ANALYTES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for spectroscopic detection of one or more analytes. Based on the detected analyte(s), an output indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analyte(s) may be produced. The present invention is particularly applicable, but by no means limited, for use with infants and children. The analytes may be intracellular analytes. By way of example, the analytes may be heavy metals.

Background of the Invention

It is known (e.g. from WO 2015/104158 A1 ) that optical spectroscopic sensors can be used to perform non-invasive ex vivo detection and measurement of analytes in human tissue. The level of such analytes, may enable medical problems such as diseases to be identified.

Such devices are typically handheld and designed to take spectroscopic measurements from the user’s hand. This renders them unsuitable or difficult for use with infants and children - either because the infant is incapable of holding the device in the required manner, and/or because their hand is too small to provide accurate results.

Even for older children and adults, such handheld devices can be awkward to use, and may not be well-suited for use in certain situations where they may be at risk of being misplaced or removed without permission.

There is therefore a desire for a device that is able to perform spectroscopic detection of analytes, that is straightforward to use and suitable for use with people of all ages, including infants and children, in a wide range of situations. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for spectroscopic detection of one or more analytes, the apparatus comprising a platform on which a subject may stand or otherwise place at least one foot, the platform comprising at least one spectroscopic (e.g. spectrophotometric) sensor arranged to scan at least part of the foot and thereby generate a measurement signal indicative of the presence, absence or concentration of one or more analytes in the foot. In a preferred embodiment, the spectroscopic sensor is an optical spectroscopic sensor. Optical spectroscopic sensors typically detect the presence, absence or concentration of analyte(s) based upon the intensity or other characteristics of reflected light. In another embodiment, the spectroscopic sensor is a Raman spectrometer.

The term“foot” as used herein should be interpreted broadly, to encompass the ankle region as well as the foot itself.

By virtue of the at least one spectroscopic sensor being provided in the platform on which the subject may stand (or otherwise place at least one foot), the apparatus is usable by human infants or children, as they are not required to hold the apparatus. Moreover, by virtue of the at least one spectroscopic sensor scanning at least part of the foot (as opposed to a hand), the spectroscopic sensor is provided with sufficient depth of tissue to obtain good results, even with infants or children. In particular, with infants or children, the heel provides sufficient depth of tissue for this purpose. The apparatus is also readily usable by adults, including those for whom the manual handling of objects may be difficult.

Advantageously, the apparatus may further comprise means for weighing the subject when standing on the platform. Indeed, in the presently-preferred embodiments, the apparatus is in the form of a weighing scale. In certain embodiments (e.g. for domestic use) the apparatus may be in the form a bathroom scale. In other embodiments (e.g. for use in a retail outlet or medical centre) the platform may be provided in or on a base, and the apparatus may further comprise an upright support attached to the base, and a display mounted on the support, e.g. at roughly chest height to head height, so as to enable the user to easily view the display screen.

In presently-preferred embodiments the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to receive the measurement signal from said at least one spectroscopic sensor, to determine the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes, and to produce an output indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes.

However, in alternative embodiments a processor external from the apparatus may be configured to receive the measurement signal from said at least one spectroscopic sensor, to determine the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes, and to produce an output indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes.

Advantageously, the processor may be configured to receive a signal from the means for weighing the user, indicative of the weight of the user, and to use said weight when determining the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes.

The apparatus may further comprise a display for displaying the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes. Such a display may also be configured to display the weight of the user.

The apparatus may further comprise a transmitter (e.g. a wireless transmitter) for transmitting, to a connected device (e.g. a wirelessly-connected smartphone, tablet device or computer) data indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes. Such a wireless transmitter may operate according to the Bluetooth (RTM) short-range standard, for example, or another wireless data communication protocol (e.g. Wi-Fi (RTM), e.g. as part of a wireless local area network or via a wireless peer-to-peer connection). Preferably the platform further comprises one or more guides (e.g. markings) to indicate where the subject should stand or otherwise place at least one foot, to collocate said at least one foot with said at least one spectroscopic sensor. Each guide may for example be the outline of a foot, or an indicator as to where to position the heel.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte or analytes in the foot of a subject, the method comprising the steps of: (a) scanning at least part of the foot using the apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and (b) detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte or analytes.

The method may further comprise generating a report (e.g. a results output) indicating whether analyte or analytes are detected. In one embodiment, the report is a diagnostic report.

The method may further comprise generating a diagnostic report indicating the concentration of detected analyte or analytes. In one embodiment, the report is a diagnostic report.

A diagnostic report may indicate whether the presence, absence, or level of analyte(s) is associated with a healthy subject.

A diagnostic report may indicate whether the presence, absence or level of analyte(s) is abnormal. Abnormal levels of analyte(s) differ from the level of analyte(s) typically observed in a healthy subject.

Where the presence, absence or level of analyte is abnormal, the diagnostic report may indicate associations with disease and/or may propose a treatment (such as administration of a supplement or drug).

In some embodiments the detecting may be quantitative. In other embodiments the detecting may be qualitative. Preferably the subject is human. More particularly, the subject may a child aged 0- 12 years, an adolescent aged 13-18 years, an adult aged 19-59 years, or a senior adult aged 60 years and above. For instance, the subject may be a child aged 0-6 years.

The method may be for use in identifying a deficiency of analyte or analytes within the subject. Upon identification of a deficiency of analyte or analytes within the subject, said analyte or analytes may be administered to the subject (e.g. in the form of a supplement, optionally a dietary supplement).

Suitable administration routes may be readily identified by the skilled person. Administration is typically oral.

Alternatively, or in addition, the method may be for use in identifying an excess of analyte or analytes within the subject. Upon identifying an excess of analyte or analytes, the subject may be treated to reduce the level of said analyte or analytes within the subject.

Alternatively, or in addition, the method may be for use in identifying healthy presence or levels of analyte or analytes within the subject.

Thus, the apparatus may be for use in identifying abnormal presence or levels of analyte or analytes within the subject.

Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may be for use in identifying healthy presence or levels of analyte or analytes within the subject.

Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may be for use in the diagnosis of a disease associated with abnormal presence or levels of analyte or analytes within a subject. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may be for use in the prognosis of a disease associated with abnormal presence or levels of analyte or analytes within a subject.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided use of an apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in the diagnosis of abnormal presence or levels of analyte or analytes within the subject, or in determining healthy presence or levels of analyte or analytes within the subject, or in a method of generating data related to the presence or levels of analyte or analytes within the subject, or as a decision-making device for determining whether a subject should be administered a supplement. For instance, the supplement may be a dietary supplement.

In presently-preferred embodiments of the above methods and use, the scanning and detecting are performed ex vivo.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates the dorsal superficial muscles of the foot;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic plan view of a first embodiment, being a bathroom weighing scale incorporating a spectroscopic (e.g. spectrophotometric) sensor, and having guide markings indicating where the subject’s feet should be placed so as to collocate one foot (especially the heel thereof) with the spectroscopic sensor;

Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the bathroom scale of Figure 2, incorporating two spectroscopic sensors and having guide markings indicating where the subject’s feet should be placed so as to collocate the feet (especially the heels thereof) with the spectroscopic sensors;

Figure 4 illustrates another variant of the bathroom scale of Figure 2, incorporating four spectroscopic sensors (two per foot) and having guide markings indicating where the subject’s feet should be placed so as to collocate the feet with the spectroscopic sensors; Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bathroom scale of Figure 2, illustrating internal components thereof;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a platform that does not function as a weighing scale, illustrating internal components thereof;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a weighing scale device as may be used in a retail outlet or medical centre, the device incorporating one or more spectroscopic sensors and an elevated display screen; Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a weighing scale device, incorporating one or more spectroscopic sensors and a wireless transmitter for transmitting results to a wirelessly-connected device (e.g. a mobile phone); and

Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method by which the present embodiments may generate results.

In the figures, like elements are indicated by like reference numerals throughout.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent the best ways known to the Applicant of putting the invention into practice. Flowever, they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

Overview

By way of initial overview, the present embodiments provide, in a general sense, platforms for spectroscopic detection of one or more analytes in the foot of a subject. More particularly, the subject may be a human, who may stand with bare feet on the platform. In each case, the platform comprises at least one optical spectroscopic sensor arranged to scan at least part of the foot and thereby generate a measurement signal indicative of the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the foot.

For infants or young children the heel may advantageously be scanned by the spectroscopic sensor, as the heel provides sufficient depth of tissue to enable good results to be obtained. This should be contrasted with the hand, which, for infants or young children, may be too thin to provide sufficient depth of tissue for accurate spectroscopic measurements to be made.

The spectroscopic sensor may be any suitable device, for example of the form described in WO 2015/104158 A1 , or some other spectrophotometric device that may be used for the purpose of detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the subject’s body.

A suitable spectroscopic sensor device comprises at least one light source and at least one detector, wherein the detector is capable of detecting light that has been emitted by the light source, modulated by the said analyte(s) if present, and reflected towards the detector, and converting the detected light into a measurement signal indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s). The presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s) (e.g. intracellular analytes) may then be derived.

For example, the analytes may be carotenoid antioxidants, e.g. as discussed in a paper by Darvin et at. entitled“Multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy for in vivo determination of carotenoids in human skin and blood” (Laser Physics Letters, vol. 13, no. 9, 9 August 2016).

Various methodologies of spectroscopy for measuring analytes are possible, and the present disclosure is applicable to any suitable one. Through the use of appropriate algorithms, spectroscopically identified analytes can be assimilated into key groups and combined to give accurate readings of key human wellness indicators, such as intracellular mineral and heavy metal toxicities, carotenoid levels, nutritional and wellness levels, and antioxidative stress measurements, all of which can be increased or decreased in level to improve the wellness of the subject, e.g. through health food supplements.

In the presently-preferred embodiments the apparatus is in the form of a weighing scale (e.g. a bathroom scale) and comprises means (e.g. a strain gauge or load cell) for weighing the subject when standing on the platform. Moreover, in the presently-preferred embodiments the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to receive the measurement signal from said at least one spectroscopic sensor, to determine the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes, to generate results, and to produce an output indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes. The processor may receive a signal from the means for weighing the user, indicative of the weight of the user, and to take said weight into account when determining the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes.

The apparatus may further comprise a display screen or panel for displaying results in respect of the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes, and also the subject’s weight. Alternatively, or in addition, such results may be transmitted to a connected device (e.g. a wirelessly-connected smartphone, tablet device or computer), e.g. by means of a wireless data transmitter.

Anatomical context

The present embodiments are particularly suited to detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the human foot. The human foot has more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments, providing greater tissue depth than the hand. As shown in Figure 1 , a human foot 10 comprises the tibialis anterior 11 , extensor digitorum longus 12, extensor hallucis longus 13, extensor digitorum brevis 14, tendo calcaneus 15, fibularis longus 16, fibularis brevis 17, and fibularis tertius 18.

By measuring analytes through the human foot, as well as potential analytes markers within the calf and shin, a further depth of measurement can be achieved. A key issue with pre-existing technology is the minimum depth of an infant’s hand, such that in many cases it is not possible to make a spectroscopic measurement due to the limited size of the infant’s hand. This problem may be overcome by spectroscopic measurement through the heel, taking advantage of the depth gained in the muscle such as the fibularis brevis 17 or fibularis longus 16. Illustrative embodiments Bathroom scales

Embodiments of the present invention may conveniently take the form of bathroom scales. Such a bathroom scale may be, for example, a smart scale.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, smart scales are digital bathroom scales that can wirelessly connect (e.g. via Bluetooth (RTM), or another short range communications standard) to a mobile device such as the user’s smartphone, or to another device such as a tablet device, a laptop computer or a remote server (e.g. via a domestic Wi-Fi network or some other data communication protocol). Smart scales are operable to measure and transmit various aspects of the user’s vital signs, such as weight and body mass index, body fat percentage, lean muscle, bone mass, water retention, daily calories and visceral fat rating.

In use, the user stands on an elevated platform of the device, and the data is recorded and then transmitted, e.g. to a corresponding software application (“app”) on the user’s mobile device, an email, or an internet based application. The user can then track the development of their weight and health over time.

For example, smart scales that measure body fat do this by sending a low electrical current through one foot and reading the current with a sensor under the other foot. The current passes through fat more slowly and the scale calculates the amount of resistance to come up with a body fat percentage.

The normal use of a smart scale involves the user standing on an elevated weighing platform, that typically has four pads that support the platform on a hard surface (e.g. bathroom floor). In accordance with the present invention, suitable spectroscopic sensors may be mounted, embedded, encased or otherwise incorporated into the weighing platform of such a smart scale device, for the spectroscopic detection of one or more analytes. To this end, Figure 2 illustrates a schematic plan view of a first embodiment, being a bathroom scale 20 (preferably, but not necessarily, a smart scale) incorporating a spectroscopic (e.g. spectrophotometric) sensor for detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the user’s foot. The surface 22 of the scale 20 comprises a display screen 24 and at least one spectroscopic sensor 26. The surface 22 also incorporates guide markings 28 (e.g. in the form of outlines of feet) indicating where the subject’s bare feet should be placed, so as to collocate one foot (especially the heel thereof) with the spectroscopic sensor 26.

As described in greater detail below, spectral data generated by the spectroscopic sensor 26 is used to determine the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the subject’s foot. In the presently-preferred embodiments, the scale 20 further comprises a processor configured to receive, from the spectroscopic sensor 26, a measurement signal indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s). From this measurement signal, the processor can then produce an output indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analyte(s). The results may then be displayed on a display screen or transmitted to a connected device.

For further analysis, the scale 20 may incorporate more than one spectroscopic sensor 26 in the surface 22 - e.g. two or four spectroscopic sensors. By way of example, Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the bathroom scale 20 of Figure 2, incorporating, in the surface 22, two spectroscopic (e.g. spectrophotometric) sensors 26, one per foot, for detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the subject’s feet. As described above, the surface 22 of the scale 30 also incorporates a display screen 24 and guide markings 28 indicating where the subject’s feet should be placed so as to collocate each foot (especially the heel thereof) with the respective spectroscopic sensor 26.

Similarly, Figure 4 illustrates another variant of the bathroom scale 20 of Figure 2. More particularly, the bathroom scale 40 shown in Figure 4 incorporates, in the surface 22, four spectroscopic (e.g. spectrophotometric) sensors 26, two per foot, for detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the subject’s feet. As described above, the surface 22 of the scale 40 also incorporates a display screen 24 and guide markings 28 indicating where the subject’s feet should be placed so as to collocate each foot (especially the heel thereof) with the respective pair of spectroscopic sensors 26.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bathroom scale 20 of Figure 2, illustrating internal components thereof. It will be appreciated that the internal components of the scale 30 of Figure 3 and the scale 40 of Figure 4 will substantially correspond, but with additional spectroscopic sensors 26.

From Figure 5 it can be seen that, in addition to the spectroscopic sensor 26 and the display screen 24, the scale 20 further comprises a processor 50, feet 52 (typically four thereof) incorporating weighing means such as a strain gauge or load cell for weighing the subject when standing on the weighing surface 22, and a battery 54 which serves as a power supply for the processor 50 and the other electronic components. In alternative embodiments, instead of using a battery 54, electrical power may be supplied by means of a cable (e.g. a mains cable). The processor 50 is connected to the weighing means in the feet 52 so as to receive the weight of the subject.

The processor 50 is also connected to the spectroscopic sensor 26, so as to receive, from the spectroscopic sensor 26, a measurement signal indicative of the presence or concentration of one or more analytes. From this the processor 50 can then determine the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s).

The processor 50 is also connected to the display 24, on which results (e.g. indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s)) may be displayed.

As discussed below, advantageously the processor 50 can take the weight of the subject into account when determining the presence or concentration of said analyte(s). The processor 50 may also be connected to an optional data transmitter 56 (preferably a wireless transmitter) for transmitting, to a connected device (e.g. a wirelessly-connected smartphone, tablet device or computer), data indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s). Such a wireless transmitter may operate according to the Bluetooth (RTM) short-range standard, for example, or another wireless data communication protocol (e.g. Wi-Fi (RTM), e.g. as part of a wireless local area network or via a wireless peer-to-peer connection). Generic platform for analyte detection

Whilst, in the above embodiments, the platform that incorporates the spectroscopic sensor(s) 26 forms part of a bathroom scale, in alternative embodiments the platform that incorporates the spectroscopic sensor(s) 26 may be a more generic platform, without weighing functionality.

Illustrating this, Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment, being a generic platform 60 incorporating a spectroscopic (e.g. spectrophotometric) sensor 26 for detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s) in the subject’s foot, but without means for weighing the subject.

The surface 22 of the platform 60 comprises a display screen 24 and at least one spectroscopic sensor 26. The platform 60 further comprises a processor 50 and a battery 54 or other power supply means. The processor 50 is connected to the spectroscopic sensor 26, so as to receive, from the spectroscopic sensor 26, a measurement signal indicative of the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s). From this measurement signal, the processor 50 can then determine the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s).

The processor 50 is also connected to the display 24, on which results (e.g. indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s)) may be displayed.

As described above in relation to the first embodiment, the processor 50 may also be connected to an optional data transmitter 56 (e.g. a wireless transmitter) for transmitting, to a connected device (e.g. a wirelessly-connected smartphone, tablet device or computer), data indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s). Such a wireless transmitter may operate according to the Bluetooth (RTM) short-range standard, for example, or another wireless data communication protocol (e.g. Wi-Fi (RTM), e.g. as part of a wireless local area network or via a wireless peer-to-peer connection). Weighing scale apparatus, e.g. for use in a retail outlet or medical centre

As described above, embodiments of the invention may take the form of bathroom scales (e.g. smart scales). However, alternative embodiments may take the form of other (typically larger) weighing scale apparatuses, such as those that may be provided in a retail outlet or medical centre.

By way of example, Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of weighing scale apparatus 70 comprising a base 72, an upright support 74, and an elevated display screen 76. The support 74 is attached to the base 72, and the display screen 76 is mounted on the support 74, at roughly chest height to head height, so as to enable the user to easily view the display screen.

The base 72 supports a weighing platform 73, having means such as a strain gauge or load cell for weighing the user. Moreover, the weighing platform 73 incorporates one or more spectroscopic sensor(s) 26 for detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s) in the user’s foot, when the user stands (barefoot) on the platform 73, as described above. The base 72 comprises feet 78 (typically four thereof) and a power supply 79 (e.g. a mains electrical power supply cable) for powering the electronic components of the device, such as a processor 50, the display screen 76, and an optional data transmitter 56 (e.g. a wireless transmitter).

As described above, the processor 50 is connected to the spectroscopic sensor(s) 26, so as to receive measurement signal(s) indicative of the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s) and to determine the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s). The processor 50 is also connected to the weighing means of the weighing platform 73 so as to receive the weight of the subject, and preferably to take the weight of the subject into account when determining the presence or concentration of the analyte(s).

The processor 50 is also connected to the display screen 76, on which results (e.g. indicative of the presence or concentration of analyte(s) as detected by the spectroscopic sensor(s) 26 may be displayed.

As described above, the optional data transmitter 56 may be provided for transmitting, to a connected device (e.g. a wirelessly-connected smartphone, tablet device or computer), data indicative of the presence or concentration of analyte(s) as detected by the spectroscopic sensor(s) 26. Wireless connectivity

As described above, various embodiments of the invention may incorporate a display panel or screen, on which results may be displayed. However, in other embodiments, such a display may be omitted.

To illustrate this, Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variant of the scale 20 of Figure 2. More particularly, the bathroom scale 80 shown in Figure 8 incorporates a data transmitter 56 for transmitting data from the processor 50 to a connected device 82 via a data communication connection 84, and does not have a built-in display. As described above in relation to Figure 2, the scale 80 incorporates, in the surface 22, a spectroscopic sensor 26 for detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s) in the subject’s foot. The scale 80 also incorporates a processor 50, feet 52 (typically four thereof) incorporating means such as a strain gauge or load cell for weighing the subject when standing on the weighing surface 22, and a battery 54 which serves as a power supply for the processor 50 and the other electronic components.

As with previous embodiments, the processor 50 is connected to the spectroscopic sensor 26, so as to receive, from the spectroscopic sensor 26, a measurement signal indicative of the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s). From this measurement signal, the processor 50 can then determine the presence or concentration of one or more analyte(s).

The processor 50 is also connected to the weighing means in the feet 52 so as to receive the weight of the subject and to take the weight of the subject into account when determining the presence or concentration of said analyte(s).

The processor 50 is connected to the data transmitter 56 (preferably a wireless transmitter) for transmitting, to the connected device 82 (e.g. a wirelessly-connected smartphone, tablet device or computer), data indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte(s) and/or the subject’s weight. Analyte analysis method

Figure 9 is a flow diagram 90 illustrating a method by which the present embodiments may generate results indicative of the presence or concentration of one or more analytes. The method is executed by the processor 50 within the device, executing instructions that may be stored in a memory or hard-coded in the processor.

In the first step 91 , the light source of the spectroscopic sensor 26 emits light which penetrates the subject’s foot, preferably the heel. The spectroscopic sensor 26 detects reflected light from the foot, modulated (e.g. intensity modulated) by the analyte(s) if present in the foot, and as step 92 generates spectral data in the form of a measurement signal, indicative of the presence or concentration of said one or more analytes.

The processor receives the measurement signal and determines, as step 93, the presence and/or concentration of said analyte(s) 86.

Then, as step 94, the processor uses the presence or concentration of said analyte(s) to generate results by interpreting the presence or concentration of the analyte(s). This may involve the use of an algorithm or database which takes the detected analyte(s) as an input. With reference to box 95 of Figure 9, the process of generating results may also take other pieces of medical/physiological data into account - in particular, data or measurements specific to the subject. Such data or measurements may include, for example, one or more of the subject’s age, gender, weight, blood pressure, body composition, muscle mass, heart rate, and basal metabolic rate. Some of these (in particular, but not exclusively, the subject’s weight) may also be measured by the platform of the present apparatus, on which the user stands. It should be noted that the pressure exerted on the foot, the blood flow rate, and/or other parameters, may also be measured by the platform of the present apparatus.

Finally, as step 96, results (e.g. in respect of the presence or concentration of the detected analyte(s)) are then output. For example, the results may be displayed to the user on an integrated display screen, and/or transmitted to a connected device.

Further implementational details

The apparatus of the present invention may incorporate any number of spectroscopic sensors (e.g. one, two, four, or a greater number). Moreover, the measurement process may be activated by way of a restricted light sensor responsive to being covered by the heel or foot of the user. This information, algorithmically calculated, would take into account the weight of the user, and also the pressure on the foot muscle and blood flow.

Incorporating the platform of the present invention into a weighing scale (in particular a bathroom scale) provides a number of important benefits. Firstly, by being a scale on which the user places their feet, the present spectroscopic scanning technique may be readily applied to infants or young children, e.g. scanning their heels. As noted above, with infants or young children the heel advantageously provides sufficient depth of tissue to enable good results to be obtained. This should be contrasted with the hand, which, for infants or young children, may be too thin to provide sufficient depth of tissue for accurate spectroscopic measurements to be made. Secondly, by being incorporated in a weighing scale, weight data of the user may be immediately taken into account when determining the presence or concentration of the analyte(s).

Thirdly, in the specific case of being a bathroom scale, the device will be located in the user’s bathroom. The bathroom is a highly significant area of the domestic environment, used by multiple household members (typically of various ages) for a significant amount of time every day, and showering or bathing activities generally involve being barefoot. Accordingly, a user of the bathroom may already be in a suitable barefoot state for using the present apparatus, and may already be close to it. Moreover, showering or bathing leads to softening of the foot skin, warming of blood flow within the extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles, cleaning of the foot skin, and removal of dead foot skin, all of which are beneficial when subjecting the foot to the present spectroscopic scanning technique. The present apparatus and its measurement function are therefore considered to provide a convenient and accurate way of obtaining a regular (e.g. daily) measurement of intracellular analytes, especially when compared to other types of spectroscopic measurement devices.

Medical/ph vsiolooical considerations

Good health and wellbeing requires optimal levels of vitamins, minerals, pigments, trace elements and the like. It is well-known that an excess or deficiency of nutrients such as these can lead to (or be associated with) poor health or loss of wellbeing. It is also well-known that the presence of certain deleterious compounds (such as heavy metals) in subjects can lead to (or be associated with) poor health or loss of wellbeing.

Nutrients, deleterious compounds (or other classes of molecule) that are detectable and relevant to health and wellbeing are collectively referred to herein as“analytes”. Healthy analyte levels may be readily identified by the skilled person e.g. by reference to medical journals or databases. Information on healthy analyte levels is publically available, and can vary according to subject age, gender, and status (e.g. whether the subject is pregnant). Healthy analyte levels are typically expressed as ranges (typically concentration ranges), although threshold limits may also apply (e.g. wherein the analyte is a deleterious compound).

Wherein a subject is identified as being deficient in an analyte or analytes, treatment typically comprises increasing the level of said analyte or analytes in the subject. Increasing the level of said analyte or analytes typically comprises administering to the subject a supplement (e.g. a dietary supplement) comprising the analyte or analytes.

It will be readily apparent to the skilled person that the supplement may comprise analyte(s) per se and/or may comprise analyte(s) in another form e.g. in salt form and/or precursor form (e.g. a form which may be metabolised to the analyte(s) per se following administration).

Supplements may be in any suitable format e.g. directly compressible (DC), beadlet, controlled release, or effervescent. In some embodiments, the supplement is a commercially-available health food supplement.

Wherein a subject is identified as having an excess of an analyte or analytes (including abnormal presence of analyte or analytes), treatment typically comprises reducing the level of said analyte or analytes in the subject. Reducing the level of said analyte or analytes may comprise abstaining from contact with or consumption said analyte or analytes. Where appropriate, reducing the level of said analyte or analytes may comprise administering to the subject a drug that reduces the level of analyte or analytes in the subject (e.g. a metal chelating agent to promote clearance of heavy metals).

Wherein the subject is identified as being deficient in some analyte(s) and as having an excess of other analyte(s), treatment of the subject typically comprises a combination of treatment approaches described above. In some embodiments, upon identification of a deficiency in analyte(s) and/or identification of the presence of deleterious compound(s) in the subject, the apparatus of the invention orders (or recommends ordering) an appropriate supplement and/or drug. In one embodiment, said information is transmitted to a connected device. Said ordering may be performed via interaction with online retail. In one embodiment, said information is transmitted to a display mounted on the support of the apparatus. Wherein said display mounted on the support of the apparatus is located in a physical retail premises, the display may recommend that the user purchases a suitable supplement from the retail premises.

The presence and/or concentration of analytes in a subject may be monitored over time e.g. to determine the effectiveness of a treatment and/or to determine when treatment may be stopped (e.g. when the subject is identified as having healthy analyte levels). Thus, in one embodiment, methods of the invention may be performed on two or more occasions.

In one embodiment, methods of the invention may be used in combination with other methods of determining analyte levels in a subject e.g. to confirm or denounce a clinical diagnosis.

The terms “diagnosis”, “diagnostic” and the like as used herein encompasses identification, confirmation, and/or characterisation of an excess or deficiency of analyte or analytes in a subject. In some embodiments, the excess or deficiency of analyte or analytes is caused by (or associated with) a clinical disease (such as malnutrition, overnutrition, eye diseases associated with reduced levels of carotenoids). In some embodiments, the excess of analyte or analytes is caused by (or associated with) the presence of deleterious compound(s) in the subject.

The apparatus, methods and uses of the invention are also suitable for prognosis of certain conditions that are triggered by an excess or deficiency of analyte or analytes. By“predisposition” it is meant that a subject does not currently present with an excess or deficiency disorder, but is liable to be affected by the disorder in time. In some embodiments, apparatus of the invention comprises means for weighing the subject when standing on the platform. Advantageously, this facilitates real-time and concurrent measurement of the subject’s bodyweight and analyte profile, which can provide a powerful insight into the health of the subject. Rapid changes in bodyweight and/or analyte profile may be symptomatic of various diseases (such as cancer) and so can provide an early health warning to the subject. In some embodiments, rapid changes in bodyweight and/or analyte profile are reported directly to a connected device or to a display mounted on the support of the apparatus. In some embodiments (e.g. where the subject is identified as“at risk”) rapid changes in bodyweight and/or analyte profile are reported directly to a healthcare provider.

The apparatus, methods and uses of the invention are well-suited to on-going monitoring of analyte levels in a subject.

The apparatus, methods and uses of the invention are also well-suited to use in population screening e.g. to identify regional nutritional trends, to generate healthcare data, or to identify areas of high pollution or contamination. Possible modifications and alternative embodiments

Detailed embodiments have been described above, together with some possible modifications and alternatives. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of additional modifications and alternatives can be made to the above embodiments whilst still benefiting from the inventions embodied therein.