GLUCOSE DETERMINATION IN BLOOD SAMPLES

摘要

A method for determining the presence of an analyte in a fluid is described along with an apparatus specifically designed to carry out the method. The method involves taking a reflectance reading from one surface (15) of an inert porous matrix (11) impregnated with a reagent that will interact with the analyte to produce a light-absorbing reaction product when the fluid being analysed is applied to another surface (16) and migrates through the matrix to the surface being read. Reflectance measurements are made at two separate wavelengths in order to eliminate interferences, and a timing circuit is triggered by an initial decrease in reflectance by the wetting of the surface whose reflectance is being measured by the fluid which passes through the inert matrix. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for the measurement of glucose levels in blood without requiring separation of red blood cells from serum or plasma.