Patent ID: 7384396

Claim:
A system for continuously monitoring a characteristic of a biological fluid extracted from an organism, comprising: a tissue interface device suitable for positioning on or about a surface of a biological membrane of the organism, the tissue interface device comprising a sensor positioned in a flow path of the fluid for continuously sensing a characteristic of the biological fluid as it flows out from one or more artificial openings formed in the tissue and in the flow path; and a monitor and control unit coupled to the tissue interface device that reads the sensor to derive a measurement of a characteristic of the biological fluid on a continuous basis and wherein said tissue interface device is capable of detecting a shift in pH, so that potential contamination of the biological fluid can be detected, and further comprising a connector that connects the monitor and control unit to the tissue interface device, wherein the connector includes a tube extending the length thereof, wherein the monitor and control unit comprises a suction source that is coupled to the tube and provides suction to the tissue interface device so as to draw biological fluid from the one or more artificial openings and through the fluid collection and sensor device and wherein said tissue interface device further includes means for rinsing the sensor of biological fluid so that it may accurately assay fresh biological fluid.