Sensor for non-invasive, in vivo determination of an analyte and blood flow

Claim 1

A sensor for non-invasive in-vivo determination of both an analyte concentration and blood flow, the sensor comprising: I. a sensor body comprising: a) analyte sensing means comprising an analyte sensor surface for application to a human body in heat-conductive relation therewith for determination of the analyte concentration, the analyte sensor surface having an outer periphery; and b) a first thermostating system for establishing and maintaining the sensor body and analyte sensor surface at a first temperature; II. blood flow sensing means comprising a blood flow sensor surface located adjacent to the analyte sensor surface and adapted for heat-conductive application to the human body simultaneously with the analyte sensor surface, the blood flow sensor located within the outer periphery of the analyte sensor surface; and III. a second thermostating system located within the sensor body in heat-insulated relation therewith and in heat conductive relation with the blood flow sensor surface, the second thermostating system adapted to heat the blood flow sensor surface to a second temperature different from the first temperature for a period of time sufficient to enable determination of the blood flow at the second temperature while not significantly changing the temperature of the analtye sensor surface from the first temperature.