METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING SPECTRAL INTERFERENCE DURING IN-SITU SPECTRAL TISSUE SAMPLING

摘要

An apparatus and method for reproducibly interfacing a living tissue sample to the measurement probe (10) of a spectrometer instrument which minimizes spectral interference related to sampling variations. A minimal contact subject interface includes supports (13, 14, 15) replaceably mounted on a base (11). An optical coupling means, such as a fiber optic probe, contacts the measurement site through a probe aperture (12) in the base (11). During use, a subject rests an extremity on the support elements (13, 14, 15), so that the extremity is reproducibly positioned and supported in relation to the optical coupling means. The supports (13, 14, 15) have a small contact area, minimizing contact with the skin at the measurement site. By reproducibly positioning and supporting the body appendage in this manner, spectral interference due to variation in placement, applied pressure, and temperature transients secondary to contact with the interface module are greatly minimized.