Urea biosensor for hemodialysis monitoring

Patent · 12 January 1999

OSTI ID:321271

Glass, R S

This research discloses an electrochemical sensor capable of detecting and quantifying urea in fluids resulting from hemodialysis procedures. The sensor is based upon measurement of the pH change produced in an aqueous environment by the products of the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea. The sensor may be fabricated using methods amenable to mass fabrication, resulting in low-cost sensors and thus providing the potential for disposable use. In a typical application, the sensor could be used in treatment centers, in conjunction with an appropriate electronics/computer system, in order to determine the hemodialysis endpoint. The sensor can also be utilized to allow at-home testing to determine if dialysis was necessary. Such a home monitor is similar, in principle, to devices used for blood glucose testing by diabetics, and would require a blood droplet sample by using a finger prick. 9 figs.

• Research Organization: University of California
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,858,186/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-777,682
• OSTI ID: 321271
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
DESIGN
DIALYSIS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
KIDNEYS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
UREA
UROGENITAL SYSTEM DISEASES