A wireless near-infrared spectrometry sensor includes a light source for emitting near-infrared energy into tissue and a light receiver for receiving the near- infrared energy after it exits the tissue. The sensor may include a portable energy source for supplying energy to the light source. A processing module may control the light source and process readings in connection with the light source. A wireless transceiver may be coupled to the processing module for at least one of transmitting and receiving information, wherein the light source emits near-infrared energy at predetermined intervals in order to conserve energy in the portable energy source. The portable energy source may include at least one of a battery, a capacitor, a thermoelectric generator, a kinetic energy transducer, electricity derived from RF energy, and any combination thereof. The sensor may further include a substrate for support and which may be part of a sterile bandage.
