Patent ID: 8728025

Claim:
An in-line multi-parametric intravenous fluid monitoring apparatus comprising an electrical sensor for determining the identity and concentration of components of an intravenous fluid, the apparatus comprising: a housing adapted for fluidic interface with a fluid line assembly of a system for intravenous delivery of fluid into a patient, the housing comprising a cavity in fluid communication with the fluid; a first sensor element comprising a pair of electrodes having a first sensing surface that is configured to interact with the intravenous fluid and to detect a complex admittance or impedance of the intravenous fluid in contact with the first sensing surface; a second sensor element comprising a second sensing surface that is configured to interact with the intravenous fluid and to detect a complex admittance or impedance of the intravenous fluid at the second sensing surface; and a processor configured to receive complex admittance or impedance data from the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface, wherein the first sensing surface provides independent electrical property signals relative to the second sensing surface, further wherein the processor comprises a comparator configured to compare parameters derived from the first and second sensor elements with stored expected parameter values to identify one or more components of the intravenous fluid.