Systems and methods for determining physiological parameters using measured analyte values

Abstract

Systems and methods for determining a physiological parameter in a patient are provided. In certain embodiments, a system can include an analyte detection system configured to measure first analyte data in a fluid sample received from a patient, a medical sensor configured to measure second analyte data in the patient, and a processor configured to receive the first analyte data and the second analyte data and to determine a physiological parameter based at least in part on the first analyte data and the second analyte data. In certain such embodiments, the medical sensor may be a pulse oximeter, and the physiological parameter may include a cardiovascular parameter including, for example, cardiac output.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for analyzing bodily fluid, the apparatus comprising:
 an analyzer configured to measure an analyte in a sample of body fluid obtained from a patient, the analyzer including a source of near infrared radiation; and   a fluid handling system, the fluid handling system comprising:
 a fluid passageway adapted to be connected to the patient; 
 at least one pump configured to withdraw body fluid from the patient; and 
 at least one fluid control element configured to isolate a sample portion of body fluid from the withdrawn body fluid and direct the sample portion to a sample analysis chamber, 
   wherein the apparatus is configured to measure a first physiological parameter of the body fluid by irradiating the sample held in the sample analysis chamber with mid infrared radiation, and   wherein the apparatus is configured to measure a second physiological parameter of the body fluid by irradiating the body fluid in a portion of the fluid passageway that is between the patient connection and the sample analysis chamber with near infrared radiation.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the source of near infrared radiation is configured to emit radiation in a wavelength range between about 750 nm and about 3 μm. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sample of body fluid includes whole blood or plasma. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fluid control element includes a valve. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one physiological parameter includes oxygen saturation. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid handling system is configured to return a portion of the withdrawn body fluid that is not directed toward the sample analysis chamber to the patient.