Description

Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy, the technique is fast and painless and was developed at the University of California, Irvine. The Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy instrument is actively involved in research studies, but is not yet a part of routine clinical practice. The result of this study will aid similar research projects that seek to improve our understanding of how tissues work and how alterations in metabolism affect long-term health.

TheDiffuse Optical Spectroscopy measurement consists of placing a probe onto the surface of your body (calf, bicep, or head). This probe will be secured by either gentle hand pressure or fastened to your skin using clinically-approved wraps such as Coban/wrap bandages or medical adhesive tape and medical glues. Several dots will be made on your skin outlining the probe with a surgical felt tip marker. This is so we would be able to put the probe again on the same spot in case we needed to interrupt the measurement. The probe looks like a bar code scanner in a supermarket and it shines infrared light on your skin. There is no radiation involved with this light. In some cases where light signals are low, the optical detector will be placed directly onto your skin (but contained within an electronically shielded casing, and placed inside another plastic casing). (not offered during pregnancy).