A method of detecting at least one analyte in extra-cellular spaces includes
the
step of inserting a microprobe through the stratum corneum toward the stratum basale
of the skin of a subject into extra-cellular spaces containing interstitial fluid
having at least one analyte to be detected, said microprobe having a diameter at
its tip no larger than approximately 10-50 microns. The method further includes
optically testing for a predetermined analyte in the extra-cellular space adjacent
the distal end of the microprobe without drawing a sample of the interstitial fluid.
Preferably the microprobe body includes a sensor layer covering the distal optical
tip of the microprobe body, the sensor layer being adapted to interact with a predetermined
analyte to be detected in the interstitial fluid, and an optical detector responsive
to interaction of the sensor layer with the predetermined analyte to signal detection
of said predetermined analyte.
