Integral interstitial fluid sensor

An integral interstitial fluid sensor for application to the skin of a person or an animal for detection of chemical components of an interstitial fluid, said sensor, comprising:

• a substrate of a porous material for passage of the interstitial fluid therethrough;
• at least two electrodes:
• a first electrode and a second electrode;
• said first electrode has two sides:
• a first side and a second side, said first side is mounted on said substrate with said second side generally opposite said first side, said first electrode is of a porous material for passage of the interstitial fluid through the two sides;
• a layer of chemical in contact with said second side of said first electrode for reaction with one component of said interstitial fluid, mixed in a mediating agent;
• said second electrode in contact with said layer of chemical;
• said two electrodes for generating an electrical signal in response to the reaction of the one component of said interstitial fluid with said layer of chemical;
• detecting means for receiving said electrical signal;
• means for generating a display in response to said detecting means;
• and
• means for sucking said fluid from the skin through said substrate into said layer of chemical.