| abstract |
A fluid collection and sensor device for placement over at least one artificial opening made in a biological membrane for measuring a characteristic of a biological fluid collected from the tissue through the at least one artificial opening. The device comprises a sensor (110) positioned in a flow path (105) of the biological fluid for contacting a quantity of the biological fluid and generating an indication of a characteristic of the biological fluid. According to one aspect of the invention, a waste fluid storage element (120), such as a reservoir, is positioned in the device (100) to collect the biological fluid after it has made contact with the sensor (110). According to another aspect of the invention, various surfaces of the fluid flow path (105) of the fluid collection and sensor device (100) are treated with an agent to limit or minimize clotting, aggregation or sepsis of the biological fluid, blockage or clogging of the flow path (105) or degradation of the sensor (110). According to still another aspect of the invention, various configurations of a fluid sensor and collection device (100) are provided that are designed to ensure that measurements are made on independent fluid samples. |