Tzyy-Wen Jeng

Temperature dependence of optical properties of in-vivo human skin

We examined the effect of temperature change on the diffuse reflectance of the skin. The optical probe consists of several optical fibers located at the center of a thermal electric device, which controls the temperature at the surface of the skin in contact. Measured light reflectance profile between 0.4-1.9 mm was fitted to a mathematical model obtained by Monte Carlo simulation, and absorption and scattering coefficients were estimated. The reduced scattering coefficient of the forearms consistently showed a positive relationship with temperature between 22 and 42 degree(s)C. This dependency was reversible without apparent delay. The same effect was observed on ex vivo pigskin. It is possible to explain the positive instantaneous dependency of scattering on temperature by the change of the refractive index of intercellular fluid. The scattering coefficient of the subcutaneous fat of pigskin showed a negative dependence on temperature. This negative dependency of scattering can be attributed to a phase change as a function of temperature. The absorption coefficient in vivo also increased with temperature from 22 to 42 degree(s)C. But the change was not immediately reversible after temperature reached 40 degree(s)C. This relationship was similar to the nonlinear increase in blood perfusion observed in laser Doppler measurements.

Diffuse and localized reflectance measurements of hemoglobin and hematocrit in human skin

We conducted visible/near infrared optical measurements on the forearm of human subjects using a commercial diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer, and a breadboard temperature- controlled localized reflectance tissue photometer. Calibration relationships were established between skin reflectance signal and reference blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, or hematocrit values (Hct). These were then used to predict Hb and Hct values from optical measurement in a cross validation analysis. Different linear least- squares models for the prediction of Hb and Hct are presented and shows the ability to predict both. It was possible to screen prospective blood donors with low Hb concentration. It was possible to predict anemic subjects in the limited prospective blood donor population.