Body fluid collection and analysis

Abstract

The invention relates to attachable body fluid collection devices, each comprising at least one storage structure for, when in use, storing a body fluid sample secreted by a body fluid secreting surface. The or at least one of the storage structure comprises silicon. Particular emphasis is placed on sweat patches and techniques for analyzing sweat.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . A body fluid collection device comprising at least one porous silicon storage means for, when in use, storing a body fluid sample, the porous silicon comprising derivatized porous silicon having a structure and composition such that, when in use, it binds to at least one component in the body fluid.  
     
     
         18 . A body fluid collection device according  claim 17 , wherein the body fluid collection device comprises a first derivatized porous silicon storage means, and a second derivatized porous silicon storage means, the first storage means, when in use, binding to a first body fluid component, and the second storage means, when in use, binding to a second body fluid component.  
     
     
         19 . A body fluid collection device according to  claim 17 , wherein the device further comprises a filtration means comprising porous silicon, the filtration means and storage means being arranged such that each is in fluid communication with the other.  
     
     
         20 . A body fluid collection device according to  claim 17 , wherein the filtration means may comprise a porous silicon membrane.  
     
     
         21 . A body fluid collection device according to  claim 17 , wherein the storage means and filtration means are at least partly formed from a unitary sample of silicon.  
     
     
         22 . A diagnostic system comprising a body fluid collection device according to  claim 17 , and an analysis means for analysing the porous silicon storage means.  
     
     
         23 . A diagnostic system according to  claim 22  wherein in that the analysis means comprises a means for analysing photoluminescence of the porous silicon.  
     
     
         24 . A method of collecting a body fluid sample from an animal or human comprising the steps: 
 (i) allowing or causing the animal or human to produce a body fluid sample;    (ii) collecting the body fluid sample on or in a sample of porous silicon;    the porous silicon comprising derivatized porous silicon having a structure and composition such that it binds to at least one component of the body fluid.    
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein the method further comprises the step (iii) of analyzing the body fluid sample that has been collected on or in at least part of the sample of porous silicon.  
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 25  wherein the step (iii) of analyzing the body fluid sample comprises the step of analysing a body fluid sample, that has been collected on or in at least part of the sample of porous silicon, by one or more of the following techniques: MALDI, SIMS, measurement of photoluminescence efficiency, measurement of photoluminescence spectra, reflectivity spectroscopy, absorbance spectroscopy, and measurement of photoluminescence decay time.  
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 25  wherein the step (iii) comprises the step of measuring the electrical impedance of at least part of the silicon from which the or at least one of the storage means is formed.