Method and system for non-invasive detection of zinc protoporphyrin in erythrocytes
First Claim
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1. A system for the non-invasive detection of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in erythrocytes in a region underlying a sample surface of a patient, comprising:
- A. source means for generating excitation light in a predetermined spectrum, said predetermined spectrum being outside the characteristic fluorescence emission spectrum of ZPP and at least a portion of said predetermined spectrum being in the characteristic fluorescence excitation spectrum of ZPP,B. first detection means for generating a first signal representative of the intensity of light incident thereon and in said characteristic fluorescence emission spectrum of ZPP,C. second detection means for generating a second signal representative of the intensity of light incident thereon and within said predetermined spectrum,D. transfer means for directing said excitation light to be incident on said sample surface, and for directing light emitted from said sample surface to be incident on said first and second detection means,E. circuit means responsive to said first and second signals to generate a signal representative of the concentration of ZPP in said erythrocytes.
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Abstract
A method and system for the non-invasive detection of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in erythrocytes. Light at least partially within the fluorescence excitation spectrum of ZPP is directed onto the skin of a patient. The resultant incident light reflection and ZPP fluorescence from the region underlying the irradiated skin are detected. Signals representative of the detected light are generated and combined to provide a signal representative of the ZPP concentration in the erythrocytes within the sample region.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for the non-invasive detection of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in erythrocytes in a region underlying a sample surface of a patient, comprising:
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A. source means for generating excitation light in a predetermined spectrum, said predetermined spectrum being outside the characteristic fluorescence emission spectrum of ZPP and at least a portion of said predetermined spectrum being in the characteristic fluorescence excitation spectrum of ZPP, B. first detection means for generating a first signal representative of the intensity of light incident thereon and in said characteristic fluorescence emission spectrum of ZPP, C. second detection means for generating a second signal representative of the intensity of light incident thereon and within said predetermined spectrum, D. transfer means for directing said excitation light to be incident on said sample surface, and for directing light emitted from said sample surface to be incident on said first and second detection means, E. circuit means responsive to said first and second signals to generate a signal representative of the concentration of ZPP in said erythrocytes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. Method for the non-invasive detection of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in erythrocytes in a region underlying a sample surface of a patient, comprising the steps of:
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A. generating excitation light in a predetermined spectrum, said predetermined spectrum being outside the characteristic fluorescence emission spectrum of ZPP and at least partially in the characteristic fluorescence excitation spectrum of ZPP, B. directing said excitation light to be incident on said sample surface, C. detecting light emitted from said sample surface in said characteristic fluorescence emission spectrum of ZPP and generating a first signal representative of the intensity thereof, D. detecting light emitted from said sample surface in said predetermined spectrum and generating a second signal representative of the intensity thereof, E. combining said first and second signals generating a signal representative of the concentration of ZPP in said erythrocytes. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification