Patent Publication Number: US-2013248695-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for analyte detection

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting analytes in a sample. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current methods of detection of food, water and airborne pathogens or analytes within food or body fluid samples are generally reagent-based, and may require the use of specialized lab equipment. Further, identification of a microbe may require that the microbe be isolated and cultured. 
     Detection and identification of substances by infrared (IR) or Raman spectroscopy is well-established. The IR or Raman spectrum of a substance is characterized by a unique pattern of absorption bands that reflects the physico-chemical environment of the chemical functional groups comprising the substance. Non limiting examples of such methods include U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,955, U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,282, U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,876, U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,015, U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,777, U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,677, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,128, (which are incorporated herein by reference). 
     Various studies have demonstrated the feasibility of detection and identification of bacteria using infrared spectroscopy. Fourier-transform mid-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has been use to detect and classify bacteria (Naumann D., et. al., Nature 1991, 351(6321):81-2; Helm D., J Gen Microbiol. 1991, 137(1):69-79), and to detect bacteria in meat (Ellis D. I., Appl Environ Microbiol. 2002, 68(6):2822-8). FT-IR has also been used to detect pure cultures of bacterial pathogens inoculated into bottled drinking water (Al-Qadiri H. M., J Agric Food Chem. 2006, 54(16):5749-54). 
     Devices and methods that enable real-time detection and identification of bacterial pathogens or other analytes are desired, to determine sources of contamination, and to ensure appropriate public health measures taken. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for detecting analytes in a sample. The analyte may be a microbial pathogen, a food sample, a sample of a body fluid, water, or a combination thereof. 
     The present invention provides an apparatus (A) for determining the characteristics of one or more analytes in a sample, comprising, 
     an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source; 
     a receptor in optical communication with the EMR source, the receptor for receiving a sample, detecting if the sample has been presented to the receptor in a predefined manner, and directing EMR received from the EMR source at the sample; 
     a detector in optical communication with the receptor, the detector for capturing transmitted EMR, reflected EMR, scattered EMR, or a combination thereof, obtained from the sample; 
     a user interface for presenting information respecting the presentation of the sample to the receptor, and the characteristics of one or more analytes in the sample; and 
     a communications unit in operative association with the detector for transmitting the characteristics of one or more analytes in the sample to one or more processors or one or more spectrophotometer. 
     The receptor of the apparatus as just defined may comprise a glide path or channel for directing the sample into proper orientation with the receptor. Furthermore, the receptor may further comprise a warning system to notify a user whether the finger, body part, or sample holder has not properly covered over the aperture of the receptor. 
     The sample holders that are positioned over or within the receptor may comprise one or more sample wells and one or more sample input ports through which samples are loaded into the sample wells. Depending on the configuration of the sample holder, the same or different samples may be analyzed at one time. One or more wavelengths of EMR may be selected and used for determination of an analyte within a sample. For example, the apparatus of the present invention may be configured to detect the type of sample holder positioned over or inserted within the receptor such that a pre-set one or more wavelengths of EMR is selected and used to determine the identity, concentration, or both the identity and concentration of one or more analytes in the one or more samples within the one or more sample wells. 
     The present invention provides the apparatus as just defined, wherein the communications unit is in operative communication with a corresponding communications unit in a hand held device, a cell phone, a mobile device, or a computing device, the hand held device, cell phone, mobile device, or computing device comprising one or more spectrophotometer in communication with the receptor, detector and user interface, the one or more spectrophotometer for determining one or more property of one or more analytes in the sample based on the measured reflected or scattered EMR received from the detector, directing the user interface to present information received from the receptor respecting the presentation of the sample to the receptor, and directing the user interface to present information respecting the one or more property of one or more analytes in the sample determined by the processor (Apparatus B). 
     Alternatively, the apparatus (A) as defined may comprise one or more spectrophotometer in communication with the receptor, detector and user interface, the one or more spectrophotometer for determining one or more property of one or more analytes in the sample based on the measured reflected or scattered EMR received from the detector, directing the user interface to present information received from the receptor respecting the presentation of the sample to the receptor, and directing the user interface to present information respecting the one or more property of one or more analytes in the sample determined by the processor (Apparatus C). 
     The present invention also pertains to the apparatus (B), wherein the hand held device, cell phone, mobile device, or other computing device comprises a processor, the processor comprising application software for determining one or more property of the analyte, and a user interface. 
     The present invention also provides the apparatus (B), wherein the one or more property of the analyte is transmitted to a second computing device over the interne. The one or more property of the analyte may also be transmitted to a second computing device wirelessly. 
     The apparatus (A) as defined above may also be housed within a hand-held device, a cell phone, a mobile device, or a computing device. Furthermore the apparatus (B) as defined above may also be housed within a hand-held device, a cell phone, a mobile device, or a computing device. 
     Furthermore, the apparatus as defined in (A) or (B) may comprise one or more fibre optics connectors in optical communication with the EMR, each of the one or more fibre optics providing one or more different wavelengths of EMR to one or more ports within the receptor, the receptor further comprising one or more outlet ports coupled to one or more output fibre optics each in optical communication with one or more spectrometers. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that sample measurements may take place using either transmission, reflectance, or transmission and reflectance to detect a specific analyte in one or more samples. Obtaining both transmission and reflectance data may be obtained using two or more spectrometers each operatively communicating with output path to enable a simultaneous absorption and reflectance measurement, or a single spectrometer may be used in operative communication with two or more fibre bundles each receiving either transmitted or reflected EMR after interaction with the sample. In this example, the receptor (finger interface) is configured to enable absorption and reflectance EMR to be obtained from a sample, as consecutive measurements. This combination of information provides increased accuracy of an analyte to determine for example the impact of interstitial fluid on a blood glucose prediction. 
     Furthermore, by having a warning system to ensure proper sample placement over or within the receptor, the apparatus of the present invention may be used under conditions that are not normally associated with sample analyte determination, and permit the apparatus to be fitted to a mobile or portable devices such as for example, a cell phone or smart phone. 
     Furthermore, any wavelength in the UV/VIS/NIR or beyond may be used in the apparatus described herein to detect and measure blood analytes and or pathogens using a portable device. 
     Systems, methods and devices are also provided for confirming and complementing the detection and measurements of select analytes within one or more samples using the apparatus of the present invention. 
     This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all features of the invention. Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  provides an example of a system diagram of a mobile device for the detection of analytes in a sample.  FIG. 1B  provides an example of a system diagram of the components of a receptor of the mobile device shown in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1C  provides an example of a system diagram of a mobile device for the detection of analytes in a sample, in transmission mode;  FIG. 1D  provides an example of a system diagram of a mobile device for the detection of analytes in a sample, in reflective mode.  FIGS. 1E and 1F  show alternate examples of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  shows an example of a system diagram of a mobile device for the detection of analytes in a sample 
         FIGS. 3A to 3F  provide diagrams of examples of a receptor of either of the devices referred to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIGS. 4A to 4F  provide diagrams of examples of a receptor of either of the apparatuses shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIGS. 5A to 5D  provide diagrams of examples of a receptor of either of the apparatuses shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIGS. 6A to 6E  provide diagrams of variants of a receptor of either of the apparatuses shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIGS. 7A to 7E  provide side perspective views of variants of sample holders for use with the devices shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIGS. 8A to 8D  provide diagrams of variants of a receptor of either of the devices shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIGS. 9A to 9D  provide diagrams of a receptor of either of the devices shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 10  provides a logic diagram of a method of detection of analytes in a sample using either of the devices shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 11  provides a non-limiting example of an alternate device and variant of a sample holder according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting analytes in a sample. The analyte may be for example, but not limited to, a microbial pathogen, a food sample a sample of a body fluid, water, or a combination thereof. 
     Use of examples in the specification, including examples of terms, is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope and meaning of the embodiments of the invention herein. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. In the specification, the word “comprising” is used as an open-ended term, substantially equivalent to the phrase “including, but not limited to,” and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning. 
     As used herein, the term “sample” means a biological or non-biological fluid, a biological or non-biological semi-solid, or a biological or non-biological solid exhibiting one or more properties that may be measured spectroscopically. A sample typically comprises one or more analytes. Examples of a sample include, but are not limited to, a calibrator, water, a body fluid, whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid, lymphatic fluid, sputum, feces, cerebrospinal fluid, a food sample, a dairy product, milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, wine, a beverage, or semi soft food. 
     As used herein, the term “analyte” means a substance, compound or organism being measured in a sample, and includes, without limitation, a pathogen, a bacteria, a nosocomial pathogen, food or waterborne pathogens, opportunistic pathogens, or another microbe. For example, which is not to be considered limiting, an analyte may include:  Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella  spp,  Clostridium  spp.  Escherichia coli  O157:H7,  Vibrio  spp.  Campylobacter  spp.,  Pseudomonas  spp,  Bacillus  spp,  Cyanobacteria, Cryptosporidium, Legionella  spp.,  Aeromonas  spp., or the like. An analyte may also include a compound, or an element, for example a carbohydrate, a protein, a glycoprotein, hemoglobin, Oxy-Hb, % oxy-Hb, “Oxy-Hb plus Deoxy-Hb”, “Total-Hb minus Met-Hb”, Met-Hb, % met-Hb, Carboxy-Hb, Co-Hb, Sulf-Hb, HbA 1c , cholesterol, glucose, a lipoprotein, a steroid, an amino acid, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, cortisol, creatine, creatinine, a ketone, a lipid, urea, a fatty acid, glycosolated hemoglobin, alcohol, lactate, an ion, Ca 2+ , K + , Cl − , HCO 3   − , HPO 4   −  and a neutral or ionic form of a heavy metal, for example, but not limited to a neutral or ionic form of a metal having an atomic number greater than 20 (calcium), more particularly a metal having an atomic number between 21 (scandium) and 92 (uranium), such as a neutral or ionic form of mercury, arsenic, lead or cadmium, a fatty acid for example an omega-3 fatty acid, for example, but not limited to α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid; an omega-6 fatty acid, for example, but not limited to linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, eicosadienoic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid, or docosapentaenoic acid; or an omega-9 fatty acid, for example, but not limited to oleic acid, eicosenoic acid, mead acid, erucic acid or nervonic acid, glycosolated hemoglobin, alcohol, lactate, an ion, Ca 2+ , K + , Cl − , HCO 3   − , HPO 4   − , and an antioxidant such as Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (for example but not limited to alpha-, beta-, gamma- or delta-tocopherol; or alpha-, beta-, gamma- or delta-tocotrienol), a vitamin cofactor (for example but not limited to Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or manganese), a hormone (for example but not limited to melatonin), a carotenoid terpenoid (for example but not limited to lycopene, lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, or canthaxantin), a non-carotenoid terpenoid (for example but not limited to eugenol), a flavonol (for example but not limited to resveratrol, pterostilbene, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins), a flavone (for example but not limited to quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, or tangeritin), a flavanone (for example but not limited to hesperetin, naringenin, or eriodictyol), a flavan-3-ol (for example but not limited to catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin and its gallate forms, epigallocatechin and its gallate forms, theaflavin and its gallate forms, or thearubigins), isoflavone phytoestrogens (for example but not limited to genistein, daidzein, or glycitein), anthocyanins (for example but not limited to cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, or petunidin), phenolic acids and their esters (for example but not limited to ellagic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid, rosmarinic acid, cinnamic acid and its derivatives, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, gallotannins, or ellagitannins), curcumin, anthoxanthins, betacyanins, silymarin, or citric acid. 
     Overview 
     As described in more detail below, and with reference to the Figures, the present invention provides an apparatus (for example,  100 ,  200  and  250 ) for determining one or more analytes in a sample. The apparatus may comprise a device (e.g.  200 ) that attaches (e.g.  FIG. 1A ) or links with (e.g.  FIGS. 1C ,  1 D, and  2 ) a cell phone ( 160 ) or other computing device ( 113 ) via wired or wireless means ( 175 ,  220 ). The device ( 200 ) may comprise a spectrometer ( 107 ), a light (or EMR) source (e.g.  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  202 ) and other components as described below to obtain data regarding one or more analytes in a sample. The cell phone ( 160 ) or other computing device ( 113 ) may comprise application software for analyte monitoring, along with an appropriate user interface (e.g.  108 ,  256 ). The device may comprise blue tooth or other means for wireless connection, and/or a USB, Firewire or Ethernet connection for hard wire connectivity or memory-stick data transfer, to the cell phone or other computing device ( 175 ,  220 ). The device may (e.g.  200 , or  FIG. 1F ) or may not (e.g.  100 ) operate independently from the cell phone or other computing device. For example, if the device is a part of the cell phone or other computing device (e.g.  FIG. 1E ), then the components required for analyte detection (monitoring capability) will also be a part of the cell phone or other computing device (e.g. apparatus  100 ). Alternatively, if the device is separate from the cell phone or other computing device (e.g.  FIGS. 1F ,  2 ), then the components required for analyte detection (monitoring capability) may be a part of the cell phone or other computing device (e.g. apparatus  250 ) and the components for analyte sampling including the receptor ( 104 ), EMR source ( 102 ) and spectrophotometer ( 107 ), microcomputer ( 115 ) or processor ( 114 ) may be a part of the device ( 200 ). The cell phone comprising the components required for analyte detection (e.g.  100 ), or the device ( 200 ), if used independently from the cell phone or other computing device (e.g.  160 ,  113 ,  250 ), will comprise a receptor ( 104 ,  204 ) having a glide path or channel, that may be molded into the device, that guides the finger, thumb, or sample holder (e.g.  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ) into place over an aperture of the receptor (see  FIGS. 3-6 ). The guide will stop just past the aperture to provide a comfortable placement for the finger, thumb, other body part, or a sample holder for in vitro analyte determination. The receptor of the device may also comprise a warning system to notify the user whether the finger, body part, or sample holder has not properly covered over the aperture of the receptor (see  FIGS. 3-6  and  10 ). The data determined using the device in combination with the cell phone or other computing device regarding the one or more analytes detected within the sample may be downloaded via the interne to a computing device (e.g.  112 ,  252 ,  1016 ,  FIG. 10 ). The device ( 100 ,  200 ) may be configured to monitor multiple analytes within a sample using one or more spectrometers ( 107 ) and if required, one or more fiber optics connectors ( 154 ,  FIG. 1B ) to provide light from an EMR or light source ( 101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  202 ) to either one or more port(s) within the receptor (e.g.  104 ,  204 ). The sample may be an in vitro sample provided on a sample holder, or an in vivo sample such as a finger, thumb or other body part. If the sample is an in vivo sample, then the pulse may also be determined if desired. 
     Analyte Detection Apparatus 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1F , examples of a device for detecting analytes in a sample are generally shown as item  100 . The apparatus  100  is capable of receiving one or more samples, detecting if the samples are presented in a predefined manner, determining the characteristics or concentrations of one or more analytes in the sample, communicating information respecting the sample to the user of the apparatus  100  and, optionally, communicating information respecting the sample to a remote system. The apparatus  100  generally comprises an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source  102 , which may include a lamp driver ( 101 ) and a lamp ( 103 ), a receptor  104 , for example but not limited to a finger module or sample tab, a detector  106 , which may be housed or included with a spectrophotometer  107 , a user interface (UI)  108 , a memory  110 , a communications unit  112 , a processor  114 , and if required a communication pathway  175  ( FIG. 1F ), the user interface, memory, communications unit and processor may be provided as a micro computer  115  or separately, and a power source  116 , which may include batteries  117 , solar powered batteries, a battery charger  119 , a USB, an electrical plug and the like. 
     The EMR source  102  is responsible for emitting EMR which is directed to the receptor  104  through an optical coupling between the EMR source  102  and the receptor  104 . The EMR source  102  is in communication with and controlled by the processor  114  as further described below. The EMR source may emit EMR having one or more desired wavelengths. In the present embodiment, the EMR source  102  may comprise one or more than one light emitting diodes (LEDs), each LED emitting a desired wavelength of EMR. In the alternative, the EMR source  102  may comprises a laser source, an LED source, a monochromatic source, a polychromatic source operatively coupled with a diffraction grating or cut off filter, or another suitable source of EMR for irradiating a sample, located at the receptor  104 , at one or more than one desired wavelengths. In addition, the EMR source  102  may further comprise one or more lenses for collimating ( 99 ), concentrating, aligning or conditioning the EMR prior to directing the EMR to the receptor  104  as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     The EMR source  102  may emit EMR having one or more wavelengths over a range of wavelengths from about 300 nm to about 20,000 nm, or any wavelength therebetween as desired. For example, from about 300 to about 3000 nm, or any wavelength therebetween, or from about 500 nm to about 2500 nm or any wavelength therebetween. The infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum is generally considered to be the spectral interval extending from 650 nm through to 1 mm. Measurement of samples using the near-infrared region may be obtained from about 700 nm to about 1100 nm range. The near infrared region is particularly well-suited to invasive and non-invasive diagnostic applications because biological samples or human tissue are somewhat transparent to the incident radiation and therefore sufficient penetration of the radiation is possible to allow accurate quantitative analysis. 
     Use of other ranges of EMR is also contemplated, for example, the shortwave infrared (SWIR)—about 1400 to about 3000 nm; the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR)—about 1400 nm to about 3000 nm; ultraviolet range—about 10 to about 400 nm; or visible range—about 400 to about 700 nm. 
     The EMR source  102  and the range of wavelengths emitted by the EMR source  102  is not to be considered limiting in the present invention. For example, a polychromatic light source may be used. This type of light source can emit light over a wide bandwidth, including light in the near infrared spectrum. The polychromatic light source may comprise a quartz-halogen or a tungsten-halogen bulb to provide the broad spectrum of light in the near infrared. This polychromatic light source may be a tungsten-halogen lamp or it may be a collection of LEDs or other light sources selected to emit EMR in, for example, the near-infrared range of about 650 to about 1100 nm. More particularly, the polychromatic light source comprises a source of light that emits a wavelength of light in the visible red spectrum, for example, 660 nm, a wavelength of light in the infrared spectrum, for example, 940 nm, and a broad spectrum of light in the near infrared region. 
     The receptor  104  is responsible for receiving one or more samples (e.g. finger  170 ), detecting whether the samples are presented to the receptor  104  in a predefined manner, directing EMR received from the EMR source  102  at the sample, and directing EMR that is transmitted, reflected, scattered or a combination thereof by the sample to the detector  106  which may be included within spectrophotometer  107 . The receptor  104  is optically coupled to the EMR source  102  to receive EMR emitted from the EMR source  102  (“incident EMR”), optically coupled to the detector  106  to direct EMR transmitted ( 156 A,  FIG. 1C ; see also  FIG. 1B ), reflected ( 156 B,  FIG. 1C ), or scattered through interaction of the incident EMR with a sample to the detector  106 , and in communication with the processor  114  to communicate information respecting the presentation of the sample to the receptor  104 . The receptor may also be configured to provide both transmitted and reflected EMR leaving the same sample, to the detector  106 , or spectrophotometer  107 . For example, the receptor may comprise two output or outlet paths  156 A and  156 B to receive transmitted and reflected EMT, respectively, for a sample, and the transmitted and reflected EMR may be obtained in a sequential manner from the sample. By obtaining data from both transmitted and reflected EMR from the same sample, at approximately the same time, increased accuracy of the analyte measurement is obtained. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the receptor  104  generally comprises a receptor inlet  150 , one or more EMR inlets  154 , one or more EMR outlets  156 , a sample sensor  158  (sample monitoring  FIGS. 1C and 1D ), and, optionally, a sample guide  152 . The receptor inlet  150  defines a physical space for the sample to be presented to the receptor  104 . The receptor inlet  150  may be a shaped aperture in the apparatus  100 , a structure extending from the external surface of the apparatus  100 , a designated location on the external surface of the apparatus  100 , or a physically separate (stand-alone) receptor that is in communication, for example wireless communication, with a processor ( 114 ). The receptor inlet  150  may be configured to specifically accept either an in vivo sample or an in vitro sample holder. Alternatively, the receptor inlet  150  may be configured to accept both in vivo samples and in vitro sample holders. The receptor may be physically housed within apparatus  100  for example a cell phone  160  ( FIG. 1E ), or it may be a separate device (e.g.  104   FIG. 1F , or  200   FIG. 2 ) and communicate, for example with a cell phone  160  (or a modular device  250 ,  FIG. 2 ), by one or more wireless communication devices ( 175 ,  FIGS. 1C ,  1 D,  1 F;  220 ,  FIG. 2 ) know in the art, such as, for example, cellular, bluetooth, infrared, satellite, shortwave radio, or via USB, Firewire, or Ethernet as required. 
     The one or more EMR inlets  154  are optically coupled to the EMR source  102  and receptor inlet  150  and function to direct the incident EMR emitted by the EMR source  102  towards a sample  170  presented to the receptor inlet  150 . Correspondingly, the one or more EMR outlets  156 , for example one or more  156 A, one or more  156 B, or both one or more  156 A and  156 B EMT outlets, are optically coupled to the receptor inlet  150  and the detector  106  and function to receive the scattered EMR that is reflected or scattered by the sample  170  and direct the scattered EMR to the detector  106 . The one or more EMR inlets  154  and EMR outlets  156  may be comprised of an aperture or optical fiber penetrating the interior of the receptor inlet  150  and may be positioned at multiple locations throughout the receptor inlet  150 . 
     Sample measurements that involve using both transmission and reflectance EMR may be obtained using two or more spectrometers ( 107 ) each operatively communicating with output path  156 A and  156 B to enable a sequential or simultaneous absorption and reflectance measurement, or a single spectrometer may be used in operative communication with two or more fibre bundles  156 A and  156 B, each receiving either transmitted or reflected EMR after interaction with the sample. 
     The sample sensor  158  (sample monitoring  FIGS. 1C and 1D ) detects whether the sample  170  is presented to the receptor inlet  150  in a predefined manner. For example, the sample sensor  158  may detect whether the sample  170  has been presented to the receptor inlet  150  in a manner that blocks out ambient light from entering the receptor inlet  150  or reduces the amount of ambient light entering the receptor inlet  150  below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the sample sensor or sample monitor  158  may detect the orientation and position of the sample with respect to the receptor inlet  150  or the depth of insertion of the sample  170  into the receptor inlet  150 . The sample sensor  158  may comprise one or more optical, resistive, capacitive, pressure, electromechanical or other sensors that are positioned in or around the receptor inlet  150  to ensure that the sample  170  is presented to the receptor inlet  150  in a predefined manner. The sample sensor  158  is in communication with the processor  114  to communicate information respecting the presentation of the sample  170  to the receptor inlet  150 . 
     The sample guide  152  aids in directing the sample  170  to be presented to the receptor inlet  150  in a predefined manner. The sample guide  152  may comprise a channel in the surface or extending from the exterior surface of the apparatus  100  leading to the receptor  104 . In the alternative, the sample guide  152  may comprise an opening within which the sample may be placed or inserted. 
     The detector  106 , which may be housed within spectrophotometer  107  is responsible for detecting the presence and intensity of various wavelengths contained in the scattered EMR. The detector  106 , or spectrophotometer  107 , is in communication with the processor  114 , for example via a spectrophotometer interface  109 , to communicate information respecting the scattered EMR detected by the detector  106 . The detector  106  comprises a photodetector, such as, one or more photodiodes, charge-coupled device (CCD), photoresistors, or other devices for detecting the presence and intensity of EMR as known in the art. The photodetector may comprise a linear array detecting elements, for example, a photodiode array comprises a series of diodes that are electronically scanned to measure the charge accumulated on each diode, the charge being proportion to the intensity of scattered EMR for each wavelength transmitted through, or reflected from, one or more compounds in the sample. In the alternative, the detector  106  may further comprise a diffraction grating, or one or more filters configured to separate EMR into various wavelengths prior to directing the scattered EMR to the photodetector. In the further alternative, the detector  106  may comprise one or more lenses for concentrating, aligning or conditioning the scattered EMR prior to directing the EMR to the photodetector and/or the spectrograph or filters, for example, a diffraction grating, a collimator or a scanning focusing lens. 
     The detector  106  may comprise a one or two dimensional photodiode array. Such an array may comprise discrete units, or ‘pixels’, for example, which is not to be considered limiting, comprising silicon photodetectors, with single-layer thin films. Each of the thin films has a known absorption coefficient, and the absorption coefficient may be different for each of the filters. One pixel, configured to receive a specific wavelength of the scattered EMR may also be used. Scattered EMR passes through the filter to reach the photodetector, generating a signal, which is transmitted to a microprocessor. Methods for making such photodetectors are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,345,764 to Bulovic et al. (which is incorporated herein by reference) 
     The detector  106  may comprise, or is in operative communication with, processor  114  or microcomputer  115  via a spectrophotometer interface  109 . The processor  114 , or microcomputer  115  comprising a processor, is configured to execute one or more sample processing algorithms for determining the information about the sample, for example, the information may comprise an identity, a concentration or a combination of an identity and a concentration of one or more analytes in the sample. Sample processing algorithms may comprise one or more than one calibration algorithms (for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,015; which is incorporated by reference) that may be used to determine a property of one or more than one compound or analytes in the sample. The concentration of a given compound may be calculated by using a calibration equation derived from a statistical analysis, e.g. least squares best fit, of a plot of the value of concentration of a calibration set of samples of the compound (determined using known methods, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,015, which is incorporated by reference). Other statistical tests that may be used include, but are not limited to, multiple linear regression, partial least squares or the like). Any known method for determining the concentration of one, or more than one compound may be used, as would be known to one of skill in the art. Alternately, the percent value of the one or more than one compounds may be determined from a calibration table comprising predetermined values. Such calibration tables may be prepared using a range of given absorption (or transmission) values, and related to compositions comprising a known percentage of the compound, so that the absorption (or transmission) reading is related to a known percentage of the compound, thus removing the need for mathematical manipulation. The algorithms may be preloaded in the detector or dynamically updated through communication with a remote system. 
     The detector  106 , processor  114  or microcomputer  115  comprising a processor, may further comprises a memory for (a) storing information respecting the scattered EMR detected by the detector  106  and (b) storing instructions and statements that when executed by the processor execute one or more sample processing algorithms as described above. In the alternative, the processor  114  may provide the functionality of the processor of the detector  106  and/or the memory  110  may provide the functionality of the memory of the detector  106 . 
     The user interface (UI)  108  is responsible for receiving instructions from a user of the apparatus  100  and communicating information to a user of the apparatus  100 . For example, apparatus  100  may be in operative communication with a remote computer or cell phone via communication pathway  175  (e.g.  FIG. 1F ), and the user interface may be remote and comprise a PC interface  113 , or a cell phone  160 . Alternatively, the user interface  108  may be integral with or a part of apparatus  100 , for example apparatus  100  may comprise a cell phone  160 . The user interface  108  is in communication with the processor  114 , or microcomputer  115 , to communicate information to and from the user of the apparatus  100 . The user interface  108  may receive input from a user through one or more, keypads, buttons, touch-screens, or other input devices for receiving information from a user. The input may comprise the status of the detection, instructions to initiate the detection of analytes in a sample, instructions to communicate information relating to the sample to a remote system, or other information relevant to the apparatus  100  and detection of analytes in samples. The user interface  108  may communicate information to a user through one or more displays, speakers, lights or other devices capable of presenting visual and/or audible information to a user. The information may comprise whether the sample has been presented to the receptor  104  in a predefined manner, the information detected from the sample, the status of the power source  116 , or other information relevant to the apparatus  100  and detection of analytes in samples. 
     The communications unit  112  is in communication with the processor  114 , or microcomputer  115 , and is responsible for wireless communication (via  175 ) with one or more remote systems, for example a PC interface  113  or a cell phone  160 . The communications unit  112  may comprise one or more wireless communication devices know in the art, such as, for example, cellular, bluetooth, infrared, satellite, shortwave radio or it may comprise ports permitting communication via USB, Firewire, or Ethernet. 
     The power source  116  is responsible for providing electrical power to the components of the apparatus  100 . The power source  116  may comprise one or more batteries  117 , solar cells, fuel cells, and other electrical power sources known in the art. 
     The memory  110 , which may be included with microcomputer  115 , is responsible for (a) storing information respecting the samples and (b) storing statements and instructions for execution by the processor  114  to perform the analyte detection method described below. The memory  110  may comprise random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, hard disc drives, optical drives and optical drive media, flash drives, and other computer readable storage media known in the art. 
     The processor  114  is responsible for controlling and communicating with the components of the apparatus  100  in order to determine analytes in one or more samples (e.g.  170 ) presented to the apparatus  100  via receptor  104 , or spectrophotometer  107 , and communicate information respecting the samples to the user of the apparatus and, optionally, remote systems. The processor  114  is responsible for performing the analyte detection method described herein. The processor  114  may comprise application specific circuits, programmable logic controllers, field programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic circuits and other processing devices known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  an apparatus for detecting analytes in a sample is generally shown as item  200 . The apparatus  200  (also see  104 ,  FIG. 1F ) is operable to work in cooperation with a mobile device  250  ( 160 ,  FIG. 1F ) to provide similar functionality as apparatus  100  as described above (see  FIGS. 1A-1D ). The apparatus  200  (or  104 ,  FIG. 1F ) is capable of receiving one or more samples, detecting if the sample is presented in a predefined manner, as described above (e.g.  FIGS. 1A-1F , and  FIG. 1B ), communicating with the mobile apparatus  250  ( 160   FIG. 1F ) information respecting each sample, and, optionally, communicating information respecting the sample to the user of the apparatus  200  via communication pathway  220  ( 175 ,  FIG. 1F ) for example cellular, bluetooth, infrared, satellite, shortwave radio, USB, Firewire, or Ethernet. The mobile apparatus  250  is responsible for detecting one or more analytes in a sample from the information respecting the sample received from the apparatus  200 , communicating information respecting the sample to the user of the mobile apparatus  250 , and, optionally, communicating information respecting the sample to one or more remote systems, for example but not limited to, a remote computer in a doctor&#39;s office. Thus, in this example, the apparatus  200  is responsible for receiving and obtaining information respecting the samples, while, the mobile apparatus  250  is responsible for analyzing the information to identify one or more analytes in the sample, and communicating the information to the user of the mobile apparatus and, optionally, to one or more remote systems. 
     The apparatus  200  generally comprises an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source  202 , a receptor  204 , a detector  206 , a communications unit  212 , and a power source  216 . The apparatus  200  may optionally comprise one or more of a user interface (UI)  208 , a memory  210 , and a processor  214 . The EMR source  202 , receptor  204 , detector  206  and power source  216  may be the same as, or analogous to, the EMR source  102 , receptor  104 , detector  106 , and power source  116 , respectively, as described above with respect to apparatus  100 , except that the power source  216  may optionally receive power through an electrical coupling with the mobile apparatus  250 . The communications unit  212  is in communication with the EMR source  202 , the receptor  204 , and the detector  206 , and the communications unit  212  is responsible for communicating information respecting the sample between the apparatus  200  and the mobile apparatus  250  via communication pathway  220 . For example, which is not to be considered limiting, the communications unit  212  may communicate with the EMR source  202  regarding control information received from the mobile apparatus  250 , the communications unit may communicate to the mobile apparatus  250  information from the receptor  204  respecting the presentation of a sample to the receptor  204 , the communications unit may also communicate to the mobile apparatus  250  information respecting the sample received from the detector  206 . The communications unit  212  may comprise any wired or wireless communication device known in the art, such as, for example but not limited to, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and infrared for communication with mobile apparatus  250  and the like, via communications pathway  220 . 
     The mobile apparatus  250  generally comprises a communications unit  252 , a processor  254 , a user interface  256 , a memory  258 , and a power source  260 . For example, communications unit  252 , processor  254 , user interface  256 , memory  258 , and power source  260 , may be the same as, or analogous, to communications unit  112 , processor  114 , user interface  108 , memory  110 , and power source  116 , respectively, as described above with respect to apparatus  100 , except as noted otherwise. In particular, communications unit  252  is also configured to communicate with apparatus  200  and processor  254  is configured to communicate with EMR source  202 , receptor  204 , detector  206  of apparatus  200  through the communications unit  252  and communication pathway  220 . The communications unit  252  may comprise any wired or wireless communication device known in the art, such as, for example, USB, firewire, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and infrared and the like. 
     Alternatively, the apparatus  200  further comprises a processor  214  and a memory  210 . In this example, the processor  214  is responsible for communicating with the EMR source  202 , the receptor  204 , the detector  206 , and the communications unit  212 , while, the communications unit  212  is responsible for communicating with the mobile apparatus  250 . Further, the processor  214  assumes the responsibility of the processor  254  of the mobile apparatus  250  with respect to detecting one or more analytes in the samples based on the information received from the detector  206 . The memory  210  also assumes the responsibility of the memory  258  with respect to storing instructions and statements that when executed by the processor  214  performs one or more sample processing algorithms of the scattered EMR, and, optionally, storing information respecting the scattered EMR detected by the detector  206 . Thus, in this example, the apparatus  200  is responsible for receiving and obtaining information respecting the samples and analyzing the information to identify one or more analytes in the sample, while, the mobile apparatus  250  is responsible for communicating the information to the user of the mobile apparatus and/or a remote system. 
     The apparatus  200  may further comprise a user interface  208 . The user interface  208  provides similar functionality to the user interface  108  of apparatus  100  described above, except as noted otherwise. The user interface  208  may receive input from a user, for example, instructions to initiate the detection of analytes in a sample. The user interface  208  may also communicate information to a user, for example, the status of the detection, whether the sample has been presented to the receptor  204  in a predefined manner, the information detected from the sample, or the status of the power source  216 . 
     As described above, apparatuses  100  and  200  comprise receptors  104 ,  204  or a finger module, that are responsible for, amongst other things, detecting whether the sample is presented to the receptor  104 ,  204  in a predefined manner. In order to increase the reliability and accuracy of the detection of analytes in a sample, it may be desirable to ensure that the sample is presented to the receptor  104 , or  204  in a manner that reduces the amount of ambient light that is permitted to entering the receptor inlet  150  of the receptors  104 ,  204  below a predefined threshold, or to ensure proper alignment between the sample and the incident ( 156 ) and scattered (transmitted or reflected;  156 ) light paths. One or more sample sensors (or sample monitors)  158  may be placed at appropriate locations in and/or about the receptor inlet  150  and these can be used to detect whether a sample has been presented to the receptor inlet  150  in a manner that will ensure proper alignment and minimize the amount of ambient light that is permitted to enter the receptor inlet  150 . Sample sensors  158  may be used to directly detect the amount of ambient light in the receptor inlet  150  or detect whether the sample is in a location and/or orientation that is known to ensure proper alignment or minimize the amount ambient light entering the receptor inlet  150 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an example of the receptor  104  is shown as item  104 A. The receptor  104 A is configured to directly detect the amount of ambient light in the receptor inlet through one or more optical sensors placed inside of the receptor  104 A. The receptor  104 A generally comprises a receptor inlet  150 A and a sample sensor  158 A, identical in function to receptor inlet  150  and sample sensor  158  described above. The receptor inlet  150 A comprises an aperture configured to accept a sample or sample holder positioned over the aperture. The sample sensor  158 A may comprise one or more optical sensors  304  located inside of the receptor inlet  150 A. For example, the sensors  304  may be placed at the bottom of the receptor inlet  150 A, around the perimeter of the inner surface of the receptor inlet  150 A, adjacent to the EMR outlets of the receptor  104 A, in close proximity to the outer surface of the receptor  104 A, and other locations inside of the receptor inlet  150 A. 
     The sensors  304  may comprise a photodiode, photoresistor, phototransistor, or any optical sensor capable of detecting ambient light known in the art. Optionally, each sensor  304  may be electrically coupled to a separate or shared conditioning unit  306 . The conditioning unit  306  is in operative communication with processor  114 , microcomputer  115  or communications unit  212 , and functions to place the output of the sample sensor  158 A in a desired form prior to directing the output to the processor  114  or microcomputer  115  of apparatus  100  or the communications unit  212  of processor  214  of apparatus  200 . For example, the conditioning unit  306  may amplify, demodulate, offset, filter undesirable frequencies, convert from analog to digital, or compare the output to a predefined threshold. Furthermore, if an error is observed with respect to the sample interfacing the receptor, the conditioning unit  306  may trigger a warning signal, light, alarm and the like in order to notify the user of the problem. 
     The receptor  104 A may be configured to receive in vivo samples, or in vitro sample holders containing samples, or both. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3C to 3F , the receptor  104 A is shown having an in vivo sample  170 A presented to the receptor  104 A in the form of a human finger ( FIGS. 3C and 3D ) and an in vitro sample holder  170 B presented to the receptor  104 A ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) in the form further described below with reference to  FIG. 7C .  FIGS. 3C and 3E  show improper presentations of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holder  170 B to the receptor  104 A, resulting in ambient light  350  entering the receptor inlet  150 A and being detected by the sensor  304 . By contrast,  FIGS. 3D and 3F  show proper presentations of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holder  170 B to the receptor  104 A, resulting in no, or minimal, ambient light  350  being detected by the sensor  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7C , a non limiting example of an in vitro sample holder  170 B is provided. Other non limiting examples of sample holders that may also be used with the receptor/apparatus of the present invention are described in U.S. 61/370,687 (filed Aug. 4, 2010), CA 2,460,898, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,781, WO 00/70350 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference). 
     In this example, sample holder  170 B may generally comprise a body  772 , a gripping portion  773  for ease of handling, one or more sample wells  774 , a sample input port  775 , conduits  776 , and, optionally, one or more overflows/vents  777 . The sample may be loaded by injection into the sample input port  775 , for example, from a syringe, with a pipette or similar device for transferring small liquid volumes, or by capillary action. The one or more sample wells  774  are in fluid communication with the sample input port  775  and each other through conduits  776 . Optionally, one or more overflows/vents  777  permit air to escape the wells  774  and conduits  776  as they are filled with the sample. The ‘windows’ covering the one or more sample wells  774  of the sample holder  170 B, comprise material that is EMR-transparent in order to permit EMR to pass into the sample well and irradiate the sample. For example, for near-infrared EMR, SiO 2  may be used for sample chamber windows, while for ultraviolet EMR, ultraviolet-transparent material may be used for sample chamber windows. For visible light EMR, glass may be suitable. Selection of a suitable material will be within the ability of one skilled in the art, upon consideration of the appropriate EMR wavelength(s) to be used. 
     An non-limiting example of a multi-sample well sample holder is described in PCT Application PCT/CA2011/050475 (“Method and Apparatus for Analyte Detection”: which is herein incorporated by reference) and shown in  FIG. 7D . Briefly, multi-sample well sample holder  170 E comprises similar components to sample holder  170 B, but includes a plurality of sample wells  774 ′ in fluid communication with a single sample input port  775 . For example, the multi-sample well sample holder may comprise from 1 to 50, or more, sample wells  774 ′, or any amount therebetween, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 24, 26, 28, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 sample wells, or any number therebetween. The apparatus may be configured such that, when the multi-sample well sample holder  170 E is inserted within the receptor  104 , each sample well  774 ′ is positioned to be exposed to one or more select EMR wavelength(s) as required to determine an analyte of interest within the specific sample well  774 ′. 
     The apparatus or device of the present invention may therefore be configured to pass EMR wavelengths through each of the 1 to 50 or more sample wells  774 ′ or any number therebetween. The apparatus may be configured to introduce either the same wavelength of EMR to each of the 1 to 50 or more sample wells  774 ′, or from 1 to 50 or more different wavelengths of EMR through each of the 1 to 50 or more sample wells  774 ′, or any number therebetween. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 24, 26, 28, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 or any number therebetween of different wavelengths may be used. Alternatively, a spectrum of wavelengths may be passed through each of the one or more sample wells, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,777; U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,015; U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,282; or WO 2007/028231 (which are incorporated herein by reference) and the spectrum analyzed for one or more target analytes that may be present within each sample well. 
     With each of the configurations described above, multiple analytes within a sample may be identified and additional information about the analyte determined. With sample holder  170 E, comprising a plurality of sample wells  774 ′, one sample may be used and portions of the sample, located in each sample well  774 ′ may be subject to one or more, or different EMR wavelengths for the determination of different analytes within the sample. 
     An alternate sample holder, a multi-sample port sample holder  170 F, is shown in  FIG. 7E . In this example, the multi-sample port sample holder  170 F may generally comprise a body  772 , a gripping portion  773  for ease of handling, a plurality of sample wells  774 ′, a plurality of sample input ports  775 ′, conduits  776  and, optionally, one or more overflows/vents  777 . These components are identical in function to the components described above with respect to in vitro sample holders  170 B and  170 E. The multi-sample port sample holder  170 F, however, comprises a plurality of sample input ports  775 ′ for receiving one or more samples for analysis, as well as a plurality of sample wells  774 ′. One or more samples may be loaded by injection into the one or more sample input ports  775 ′. Each sample input port  775 ′ is in fluid communication with one or more samples wells  774 ′. All the sample wells  774 ′ that are in fluid communication with a specific sample input port  775 ′ are in fluid communication with each other through conduits  776 . With this configuration, sample wells  774 ′ in fluid communication with one sample input port  775 ′ will not be in fluid communication with sample wells  774 ′ in fluid communication with a different sample input port  775 ′ in order to prevent cross-contamination of the various samples. This configuration permits the analysis of various samples, such as, but not limited to, blood, saliva and urine, at one time. As with the multi-sample well sample holders, the apparatus may be configured such that, when the multi-sample port sample holder  170 F is inserted within the receptor  104 , the various samples within the sample wells  774 ′ can be exposed to one or more select EMR wavelength(s) as required to determine an analyte of interest in a specific sample. The apparatus may be configured to introduce either the same wavelength of EMR to the different samples in the sample wells  774 ′, or from 1 to 50 more different wavelengths of EMR to the different samples in each of the 1 to 50 or more sample wells  774 ′, or any number therebetween. Alternatively, a spectrum of wavelengths may be passed through each of the one or more sample wells, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,777; U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,015; U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,282; or WO 2007/028231 (which are incorporated herein by reference) and the spectrum analyzed for one or more target analytes that may be present within each sample well. With each of these configurations, multiple analytes within multiple samples may be identified and additional information about the analytes determined. 
     By placing the multi-sample well sample holder  170 E or the multi-sample port sample holder  170 F within a receptor  104 , and by ensuring that specific wavelengths of EMR are directed to specific sample wells  774 ′, one or more wavelengths of EMR may be selected and used for determination of an analyte within the one or more samples. For example, the receptor  104  may be configured to detect the type of sample holder inserted in the receptor  104  such that a pre-set one or more wavelengths of EMR is selected and used to determine the identity/concentration of one or more analytes in the one or more samples within the one or more sample wells  774 ′. These in vitro sample holders can also be useful for verifying and confirming data if the same wavelength of EMR is selected and used to pass through the same sample in different sample wells  774 ′. The identity or concentration of the one or more analytes in the sample can then be compared amongst the different sample wells  774 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , an alternate example of the receptor  104  is shown as item  104 B. The receptor  104 B is configured to detect whether a sample or sample holder is in a location and/or orientation that is known to minimize the amount ambient light entering the receptor inlet or ensure proper alignment of the sample with the receptor. The receptor  104 B generally comprises a receptor inlet  150 B and a sample sensor  158 B, similar in function to receptor inlet  150  and sample sensor  158  described above. The receptor inlet  150 B comprises an aperture configured to accept a sample or sample holder positioned over the aperture. The sample sensor  158 B may comprise one or more sensors  404  located outside of and directly adjacent to the entrance of the receptor inlet  150 B. For example, the sensors  404  may be placed at spaced intervals around the outer perimeter of the entrance of the receptor inlet  150 B, at spaced concentric intervals radiating from the outer perimeter of the entrance of the receptor inlet  150 B, and other locations in close proximity to the entrance of the receptor inlet  150 B. 
     The sensors  404  may comprise any sensor capable of detecting the presence of a sample or sample holder, for example: contactless sensors, such as, optical sensors (e.g. photodiodes, photoresistors, or phototransistors), capacitive proximity sensors, thermal sensors (e.g. thermocouple or thermistor), acoustic sensors (e.g. ultrasonic sensors); and contact sensors, such as, resistive sensors, capacitive touch sensors, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, or electromechanical switches (e.g. membrane switch). Optionally, each sensor  404  is electrically coupled to a separate or shared conditioning unit  406 . The conditioning unit  406  functions to place the output of the sample sensor  158 B in a desired form prior to directing the output to the processor  114  of apparatus  100  or the communications unit  212  or processor  214  of apparatus  200 . For example, the conditioning unit  406  may amplify, demodulate, offset, filter undesirable frequencies, convert from analog to digital, or compare the output to a predefined threshold. Furthermore, if an error is observed with respect to the sample interfacing the receptor, the conditioning unit  406  may trigger a warning signal, light, alarm and the like in order to notify the user of the problem. 
     The receptor  104 B may be configured to receive in vivo samples, or in vitro sample holders containing samples, or both. 
     Referring to,  FIGS. 4C to 4F , the receptor  104 B is shown having an in vivo sample  170 A presented to the receptor  104 B in the form of a human finger ( FIGS. 4C and 4D ) and an in vitro sample holder  170 B presented to the receptor  104 B ( FIGS. 4E and 4F ) in the form described above with reference to  FIG. 7C .  FIGS. 4C and 4E  show improper presentations of the samples  170 A and sample holders  170 B to the receptor  104 B, resulting in failure of the in vivo sample  170 A or the in vitro sample holder  170 B to be detected by all of the sensors  404  about the receptor inlet  150 B, indicating that the in vivo sample  170 A or the in vitro sample holder  170 D has not completely covered the entrance to the inlet  150 B. By contrast,  FIGS. 4D and 4F  show proper presentations of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holders  170 B to the receptor  104 B resulting in the detection of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holders  170 B by all of the sensors  404  about the receptor inlet  150 B, indicating that the in vivo sample  170 A or the in vitro sample holder  170 D has completely covered the entrance to the inlet  150 B. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A to 5D , a further example of the receptor  104  is provided. In this example, receptor  104 C is configured to directly detect the amount of ambient light in the receptor inlet through one or more optical sensors placed inside of the receptor  104 C. The receptor  104 C generally comprises a receptor inlet  150 C and a sample sensor, similar in function to receptor inlet  150  and sample sensor  158  described above. The receptor inlet  150 C comprises an aperture configured to accept an in vivo sample or an in vitro sample holder inserted inside of the aperture. The sample sensor may comprise one or more optical sensors  504  located inside of the receptor inlet  150 C. For example, the sensors  504  may be placed at the bottom of the receptor inlet  150 C, around the perimeter of the inner surface of the receptor inlet  150 C, adjacent to the EMR outlets of the receptor  104 C, in close proximity to the outer surface of the receptor  104 C, and other locations inside of the receptor inlet  150 C. 
     The sensors  504  may have the same features and optionally be electrically coupled to one or more conditioning units in the same manner as described above for sensors  304  of receptor  104 A. The receptor  104 A may be configured to receive in vivo samples, in vitro sample holders containing samples, or both. Referring to  FIGS. 5A to 5D , the receptor  104 C is shown having an in vivo sample  170 A presented to the receptor  104 C in the form of a human finger ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an in vitro sample  170 C presented to the receptor  104 C ( FIGS. 5C and 5D ) in the form further described below with reference to  FIG. 7A .  FIGS. 5A and 5C  show improper presentations of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holder  170 C to the receptor  104 C, resulting in failure of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holder  170 C to be properly detected by one or more of the sensors  504  about the receptor inlet  150 C, indicating that the in vivo sample  170 A or the in vitro sample holder  170 C has not completely covered the entrance to the inlet  150 C, or that the in vivo sample or the in vitro sample holder is not in proper alignment within the receptor. By contrast,  FIGS. 5B and 5D  show proper presentations of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holder  170 C to the receptor  104 C resulting in the detection of the in vivo sample  170 A and the in vitro sample holder  170 C by one or more of the sensors  504  about the receptor inlet  150 C, indicating that the in vivo sample  170 A or the in vitro sample holder  170 C has completely covered the entrance to the inlet  150 C. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7A , an in vitro sample holder  170 C is shown. Other non limiting examples of sample holders that may configured and used with the receptor/apparatus of the present invention are described in U.S. 61/370,687 (filed Aug. 4, 2010), CA 2,460,898, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,781, WO 00/70350 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference). 
     In this example, sample holder  170 C generally comprises a body  702 , a gripping portion  703  for ease of handling, one or more sample wells  704 , a sample input port  705 , conduits  706 , and, optionally, one or more overflows/vents  707 . These components are identical in function to body  772 , gripping portion  773 , sample wells  774 , sample input port  775 , conduits  776 , and overflows/vents  777 , respectively, as described above with respect to in vitro sample holder  170 B. In addition, sample holder  170 C further comprises a flange  709  extending from the body  702 . The flange  709  provides a surface that is configured to interface with the outside surface of the receptor  104 C to prevent ambient light from entering the receptor inlet  150 C. The flange  709  maybe comprised of one or more materials that will not pass ambient light. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A to 6E , an alternate example of the receptor  104  is shown as item  104 D. The receptor  104 D is configured to detect whether a sample or sample holder is in a location and/or orientation that is known to minimize the amount ambient light entering the receptor inlet. The receptor  104 D generally comprises a receptor inlet  150 D and a sample sensor, similar in function to receptor inlet  150  and sample sensor  158  described above. The receptor inlet  150 D comprises an aperture configured to accept a sample or sample holder inserted inside of the aperture. The sample sensor may comprise one or more sensors  604  located outside of or inside of the receptor inlet  150 D configured to detect the presence of a sample or sample holder. The sensors  604  may have the same features and optionally be electrically coupled to one or more conditioning units in the same manner as described above for sensors  404  of receptor  104 B. The receptor  104 D may be configured to receive in vivo samples, in vitro sample holders containing samples, or both. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , the receptor  104 D is shown having an in vivo sample  170 A presented to the receptor  104 D in the form of for example, a human finger. The sensor  604  detects whether the in vivo sample  170 A is inserted into the inlet  150 D in a manner that causes the in vivo sample  170 A to form a seal with the inlet  150 D, by directly detecting the seal through the placement of sensors  604  around the perimeter of the inner surface of the inlet  150 D near the entrance of the inlet  150 D where the seal is expected to be made. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6B , the receptor  104 D is shown having an in vivo sample  170 A presented to the receptor  104 D in the form of for example, a human finger. The sensor  604  detects whether the in vivo sample  170 A is inserted into the inlet  150 D in a manner that causes the sample  170 A to form a seal with the inlet  150 D, by indirectly detecting the seal through the placement of sensors  604  at the bottom of the inlet  150 D where the tip of the in vivo sample  170 A is expected to contact when a seal has been made by the sample  170 A near the entrance of the inlet  150 D. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6C , the receptor  104 D is shown having an in vitro sample holder  170 C presented to the receptor  104 D in the form describe above with reference to  FIG. 7A . The sensor  604  detects whether the in vitro sample holder  170 C is inserted into the inlet  150 D in a manner that causes the flange  709  of the in vitro sample holder  170 C to completely cover the entrance of inlet  150 D, through the placement of sensors  604  located outside of and directly adjacent to the entrance of the receptor inlet  150 D. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6D , the receptor  104 D is shown having an in vitro sample holder  170 C presented to the receptor  104 D in the form describe above with reference to  FIG. 7A . The sensor  604  detects whether the in vitro sample holder  170 C is inserted into the inlet  150 D in a manner that causes the flange  709  of the in vitro sample holder  170 C to completely cover the entrance of inlet  150 D, through the placement of sensors  604  at the bottom of the inlet  150 D where the tip of the in vitro sample holder  170 C is expected to contact when the flange  709  of the in vitro sample holder has completely covered the entrance of the inlet  150 D. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6E , the receptor  104 D is shown having an in vitro sample holder  170 D presented to the receptor  104 D. Referring to  FIG. 7B , in vitro sample holder  170 D generally comprises a body  752 , a gripping portion  753  for ease of handling, one or more sample wells  754 , a sample input port  755 , conduits  756 , a flange  759 , and, optionally, one or more overflows/vents  757 . These components are identical in function to body  702 , gripping portion  703 , sample wells  704 , sample input port  705 , conduits  706 , flange  709  and overflows/vents  707 , respectively, as described above with respect to in vitro sample holder  170 C. In addition, sample holder  170 D further comprises a plug  758  extending from the body  752  and the flange  759 . The plug  758  is shaped and sized to form a seal around the perimeter of the inner surface of the inlet  150 D near the entrance of the inlet  150 D when inserted into the inlet  150 D. The plug  758  may be comprised of one or more materials that will not pass ambient light. 
     Sensor  604  ( FIG. 6E ) detects whether the in vitro sample holder  170 D is inserted into the inlet  150 D in a manner that causes the plug  758  of the in vitro sample holder  170 D to form a seal with the inner surface of the inlet  150 D, by directly detecting the seal through the placement of sensors  604  around the perimeter of the inner surface of the inlet  150 D near the entrance of the inlet  150 D where the seal is expected to be made. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A to 8D , another example of the receptor  104  ( 104 E) is shown. The receptor  104 E generally comprises a receptor inlet  150 E and a sample sensor, identical in function to receptor inlet  150  and sample sensor  158  described above. The receptor inlet  150 E comprises an aperture configured to accept a sample holder inserted inside of the aperture. In addition, the receptor  104 E comprises covers  810 A,  810 B made of a material that does not pass ambient light. The covers  810 A,  810 B may be placed in an open state, permitting a sample holder to be inserted into the inlet  150 E, and a closed state, containing the sample holder inside of the inlet  150 E and preventing ambient light from entering the inlet  150 E. The receptor  104 E may also comprise a sample holder retainer  814  for retaining the sample holder in place when inserted into the inlet  150 E. The retainer  814  may comprise one or more flexible or retractable members, or guides that function to retain the sample holder in place. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the sample sensor comprises one or more optical sensors  804 A located inside of the inlet  150 E and configured to directly detect the amount of ambient light in the receptor inlet  150 E. The sensors  804 A may have the same features and optionally be electrically coupled to one or more conditioning units in the same manner as described above for sensors  304  of receptor  104 A. In  FIG. 8A , the cover  810 A may be received in or extended out of an internal pocket  808  to reveal or cover the inlet  150 E. In  FIG. 8B , the cover  810 B may be moved away from or over the entrance of the inlet  150 E to reveal or cover the inlet  150 E. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8C and 8D , the sample sensor comprises one or more sensors  804 A configured to detect the whether the covers  810 A,  810 B are in an open or closed state. The sensors  804 A may have the same features and optionally be electrically coupled to one or more conditioning units in the same manner as described above for sensors  404  of receptor  104 B. The cover  810 A and  810 B operate in the same manner described above with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A to 9D , an example of receptor  104  is shown as item  104 F. The receptor  104 F generally comprises a sample sensor, a first receptor inlet  902 , and a second receptor inlet  904 . The first receptor inlet  902  is an aperture configured to accept an in vivo sample over the aperture. The second receptor inlet  904  is located within the first receptor inlet  902  and comprises an aperture configured to accept an in vitro sample holder inserted inside of the aperture. The sample sensors may comprise one or more of the sensors described in respect any of the foregoing embodiments of the receptor.  FIG. 9C  shows an exemplary presentation of sample  170 A to the receptor  104 F, while  FIG. 9D  shows an exemplary presentation of sample  170 B to the receptor  104 F. 
     An alternate device for analyzing multiple samples at a time is described in PCT/CA2011/050475 (“Method and Apparatus for Analyte Detection”; incorporated herein by reference) and shown in  FIG. 11 . In this example, the device  300  comprises a multiport sample holder  170 G inserted in the receptor  304 , in addition to the other components described for device  100  and device  200 . The multiport sample holder  170 G comprises a plurality of sample wells  350  that are separately loaded such that each sample well may comprise different samples, such as, but not limited to, a bacterial sample, a body fluid, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine or saliva. In this example, the source of EMR  302 , the receptor  304  and the detector  306  are in an operative optical association, so that a path of EMR from the source of the EMR  302  through the receptor  304  to the detector  306  may be established. The path of the EMR through the housing is guided from the EMR source to the receptor by an optic input  315 , and from the receptor to the detector by an optic output  325 . Entrance of the incident EMR beam  316  to the receptor  304  is facilitated by input port  317   a ; similarly, exit of the reflected and/or refracted EMR beam is facilitated by output port  317   g . When a multiport sample holder  170 G is placed within the receptor, a plurality of wells  350  in the multiport sample holder  170 G are in line with corresponding optic input  315 —optic output  325  pairs. The different sample wells  350  in the multiport sample holder  170 G may comprise the same or different types of samples, such as, but not limited to, a bacterial sample, a body fluid, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine or saliva, and the same or different EMR wavelengths, or a spectrum of wavelengths, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,777; U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,015; U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,282; or WO 2007/028231 (which are incorporated herein by reference) may be selected and passed through these samples in the sample wells  350 . For example which is not to be considered limiting in any manner, for an athletic application, there may be a need to detect and quantify morphine in saliva, one or more steroids in urine, and hemoglobin in blood, or to verify a morphine measurement in a urine sample that, was or is, also determined from a saliva sample. The resultant wavelengths of EMR that either pass through, reflect off, or both pass through and reflect off, of the sample, may then be detected and analyzed to determine the identity or concentration of analytes of interest in the different samples. 
     The device may optionally include flexible light shields  340  at the entrance of the receptor, to minimize interference of scattered or stray light, and/or prevent ambient light from interfering with the EMR transmission in the receptor and through the multiport sample holder  170 G. 
     Analyte Detection Method 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in operation, apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  perform method  1000  to detect one or more analytes in one or more samples. In step  1002 , a user presents an in vivo sample, for example a finger or other body part, or an in vitro sample holder containing a sample, to the receptor  104 ,  204 ,  304  of the apparatus  100 ,  200 ,  300  and requests the detection of analytes in the one or more samples either through the user interface  108 ,  208 ,  256 , or automatically after the sample holder is properly registered with the receptor. 
     The method  1000  proceeds to step  1004  where the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254  communicates with the receptor  104 ,  204 ,  304  to determine whether the sample or sample holder has been presented in a predefined manner that ensures that the sample is properly registered with the receptor as described above. The sample sensor  158  detects if the sample or sample holder has been presented to the receptor inlet  150  in a predefined manner, the result of which is communicated to the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254 . If the sample or sample holder has been presented in a predefined manner, the method  1000  proceeds to step  1008 , otherwise, the method  1000  proceeds to step  1006  and informs the user through the user interface  108 ,  208 ,  256  or by an alarm, light, or other notification method, that the sample or sample holder has not been presented in a predefined manner. 
     In step  1008 , the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254  instructs the EMR source  102 ,  202 ,  302  to emit EMR. The EMR source  102 ,  202 ,  302  emits EMR which is delivered to the one or more samples through the EMR inlets  154 ,  315  of the receptor  104 . The method  1000  then proceeds to step  1010  where the scattered, transmitted, or reflected EMR from the one or more samples is directed through the EMR outlets  156 ,  325  of the receptor  104 ,  304  and to the detector  106 ,  306 . 
     The detector  106 ,  306  detects desired wavelengths and intensities in the scattered EMR and communicates this information to the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254 . 
     The method  1000  then proceeds to step  1012  where the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254  analyses the information received from the detector  106 ,  306  to detect if one or more desired analytes are present in the one or more samples in the manner described above. The method  1000  then proceeds to step  1014  where the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254  communicates the analytes detected in the one or more samples to the user through the user interface  108 ,  208 ,  256 . The method  1000  then, optionally, proceeds to step  1016  where the processor  114 ,  214 ,  254  communicates the analytes detected in the one or more samples to one or more remote systems through the communications unit  112 ,  252 . 
     Therefore, the present invention provides an apparatus for determining one or more analytes in one or more samples, the apparatus may comprise a device that is in operative communication with a cell phone, a mobile, or other computing device. The device may comprise a receptor for receiving a sample or sample holder, in optical communication with a source of EMR, and a spectrometer, or a detector in operative communication with a processor or micro computer. The cell phone or other computing device may comprise application software for analyte monitoring, along with an appropriate user interface. The device may comprise blue tooth or other means for wireless connection, and/or a USB, Firewire or Ethernet connection for hard wire connectivity or memory-stick data transfer, to the cell phone or other computing device. The device may be physically independent from the cell phone or other computing device, or the device may be integrated within the cell phone or other computing device. The receptor may comprise a glide path or channel, molded into the device, for guiding the finger, thumb, or sample holder into proper orientation with the receptor. The receptor may comprise a warning system to notify the user whether the finger, body part, or sample holder has not properly covered over the aperture of the receptor. Data determined using the device in combination with the cell phone or other computing device regarding the one or more analytes detected within the sample may be downloaded via the interne to a computing device. The device may be configured to monitor multiple analytes within a sample using one or more spectrometers, one or more fiber optics connectors in optical communication with each of the one or more spectrophotometers, to provide light from an EMR or light source to either one or more port(s) within the receptor. If the sample is an in vivo sample, then the pulse may also be determined if desired. Furthermore, sample measurements may take place using either transmission, reflectance, or transmission and reflectance to detect a specific analyte in a sample. Obtaining both transmission and reflectance data may be obtained using two or more spectrometers each operatively communicating with output path  156  to enable a simultaneous absorption and reflectance measurement, or a single spectrometer may be used in operative communication with two or more fibre bundles each receiving either transmitted or reflected EMR after interaction with the sample. In this example, the receptor (finger interface) is configured to enable absorption and reflectance EMR to be obtained from a sample, as consecutive measurements. This combination of information provides increased accuracy of an analyte to determine for example the impact of interstitial fluid on a blood glucose prediction. 
     In addition, if the one or more samples are in an in vitro sample holder, electrode sensors may be used for additional blood gas or ion analysis of the one or more samples, including, but not limited to, pH, pCO 2 , pO 2  and salts, for example Na + , K + . Such electrodes are well known in the art. A non-limiting example of electrode sensors is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,853 to Morris et al. (which is herein incorporated by reference). The electrode sensors may be a part of the device  100 ,  200 ,  300  or the computing device  113  or may be in operative communication with the device or computing device. The electrode sensors may therefore comprise any wired or wireless communication device known in the art, such as, for example but not limited to, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and infrared for communication with the device  100 ,  200 ,  300  or the computing device  113 . 
     As a complement to the data obtained as described using the device of the present invention, on select analytes within the one or more samples, the devices, systems and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,767; US 2008/0319293; US 2010/0065751; US 2010/0069731; US 2010/0072386; U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,048; U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,649; and US 2004/0193031 (all of which are herein incorporated by reference) may also be used. These systems are outlined below, and may be used in combination with the device described herein to further evaluate and measure one or more analytes in a sample well and this data may be used to confirm the results obtained using EMR. 
     For example, US 2008/0319293 and related publications (e.g. US 2010/0072386, US 2010/0065751; and US 2010/0069731; collectively referred to as “Looney et al.”) describe non-invasive systems and methods for scanning and analyzing characteristics of a sample using a large spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted through a sample to a receiver to create a series of spectral data sets, which are subsequently developed into a composite spectrogram to determine characteristics of the sample. Looney et al. further describe the use of a magnetic field around the transmitter, receiver and sample to enhance certain characteristic analysis applications and to make other characteristic analysis applications possible. Such systems and methods can be used to verify the data obtained on select analytes using the devices of the present invention and for improved accuracy of the data obtained. The system described by Looney et. al. may be included within the device of the present invention so that the one or more analytes within the sample are characterized using one or more detection methods. 
     Alternatively, the sample holder may be measured using the devices described herein, and then inserted within a receptor of a second apparatus for further analysis, for example as described by Looney et. al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,048 to Fuller and its related US applications (e.g. US 2004/0193031 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,649; which are incorporated herein by reference; collectively referred to as “Fuller”) may also be used to verify the data obtained on select analytes using the devices of the present invention. Fuller discloses a novel amplifier that uses the orientation and alignment of high guass permanent magnets to create a single magnetic field, within which an Rf signal is transmitted from a transmission node, through a sample and to a receiver node in order to detect and quantitate analytes, such as glucose, cholesterol, proteins such as hemoglobin or hormones, and viruses in a sample. The apparatus of Fuller may be particularly useful for example, to verify the detection and quantification of glucose in a blood sample. The system described by Fuller et. al. may be included within the device of the present invention so that the one or more analytes within the sample are characterized using one or more detection methods. Alternatively, the sample holder may be measured using the devices described herein, and then inserted within a receptor of a second apparatus for further analysis, for example as described by Fuller et. al. 
     The device and method described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,767 to Caduff et al. may also be used to complement the data obtained on select analytes using the apparatuses of the present invention. Caduff et al. disclose a method for measuring the concentration of substances in a specimen, for example, the measurement of glucose in a human body, wherein a modulated electrical voltage signal is applied to an electrically insulated electrode that is positioned at the specimen to generate a modulated field in the specimen. Certain parameters reflective of the response of the specimen/human body to the field is measured in order to determine the concentration of certain substances, such as glucose in the specimen. The system described by Caduff et. al. may also be included within the device of the present invention so that the one or more analytes within the sample are characterized using one or more detection methods. Alternatively, the sample holder may be measured using the devices described herein, and then inserted within a receptor of a second apparatus for further analysis, for example as described by Caduff et. al. 
     All citations are herein incorporated by reference, as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein and as though it were fully set forth herein. Citation of references herein is not to be construed nor considered as an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention. 
     One or more currently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example. The invention includes all embodiments, modifications and variations substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the examples and figures. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Examples of such modifications include the substitution of known equivalents for any aspect of the invention in order to achieve the same result in substantially the same way.