SELEKTIVE EXPOSITION VON MINIATURSONDEN MIT INTEGRIERTEN SENSORARRAYS FÜR KONTINUIERLICHEN IN-VIVO DIAGNOSIS

摘要

A medical detecting device including at least one miniature probe/lance (hereinafter microprotrusion) containing an integrated sensor which is covered with a protective coating to shield the sensor from fouling and other interactions with a host prior to its desired use is provided. In accordance with the present invention, the protective coating is selectively removed from the sensor prior to using the same. The present invention also provides a method for detecting a selected agent using the medical detecting device of the present invention. In one embodiment, a medical detecting device comprises a plate having at least one microprotrusion fixed attached and extending from the plate; and at least one agent detecting sensor on the at least one microprotrusion. The at least one agent detecting sensor is covered with a biocompatible protective coating which is selectively removed prior to detecting an agent. The at least one microprotrusion has a length which locates the at least one agent detecting sensor below the outermost layer of a body surface and in contact with a body fluid.