Donald Bodenner¹

The rapid, noninvasive measurement of organic analytes (substances) in blood or tissue would be tremendously useful in the treatment of battlefield injuries. Monitoring of hemoglobin, renal function, and liver metabolites would allow early detection of circulatory compromise and other conditions. Peacetime applications would include screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of diseases such as diabetes, liver dysfunction, renal disease, and abnormalities of lipid metabolism. Military training exercises could be enhanced by in-field monitoring of lactate and other biological markers of extreme physical exertion. A noninvasive instrument for accomplishing these tasks must meet several criteria. It should be accurate and precise over a clinically useful range of values for a particular analyte. The instrument should be small enough to be transported easily and able to operate for long periods of time without recharging the power