MEASURING THE CONCENTRATION OF A SUBSTANCE

摘要

A system for measuring the concentration of an assay substance comprising a sensor having an optical fibre (10) on one end of which is coated a body (22). A fluorophor is dispersed within the body (22), the fluorescent activity of which is altered in relationship to the concentration of the assay substance. Light from a source such as an LED (40 ) is carried by the fibre (10) to the body (22). Light emitted by the fluorophor is carried to a detector unit (54) along the fibre (10). Concentration of the assay substance is determined by measurement of the characteristics of the growth in emitted light following activation o f the LED (40).