A device for the detection of an analyte in a fluid, which comprises a fluid conduit having an inlet, an outlet, and a holographic element, which comprises a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, over which the fluid can flow, wherein the device also includes a window whereby non-ionising radiation can irradiate the holographic element, and wherein the analyte is detected by contacting the fluid with the holographic element, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and the analyte, and wherein the reaction and the variation are reversible.