Sweat simulation, collection and sensing systems

Abstract

Biological chemicals, potentially found in blood are measured by collecting sweat and determining the concentration or meaning of the selected chemical in sweat. The sweat can be collected using a time based, interval collector and analyzed using an external device. It can also be collected on a one time basis, using a flexible, chemical capacitor, or on a continuous basis using a chemical, field effect transducer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of measuring biomolecules in sweat comprising positioning a sweat collection pad on the skin of an individual, whereby sweat from said individual is collected by said collection pad;
 directing said sweat through said collection pad along a transport portion adjacent to a biological chemical sensor, measuring biomolecules in said sweat with said electrical sensor;   directing said sweat from said collection pad through removal portion away from said electrical sensor and away from said collection pad, whereby additional sweat is collected by said collection pad and said additional sweat is analyzed for said biomarkers by said electrical sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The method claimed in  claim 1  further comprising inducing sweating by contacting said skin with a cholinergic agent. 
     
     
         3 . The method claimed in  claim 1  further comprising collecting data generated by said method using an external device. 
     
     
         4 . The method claimed in  claim 1 , a plurality of biomolecules is detected. 
     
     
         5 . The method claimed in  claim 1  where solutes in sweat are transported across said biological chemical sensor by fluid flow and not in the opposite direction by diffusion.