A readhead for use in the determination of the concentration of an analyte
in a sample comprises a read area for receiving the sample, a light
source including a plurality light emitting elements for outputting light
at a plurality of wavelengths, a light guide having an input end and an
output end, a lens for receiving light from the output end of the light
guide and for illuminating the sample with a substantially collimated
beam of light, and a detector for detecting light from the sample in
response to illuminating the sample. The input end of the light guide
being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light output by
the plurality of light emitting elements. The input end of the light
guide has a center that is offset from the center of at least one of the
plurality of light elements. The light guide guides a substantial portion
of the light received from the light source to the output end of the
light guide.