NIR monitor, unaffected by skin color or body fat, measures biochemistry, metabolism

MAY 4, 2009--Researchers who have developed a noninvasive system for measuring tissue oxygen and pH with light say their invention will soon provide an alternative to needles for drawing blood and cumbersome equipment for determining metabolic rate. The near infrared (NIR) device has application to patients with traumatic injuries and those at risk for cardiovascular collapse--as well as for tracking astronauts' vital signs. Its operation is not impacted by skin color or body fat.