A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for
detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially
containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column
which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte.
The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce.
The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid
causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant).
The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended
in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light
source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of
analyte determined. The rinsing and elution fluids, and/or the affinity column
can be placed in a module for easy insertion and removal from the sensor when depleted
or when the sensor is to be used against a different analyte.