In certain aspects, a dialysis device includes a flow channel that includes a disposable flow-through container. The flow channel and the container contain a fluid and are in fluid communication with each other. The dialysis device also includes a toroid configured to accept, through an aperture of the toroid, at least a portion of the container. The dialysis device also includes an electromagnetic coil wrapped around the toroid, such that the coil passes around an outer surface and an inner surface of the toroid, and covers less than the entire circumference of the toroid. The coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic signal. The coil is also configured to concentrate the electromagnetic signal on the fluid in the container such that the electromagnetic signal traverses the container in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the flow channel. The coil is also configured to read the electromagnetic signal after it has traversed the fluid in the container.