System and method for the analysis of bodily fluids

Abstract

A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

1 .- 196 . (canceled) 
     
     
         197 . A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising:
 passing a fluid over a sensor array, the sensor array comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member;   monitoring a spectroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor array, wherein the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle.   
     
     
         198 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in absorbance of the particle, a change in fluorescence of the particle, or a change in phosphorescence of the particle. 
     
     
         199 . (canceled) 
     
     
         200 . (canceled) 
     
     
         201 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the analyte is one or more of:
 a proton atom, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced when the pH of the fluid is varied, and wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change of the particle allows the pH of the fluid to be determined,   a metal cation, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metal cation in the fluid,   an anion, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the anion in the fluid,   a DNA molecule, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the DNA molecule in the fluid,   a protein, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the protein in the fluid,   a metabolite, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metabolite in the fluid,   a sugar, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the sugar in the fluid, or   a bacteria, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the bacteria in the fluid.   
     
     
         202 .- 208 . (canceled) 
     
     
         209 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and further comprising exposing the particle to an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array. 
     
     
         210 .- 212 . (canceled) 
     
     
         213 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the analyte is bacteria and further comprising breaking down the bacteria prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array. 
     
     
         214 . (canceled) 
     
     
         215 . The method of  claim 197 , further comprising measuring the intensity of the spectroscopic change, and further comprising calculating the concentration of the analyte based on the intensity of the spectroscopic change. 
     
     
         216 .- 218 . (canceled) 
     
     
         219 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change comprises:
 directing a red light source at the particle;   detecting the absorbance of red light by the particle;   directing a green light source at the particle;   detecting the absorbance of green light by the particle;   directing a blue light source at the particle; and   detecting the absorbance of blue light by the particle.   
     
     
         220 . (canceled) 
     
     
         221 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the fluid is blood. 
     
     
         222 . (canceled) 
     
     
         223 . The method of  claim 197 , further comprising passing the fluid through a reagent reservoir prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array. 
     
     
         224 . (canceled) 
     
     
         225 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal. 
     
     
         226 .- 459 . (canceled)