Patent ID: 6040194
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: A61K,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An in vivo method for determining an analyte in the body fluids of an individual comprising the steps ofa) placing a sensor in communication with the body fluids of said individual suspected of containing said analyte in such a way that once in place said sensor does not exit the skin of the individual,said sensor comprising a fluorescence reagent for detecting said analyte that reversibly binds to said analyte,said fluorescence reagent having a fluorescence intensity, an emission spectrum, an excitation spectrum, or an excited state lifetime in the presence of said analyte that is different from its fluorescence intensity, emission spectrum, excitation spectrum, or excited state lifetime in the absence of said analyte,said sensor being configured to retain said fluorescence reagent while allowing said analyte to diffuse into and out of said sensor;b) transdermally illuminating said sensor; andc) measuring the fluorescence intensity, emission spectrum, excitation spectrum, or excited state lifetime of said fluorescence reagent relative to the fluorescence intensity, emission spectrum, excitation spectrum, or excited state lifetime of said fluorescence reagent in the absence of said analyte; andd) correlating the change in fluorescence intensity, emission spectrum, excitation spectrum, or excited state lifetime of said fluorescence reagent with the presence or amount of said analyte in said individual.