A system for the measurement of a target analyte is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or "carrier", includes a pyroelectric transducer ("pyroelectric film") and one or more reagent concentrations ("reagent deposit") deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target analyte present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target analyte by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent deposit in response to irradiation. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.