Methods and devices for detecting particles in a fluid within a medium, such the analyzing device includes: a source adapted to transmit signals into the medium; at least one detector adapted to detect signals transmitted from the source such that the at least one detector and the source are structured and arranged on opposite sides of the medium; at least one processing unit in communication with the at least one detector and adapted to produce a plurality of output signals representative of one of at least one particle characteristic or one or more particle property.