein content of a biological sample, in particular for oxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin, bilirubin and the haem bound to serum albumin. Such a method can be used in a variety of applications concerning haem- or haemoprotein- related diseases, in particular diagnostic methods, treatment follow-up methods, methods for determining biomarkers or screening methods. Such a method is also advantageous for qualifying blood bags.

Abstract: A method for identifying one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) includes (i) directing a solvent (18) into a test cell (22); (ii) directing a first laser probe beam (26) at the solvent (18) in the test cell (22); (iii) acquiring a solvent intensity spectrum of the solvent (18); (iv) directing a sample (12) that includes one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) and the solvent (18) into the flow cell (22); (v) directing a second laser probe beam (26) at the sample (12) in the test cell (22); (vi) acquiring a sample intensity spectrum of the sample (12); (vii) calculating a solvent referenced transmittance spectrum that details a solvent reference transmittance as a function of wavelength using the solvent intensity spectrum and the sample intensity spectrum; and (viii) identifying one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) in the sample (12) using the solvent referenced transmittance spectrum.

Abstract: Power-efficient health affliction classification. A method controls execution of a set of health affliction classification applications on a wearable device of a user. The controlling includes monitoring device notifications on at least one mobile device of the user for health affliction information. The controlling further includes invoking an analysis of one or more notifications of the monitored device notifications, the analysis attempting to ascertain a health affliction and an afflicted individual having the health affliction. Based on the analyzing being initially unable to ascertain a health affliction, the controlling initiates execution of the set of health affliction classification applications in a prioritized order of execution.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a PPG circuit that emits light directed at skin tissue at a plurality of wavelengths. A first and second spectral response of light reflected from the tissue is obtained around a first wavelength and a second wavelength. Using absorption coefficients for substances at the plurality of wavelengths, concentration levels of a plurality of substances may then be determined from the spectral responses. The biosensor may thus be used to determine concentrations of a plurality of substances in arterial blood flow using the spectral response.

Abstract: In-vivo methods and kits for detecting presence of a combination of biomarkers indicating colorectal cancer are described. One of the methods includes inserting into a patient a combination of binding agents comprising one binding agent having high affinity to CEACAM5 and at least one binding agent having high affinity to at least one of two biomarkers selected from Olfactomedin 4- (OLFM4) and S100P. The method further includes inserting into the patient an in-vivo sensing device, detecting an optical change using the in-vivo sensing device, which occurs when at least one of the combination of binding agents binds to at least one of the corresponding combination of biomarkers, and determining, based on the optical change, presence of colorectal cancer in the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, amelioration, and treatment of back pain, particularly lumbar back pain, in particular, back pain caused by muscular abnormalities, vertebral body osteoporosis, and disc degeneration. Patients with back pain are categorized into specific subsets that are deemed to have potential to respond to therapy. In particular, the invention includes a therapy involving stimulation of neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of various spine compartments.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting vascular contamination by surgical anesthetic using non-invasive IR spectrophotometry. One embodiment is a method for operating an instrument such as an enhanced pulse oximeter to monitor a patient receiving local anesthetic marked with dye that absorbs infrared light. Light is applied to and detected from tissue of the patient. A signal representative of the detected light is processed to derive patient oxygenation information. The detected light is also processed to derive information representative of the presence of the dye-marked anesthetic. The oxygenation information and the information representative of the presence of anesthetic are displayed. The oxygenation monitoring and display and the anesthetic monitoring and display can occur separately or concurrently. Fluorescing dyes and fluorescence detection approaches are used for anesthetic detection in some embodiments.

Abstract: Ethanol is non-invasively tested using temperature-modulated spectroscopy (TMS). The TMS approach uses the active control of temperature to vary the spectral response of the IR-LED output, effectively sliding a spectral pulse across the ethanol sample, revealing the peaks and valleys of ethanol's spectral response.

Abstract: A device for applying a sensor to a measurement site on a patient's skin has a wall arrangement defining an applicator volume above the patient's skin The wall arrangement has a patient's side and a sensor side. At least one gas-permeable membrane separates the applicator volume into a first volume directed to the measuring site at the patient's side of the wall arrangement and a second volume separated from the patient's skin and directed to the sensor side of the wall arrangement.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a band capable of encircling a portion of the body of a subject, and an optical emitter and detector attached to the band. The band includes comprises light transmissive material in optical communication with the optical emitter and optical detector and is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more locations of the body of the subject and to collect light from one or more locations of the body of the subject and deliver the collected light to the optical detector. The monitoring device may include a signal processor configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector, a transmitter configured to transmit signals processed by the signal processor to a remote device, and/or an optical filter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The system includes a gaze attractor for attracting the gaze of the subject to cause an eye of the subject to move into alignment with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor to facilitate detection of a signal from the eye of the subject.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and/or systems are disclosed for collecting and processing of spectral data from an object to enable the determination of the presence and/or amount of a target analyte present in the object is disclosed. The object may be a portion of a person's body such as the forearm, palms, fingers, or eye. The target analyte may be ethanol. The method/apparatus/system for performing such spectral data collection may include one or more broadband emitters such as thermal emitters (aka “black-body” or “gray-body” emitters), incandescent sources, light emitting diodes, and the like.

Abstract: A method for measuring and quantifying biological compounds is described. A first side of a sample is illuminated with a light source. Light transmitted from a second side of the sample is detected. The second side of the sample is opposite the first side of the sample. A result is obtained based on the detected light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packing container including: a packing container body including a leading-out section which contains an optical probe having a first end section for incoming of a laser beam and a second end section for outgoing of the incoming laser beam, which leads out the first end section of the optical probe thus contained to the exterior and which is sealed, and a window section by which the laser beam going out from the second end section of the contained optical probe is led out to the exterior; and a light-transmitting member which closes the window section and permits the laser beam to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the determination of an attribute of the tissue of an individual use non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. For example, the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of an individual can be determined. A portion of the tissue is illuminated with light, which propagates into the tissue where it is Raman scattered. The Raman scattered light is detected and can be combined with a model relating Raman spectra to alcohol concentration to determine the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue. Correction techniques can reduce determination errors due to detection of light other than that from Raman scattering from the alcohol in the tissue. Other biologic information can be used with the Raman spectral properties to aid in the determination of alcohol concentration, for example age, height, weight, medical history and his/her family, ethnicity, skin melanin content, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an oblong optode sensing agent. The oblong optode sensing agent comprises a core and a semipermeable membrane, wherein the core comprises one or more sensors configured to bind to an analyte. In addition, methods of making and detecting the oblong optode sensing agents are disclosed.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a calculation apparatus and a calculation method capable of calculating pharmaceutical concentration in a tissue in real time. [Solving Means] A photodynamic therapy apparatus as a calculation apparatus is an apparatus for irradiating a tissue having absorbed photo-sensitive pharmaceutical, the photo-sensitive pharmaceutical absorbing an excitation light and emitting fluorescence, with the excitation light emitted from a tip portion of a laser catheter, including a connector, a light source, and a light detection unit. The laser catheter is capable of being attached/detached to/from the connector. The light source outputs the excitation light to the laser catheter via the connector. The light detection unit detects intensity of the fluorescence, the fluorescence being entered from the laser catheter via the connector, to calculate concentration of the photo-sensitive pharmaceutical in a tissue, the tip portion of the laser catheter contacting the tissue.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for use in monitoring one or more conditions of a subject's body. The system includes a control unit which includes an input port for receiving image data, a memory utility, and a processor utility. The image data is indicative of data measured by a pixel detector array and is in the form of a sequence of speckle patterns generated by a portion of the subject's body in response to illumination thereof by coherent light according to a certain sampling time pattern. The memory utility stores one or more predetermined models, the model comprising data indicative of a relation between one or more measurable parameters and one or more conditions of the subject's body. The processor utility is configured and operable for processing the image data to determine one or more corresponding body conditions; and generating output data indicative of the corresponding body conditions.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling or modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to fluid flow into the at least one lumen; at least one first reservoir disposed within the body and configured to include one or more bifunctional tags, wherein the one or more bifunctional tags are configured to selectively bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; and at least one second reservoir disposed in the at least one treatment region and configured to include one or more reactive components, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to sequester the one or more bifunctional tags when bound to the one or more target components.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a medical apparatus, including: a light source unit configured to be capable of emitting light including at least natural emission light, the light being guided into an optical probe; a first detecting unit configured to detect an intensity of light exiting from the light source unit; and a calculation unit configured to calculate to approximate to a non-linear function based on an intensity of light detected by the first detecting unit for calibration of the optical probe.

Abstract: A self-contained drug screening apparatus, comprising a breath inlet component for receiving an exhaled air flow of a person, the exhaled air flow including saliva, and a sensor for sensing a presence of a drug in the saliva, and identification module for detecting an identifying characteristic of the person.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for using a transcutaneous detection system to measure the quantity of a circulating organ activity detection analyte in the blood, and thereby assay the activity of an organ. A preferred organ for assay is the human liver and a preferred indicator is indocyanine green (ICG) dye The procedure is under the control of a monitor/controller having a visual display and capable of providing cues to the operator. A sensor array apparatus for use in conjunction with the system monitor/controller is configured for increased sensitivity of assaying organ function.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid includes placing the detector in contact with at least one metabolite resulting from the metabolism or degradation of the analyte. The contact between the detector and the metabolite produces an optically detectable signal. The detection method includes the detection of the metabolite only in gas form, said metabolite in gas form coming from the evaporation of at least a part of said metabolite. The detection is also carried out without contact between the bodily fluid and the detector. A dressing for implementing the detection method is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site. Disclosed devices may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of a hospital acquired infection, thereby providing for earlier intervention. Disclosed methods utilize optical fibers to deliver an excitation signal to an area in which pathogenic bacteria may exist. In the presence of the excitation signal, bacterial pathogens may autofluoresce with a unique spectral signature. Upon generation of a fluorescent emission, an optically detectable emission signal may be transmitted to a detection/analysis device. Analysis of the characteristics of the emission signal produced in response to the excitation signal may be used to determine the presence or concentration of pathogens at the site of inquiry, following which real time information may be transmitted to medical personnel via a wireless transmission system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for noninvasive determination of analyte properties of human tissue by quantitative infrared spectroscopy to clinically relevant levels of precision and accuracy. The system includes subsystems optimized to contend with the complexities of the tissue spectrum, high signal-to-noise ratio and photometric accuracy requirements, tissue sampling errors, calibration maintenance problems, and calibration transfer problems. The subsystems can include an illumination/modulation subsystem, a tissue sampling subsystem, a data acquisition subsystem, a computing subsystem, and a calibration subsystem. The invention can provide analyte property determination and identity determination or verification from the same spectroscopic information, making unauthorized use or misleading results less likely than in systems that use separate analyte and identity determinations. The invention can be used to control and monitor individuals accessing controlled environments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of bacterial HAI. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods include utilization of recombinant bacteriophage to deliver to pathogenic bacteria a translatable genetic sequence encoding an optically detectable marker or an enzyme capable of producing an optically detectable marker. Upon detection of the optical signal produced by the marker, medical personnel may be alerted to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at the site of inquiry. Any bacterial causative agent of HAI may be detected according to disclosed methods.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that is appropriate for transcutaneous detection of tissue or blood constituents. A sensor for tissue constituent detection may include a gas collection chamber with a conduit to a sensing component and a conduit from the sensing component to the chamber. A sensor as provided may also include a barrier layer to prevent water from infiltrating the sensor.

Abstract: A system for the determination of quantifies relating to the circulatory system of a patient including a device for the non-invasive measurement of the qualitative variation over time of the local concentration of an indicator injected into the blood circulation system at a first position, the measurement taking place at a second position of the blood circulation system. An evaluating unit is provided, in which there is implemented an evaluating algorithm which transforms the qualitative variation into a quantitative variation over time of the local concentration of the indicator injected into the blood circulation system. For the purposes of the transformation, the condition is fulfilled that the cardiac output COdye calculable from the quantitative variation over time of the local concentration in accordance with a predetermined relationship is equal to an input value of the cardiac output COe, which has been determined by thermodilution measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the detection of an infectious disease or disorder in a fluid, such as a mammalian blood sample, the detection of a specific protein in a urine sample, or the detection of a particle in a plasma. The identification of the particles of interest is enable by taking a transmission spectrum of a test sample in at least a portion of the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared portion of the spectrum and comparing the spectrum with a standard sample spectrum. From the comparison it is then determined whether the fluid from the test sample contains an particle of interest, and an identity of the particle of interest is determined. Spectroscopic and multiwavelength turbidimetry techniques provide a rapid, inexpensive, and convenient means for diagnosis. The comparison and determination steps may be performed visually or by spectral deconvolution.

Abstract: This invention is a scheme for monitoring a solute in a biological system comprising the steps of delivering light into a biological system (12) containing a solute, the light having a wavelength selected to be in a range wherein the solute is substantially non-absorbing; detecting at least first and second portions of the delivered light, the first portion having traveled through the biological system along one or more paths characterized by a first average path length, and the second portion having traveled through the biological system along one or more paths characterized by a second average path length that is greater than the first average path length; and comparing the first and second portions of the delivered light to monitor concentration of the solute in the biological system.

Abstract: An infectious disease or disorder in a fluid, such as a mammalian blood sample, is detected by taking a transmission spectrum of a test sample in at least a portion of the ultraviolet visible near-infrared and comparing the spectrum with a standard sample spectrum. From the comparison it is then determined whether the fluid from the test sample contains an infectious disease or disorder, and an identity of the infectious disease or disorder is determined. Spectroscopic and multiwavelength turbidimetry techniques provide a rapid, inexpensive, and convenient means for diagnosis. The comparison and determination steps may be performed visually or by spectral deconvolution.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic and monitoring devices. According to the invention, spectrophotometric devices preferably include a needle assembly having a hollow needle body with radiation ports. Preferably, disposed in the body are fiber optic bundles for carrying electromagnetic radiation, such as visible, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light to a sample and for transmitting backscattered radiation to a light detector or sensor. The needle configuration preferably allows for insertion subcutaneously into muscle tissue and/or into other organs. It permits evaluation of difficult to access areas and facilitates securing the device in place. Barbs may be provided on the needle to anchor the device in place.

Abstract: A safety housing, into which an infrared laser light source is integrated together with the CCD camera, forms a compact unit for the determination of tissue perfusion. Rays from the infrared laser light source radiate the area of operation and indocyanin green, previously injected intravenously into the patient, is excited to fluorescence by the radiation, which is detected by the CCD camera.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring indicator concentration time curves optically from a living organism using a single wavelength, by comparing the optical density before and after injection of the indicator and by selectively utilizing the values of the concentration of blood hemoglobin, blood oxygen saturation, or the mean optical pathlength in the computation. Whereby, physiological parameters such as cardiac output, blood flow and blood volume can be calculated by analyzing the indicator concentration time curves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of particulate materials as contrast agents in vivo light imaging.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring the regular intake of a medicament by a patient. The system comprises system components mutually tuned to each other and comprising a medicine dosage form (1) for the medication and a detection apparatus (2) for non-invasive detection, within the body of the patient, of a detection substance contained in the medicine dosage form (3). The detection apparatus (2) is adapted for reagent-free direct measurement of a physically measurable parameter correlated with the presence of the detection substance in the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system for determining the hematocrit transcutaneously and noninvasively. Disclosed are a finger clip assembly and an earlobe clip assembly, each including at least a pair of emitters and a photodiode in appropriate alignment to enable operation in either a transmissive mode or a reflectance mode. At least two, and preferably three, predetermined wavelengths of light are passed onto or through body tissues such as the finger, earlobe, or scalp, etc. and the extinction of each wavelength is detected. Mathematical manipulation of the detected values compensates for the effects of body tissue and fluid and determines the hematocrit value. If a fourth wavelength of light is used which is extinguished substantially differently by oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin and which is not substantially extinguished by plasma, then the blood oxygen saturation value, independent of hematocrit, may be determined.It is also disclosed how to detect and analyze multiple wavelengths using a logarithmic DC analysis technique.