US Patent 7326576 Raman spectroscopic monitoring of hemodialysis

Spectroscopic systems and methods are disclosed for determining levels of at least one analyte in blood undergoing hemodialysis. In one aspect, the invention employs Raman spectroscopy to monitor and/or control hemodialysis. In one embodiment, the system uses a laser light directed to circulating blood from a patient undergoing dialysis to make Raman spectral measurements. For example, the laser light can be directed into a segment of the dialysis tubing. The system can utilize unique Raman spectroscopic signature of one or more analytes, e.g., urea, to identify and quantify such analytes against a whole blood background. Based on the spectral response, the concentration of the analytes can be monitored and/or used to control hemodialysis.