Optical vivo probe of analyte concentration within the sterile matrix under the human nail
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for in vivo detection of an analyte present in blood, comprising the steps of:
- illuminating a portion of a sterile matrix beneath a nail by passing radiation from an optical source through the nail into the sterile matrix;
collecting optical radiation emitted by blood present in the illuminated portion of the sterile matrix; and
analyzing the collected radiation to determine if a selected analyte is present.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Method and systems are provided for in vivo, non-invasive detection of blood analytes. A portion of the sterile matrix located beneath a nail is illuminated by passing radiation from an optical source through the nail into the sterile matrix. Scattered, refracted, or reflected radiation emitted within the sampled volume is collected and analyzed to identify and quantify one or more selected analytes.
95 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for in vivo detection of an analyte present in blood, comprising the steps of:
-
illuminating a portion of a sterile matrix beneath a nail by passing radiation from an optical source through the nail into the sterile matrix;
collecting optical radiation emitted by blood present in the illuminated portion of the sterile matrix; and
analyzing the collected radiation to determine if a selected analyte is present. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A laminar structure for use in the detection of analytes present in a sterile matrix under a nail, comprising:
-
an optically transparent window plate having a first side and a second side, and a gel or viscous liquid layer affixed to the first side of the window plate, the gel or viscous liquid layer having a refractive index approximately equal to the refractive index of the nail. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. An analytical system for in vivo identification and quantification of an analyte in blood, comprising:
-
a holder, the holder comprising a means for exerting pressure on a finger or toe inserted into the holder to induce pooling of blood in a sterile matrix under a nail on the finger or toe;
means for directing an incident excitation light beam to the finger or toe and through the nail and for focusing the beam at a focal point within the sterile matrix; and
collection optics for collecting light emitted from scattering interactions within the sterile matrix; and
an analyzer for quantifying the emitted light.
-
Specification