Spectral feature exploration for lactate sensing using long wavelength near infrared spectroscopy lactate sensing for non-invasive continuous hypoxia assessment in intra-partum fetus

Fetal hypoxic brain injury is the deprivation of oxygen during labour and is associated with up to 60% mortality. The gold standard of fetal monitoring during labour, the cardio tocograph (CTG) and fetal blood sampling are poor at diagnosing hypoxia continuously and non-invasively. Our research is towards developing a non-invasive, continuous hypoxia assessment system using long wavelength near-infrared spectroscopy through a fiber optic based reflectance. Lactate is a key biomarker for hypoxia determination in babies during birth. For successful implementation of this probe, it is required that it detects lactate in maternal environment and in presence of other spectroscopic interferences. In this paper we look at lactate sensing through a liquid phantom containing spectrally interfering components alongside lactate like glucose, urea, triacetin and albumin. Through these experiments we determine the relevant wavelengths and their combination for effective lactate sensing.