Table 3.

Important sensor parameters in the context of brain metabolism.

Parameter	Meaning
Selectivity	The sensor should be able to detect a molecule of interest, e.g., glucose, in the presence of other molecules and endogenous substances found in microdialysates.
Sensitivity	The sensor should be able to detect the relevant range of metabolite concentrations seen in TBI.
Stability	The sensor should not be influenced by changes in the external or internal environment when monitoring brain metabolism as this can lead to distortion of output signals.
Linearity	The sensor should measure accurate concentration changes proportionately, and ideally in a linear manner.
Reproducibility	The results acquired by the sensor should be of highest accuracy and the investigator should be confident of achieving the same results if the brain metabolic conditions were constant.
Multiplexing	Ability of the sensor to detect several analytes simultaneously, e.g., glucose, lactate, and pyruvate, in microdialysates containing these and other endogenous molecules.