Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: Embodiments of a lumenally-active system and method of use and control thereof are disclosed. According to various embodiments, a lumenally-active device is positioned in a body lumen of an organism, where the device may sense a parameter of a fluid in the body lumen and perform an action on the fluid. Control logic and/or circuitry may be located on the device, or the system may include a separate control module. Liquid or gaseous fluids may be treated by embodiments of the device. Actions may include, for example, modification of a body fluid by addition or removal of a material, or by modification of a property of a body fluid or a component thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biosensor systems and related methods for detecting analytes in aqueous and biologic environments. A biosensor system for detecting binding of an analyte of interest may include a detector configured to detect a change in an electrical property on a surface thereof. The detector may be a FET. The system also may include a passive layer disposed on a top surface of the detector. Further, the system may include a hydrophobic layer disposed on the passive layer. The system also may include a receptor-attachment material configured for binding to an analyte. A receptor may bind to the analyte, and the receptor may be attached to the receptor-attachment material. The binding of the analyte to the receptor can cause the change of the electrical property at the surface. In response to the change for example, a current may change for indicating the binding of the analyte to the receptor.

Abstract: Devices for treating a patient by measuring a condition, such as the partial pressure of CO2, at a location on a mucosal membrane surface in the mouth region of the patient, includes a sensor (14, 16) with an end (44, 46) that lies against the mucosal surface, and a seal (20) that extends 360° around the sensor end and presses against the mucosal surface. The sensor end and the seal lie on the first end portion (24) of a holder (22) which has a second end portion (26) that presses against the outside of the patient at a location opposite the sensor and seal. The holder is a clasp which can be formed as a single piece of resilient material that extends in a loop, or which can be formed in the manner of a clothespin with a spring that pivots two bars to urge their end portions towards each other.

Abstract: Timed sensing of collection of saliva in a liquid collection element of predetermined volumetric capacity may be used to determine salivary secretion rate, as may be indicative of state of euhydration or dehydration. Sensing of salivary flow rate may be further augmented by sensing concentration of at least one analyte in saliva (e.g., with an immunochromatographic assay performed in a lateral flow device) in order to determine a state of euhydration or dehydration. Production of saliva may be stimulated, and collected saliva may be analyzed to generate an analyte detection signal that indicative of presence and/or correlative of concentration of at least one analyte in the collected saliva to sense a state of euhydration or dehydration.

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: An ambulatory skin temperature monitoring system. A flexible band is attachable to a patient. The flexible band also secures an electronics assembly that comprises the various electrical components that monitor and operate the ambulatory skin temperature monitoring system. At least one skin temperature sensor is positioned so that it is in contact with the patients skin when the system is attached to the patient. There is also an ambient temperature sensor positioned on the top surface of the electronics assembly housing for measuring and contrasting the ambient temperature to the skin temperature. The electronics assembly positioned within generally comprises a power source and a micro-controller. The micro-controller is coupled with the skin temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor. The micro-controller also includes a memory unit for storing temperature data obtained from the skin temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor.

Abstract: The invention comprises an oral platform, a microchip for making physiological tests and/or delivery of drugs, and a stick connected to the platform to serve as a handle or conduit from the microchip for exterior communication. A candy shell coating on the platform incorporates medicinal agents. The platform has a plurality of fluidic ports conducive for communication of saliva to or oral delivery from the microchip. A base unit is connected to the stick and communicates to the microchip. The platform, microchip, and stick are combined together into a lollipop and further comprise a plurality of base units which are interchangeable with a plurality of lollipops. A cradle unit capable of is temporarily coupled to the base unit for recharging the base unit. The cradle unit further provides data processing, communication and/or display. The invention is also a method of making physiological tests and/or delivering drugs with the above device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tissue perfusion of a patient. The apparatus includes a probe for contacting the mucosa tissue in the upper respiratory/digestive tract of the patient, and a sensor coupled to the probe for directly detecting a pH measurement of the mucosa tissue and for generating an electrical signal in response to the detected pH measurement.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a health care instrument adapted to measure oxidation-reduction potential in human being, animal, fish and shellfish, plant, vegetable as well as water, air or earth surrounding those organisms and thereby to determine a level of active oxygen in such subject so that the measured data may be used for health care. The object set forth above is achieved by a health care instrument containing an oxidation-reduction potential measuring function comprising a main body, a power source consisting of a battery with or without a battery charger and an oxidation-reduction potential measuring unit both contained in the main body, a measuring probe attached to one end of the main body, a sensor included in the measure probe so as to be connected to the oxidation-reduction potential measuring unit, and a display unit provided on a part of the main body to display the measured oxidation-reduction potential value.

Abstract: A potentiometric method for determining low concentration of an analyte of interest present in a fluid sample in a concentration optionally below its linear range of detection in a presence of at least one interfering substance of known concentration the method is effected by following the steps of (a) adding to the sample a predetermined amount of the analyte of interest, such that a total concentration of the analyte of interest present in the sample is within the linear range of its detection; (b) providing an analyte selective electrode being selective to the analyte of interest and a reference electrode both electrodes being equilibrated with a solution including the at least one interfering substance in concentration similar to said known concentration; (c) contacting the analyte selective electrode and the reference electrode with the sample; (d) measuring a signal representative of a potential drop between the analyte selective electrode and the reference electrode; and (e) using the signal for determ

Abstract: A device for monitoring the concentration of a chemical component within a patient's physiological fluid is provided, comprising: (a) an electrode assembly for immersion within a patient's saliva, including: a ion selective electrode and a reference electrode for providing a voltage signal; and an interface element for electrically connecting the electrode assembly to a microprocessor; (b) a cup for accommodating a volume of a patient's saliva; (c) a stand element for holding the electrode assembly at a predetermined position with relation to the cup; and (d) a microprocessor for processing the voltage signal, the microprocessor determining the concentration of the chemical component within the volume of saliva and calculates the concentration of the chemical component within the physiological fluid according to a selected mathematical model.