Abstract: A test system for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid sample includes: (i) a capillary-fill biosensor (20) having a working electrode (24), a reference electrode (22) and a separate counter electrode (23), arranged such that a fluid sample which flows evenly along the capillary flow path will substantially completely cover the reference electrode (22) before the fluid sample makes contact with any part of the counter electrode (23); and (ii) a test meter (42) for receiving the biosensor (20), the meter (42) including: first signal circuitry (31) for producing a first signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); second signal circuitry (33) for producing a second signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the counter electrode (23) and at least one of the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); a timer (35) for determining the time interval between production of said first signal and said second signal;

Abstract: A test system for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample comprises: a plurality of test members (16) in a container (10), each test member (16) including reagent means for indicating the catalytic activity of an enzyme when in the presence of a biological fluid containing an analyte acted upon by the enzyme; 0 a test meter (2) for receiving a test member (16), the meter (2) having circuitry for performing a measurement on a test member received therein to produce a measured physical value, means for determining an analyte concentration value for a specified biological fluid from said measured physical value, and means (4) for indicating a determined analyte concentration value; a Container RFID tag (14) associated with the container (10) which includes data specific to said plurality of test members (16); and a Patient RFID tag (28) which includes data specific to a patient; and wherein said test meter (2) includes means for reading and storing data from said Container RFID tag

Abstract: A sensor dispensing device (1) comprises a cartridge (2) having an outer casing (11) and a plurality of sensors (6) arranged one upon another in a stack. The cartridge has a first dispensing end (13) and a second opposing end (14) spaced a fixed distance apart, and the cartridge includes a first aperture (15) for the ejection of a sensor closest to the first end and a second aperture (16) opposed to the first aperture, for access by a pushing member (25). The first aperture and the second aperture are each provided with compliant sealing means (17) which are at least partly disposed outside the outer casing. The sealing means have first and second sealing surfaces which are capable of co-operating to releasably form a substantially moisture-tight seal when acted upon by suitable clamping forces. The device has a housing (34) for receiving the cartridge.

Abstract: A non-mediated enzyme electrode comprises a base substrate (2) on which is provided an electrically conductive base layer (8) comprising finely divided platinum group metal or oxide bonded together by a resin; a top layer on the base layer (8), the top layer comprising a buffer. A catalytically active quantity of an oxidoreductase enzyme is provided in at least one of the base layer and the top layer. The invention also provides a biosensor (20) which includes an enzyme electrode, and methods of manufacturing the enzyme electrode and biosensor.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the device comprising a plurality of test members arranged in at least one stack and electrodes for engaging with electrode tracks on a test member. A pusher pushes a single test member from the stack so that it can engage with the electrodes. An actuation member is connected to the pusher, and moves it when operated by a user. The at least one stack of test members is enclosed in a magazine which is initially sealed by a moisture impermeable seal. A cutter is provided for slitting the seal and permitting a test member to be pushed from the magazine by the pusher when the first test member from the magazine is to be used.

Abstract: An embodiment of a sensor dispensing device for dispensing sensors for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid includes a cartridge assembly (32) having a housing (70) with an opening and means (16) for making a moisture-proof seal around the opening. A stack of sensors (12) is stored in the housing (70) and urged through the opening towards a stop member (73) by spring means. The device is provided with an externally actuable pusher (18) for breaking the seal and for pushing a single sensor from the housing.

Abstract: A test member suitable for use in a test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto comprises a base member (2) having a working area (4) to which the fluid is to be applied, containing a reagent which is reactive to the said analyte to produce an electrical signal or a color change, and a non-working area (8) adjacent to the working area (4). The total thickness of the test member in at least a portion of the non-working area (8) is at least as great as the total thickness of the test member in the working area (4).

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid comprises: a housing (2) having an opening and containing a stack of sensors (16); a transport member (4) rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing, having an axis of rotation which spans the opening; a spring (24) which urges the stack against the transport member; and sealing means (20, 34) for making a moisture tight seal between the transport member and the sensors when the transport member is in a specified rotational position. An outer surface of the transport member has a recessed region (12) which is adapted to receive a single sensor from the stack. Rotation of the transport member with a sensor in the recessed region transports the sensor to a location where it can be connected to a meter (6, 8) and receive a drop of fluid to be tested.

Abstract: A method for detecting Helicobacter pylori in a subject's gastroenteral tract involves measuring a change in resistance of an electronic or electrochemical sensor, notably a polypyrrole film, on exposure to gas from the subject's lungs and/or stomach. Depending on the magnitude of the change (if any) a positive or negative result is indicated visually by electronics means. Two sensors are used, one of which receives a sample of gas which has passed through an ammonia-absorbing means to provide a corrected baseline value for the ammonia. The invention also provides apparatus suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the device comprising a plurality of test members (8) arranged in at least one stack and electrodes (26) for engaging with electrode tracks on a test member (8). A pusher (16) pushes a single test member from the stack so that it can engage with the electrodes. An actuation member (6) is operably connected to the pusher (16), and moves it when operated by a user. The or each stack of test members is enclosed in a magazine (10) which is initially sealed by a moisture impermeable seal (20), and means (22, 24) are provided for breaking the seal (20) and permitting a test member (8) to be pushed from the magazine (10) by the pusher (16) when the first test member (8) from the magazine (10) is to be used.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid comprises: a housing (2) having an opening and containing a stack of sensors (16); a transport member (4) rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing, having an axis of rotation which spans the opening; a spring (24) which urges the stack against the transport member; and sealing means (20, 34) for making a moisture tight seal between the transport member and the sensors when the transport member is in a specified rotational position. An outer surface of the transport member has a recessed region (12) which is adapted to receive a single sensor from the stack. Rotation of the transport member with a sensor in the recessed region transports the sensor to a location where it can be connected to a meter (6, 8) and receive a drop of fluid to be tested.

Abstract: A test member suitable for use in a test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto comprises a base member (2) having a working area (4) to which the fluid is to be applied, containing a reagent which is reactive to the said analyte to produce an electrical signal or a color change, and a non-working area (8) adjacent to the working area (4). The total thickness of the test member in at least a portion of the non-working area (8) is at least as great as the total thickness of the test member in the working area (4).