A device and method utilizes a broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy
(DOS) system to dynamically calculate the concentrations of multiple
chromophores in vivo using a non-invasive probe. The device and method
permit dynamic monitoring of multiple in vivo tissue chromophores
non-invasively with sensitivities necessary for effective therapeutic
monitoring. The device includes a probe containing first and second
source optical fibers as well as first and second detector optical
fibers. The probe is placed adjacent to a sample of interest and detects
reflected light which is passed to a proximally located detector and
spectrometer. The concentrations of multiple chromophores are determined
in real time. In a preferred embodiment, the multiple tissue chromophores
include at least two of methemoglobin (MetHb), deoxyhemoglobin (Hb-R),
oxyhemoglobin (Hb-O.sub.2), water (H.sub.2O), and methylene blue (MB).
The device and method can be used quantify and monitor methemoglobin
formation in subjects suffering from methemoglobinemia.