Some options for making non-invasive measurements on the human body with near infrared spectroscopy

The most widely used non-invasive spectroscopic measurements on the human body are related to the oxygen level of the blood, and the pulse oximeter is now used in all hospitals. This device uses wavelengths in the cross-over region between visible and infrared radiation, so it may be classed as a visible light-measuring instrument or as a near infrared (NIR) instrument. Much research has been aimed at possible medical applications of NIR spectroscopy and recent developments are covered by others in this special medical issue. This paper discusses the problems in making spectroscopic measurements on the human body and presents some novel spectra which indicate opportunities for non-invasive assessments on the human body.