Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.

Abstract: A continuous analyte monitoring assembly is adapted to assist in determining an analyte level of a fluid. The monitoring assembly includes a housing, electronics, an implantable sensor and a cannula. The housing has a bottom in which the bottom forms a recess. The electronics are located within the housing and assist in determining an analyte level of a fluid sample. The sensor moves from a retracted position to an inserted position using the recess. The cannula assists in placing the implantable sensor.

Abstract: A test-sensor cartridge is disclosed (200). The drum-like cartridge comprises a first face (202), a second opposing face (213), and a side portion (204) connecting the first and second opposing faces. With a plurality of test-sensor cavities (209) that is generally uniformly positioned therethrough. The plurality of the test sensor cavities are arranged in a non-radial layout. The plurality of test-sensor cavities contains a respective test sensor (207). The test sensor is adapted to assist in determining a concentration of an analyte, especially glucose.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the analyte concentration of a fluid test sample includes a base, a dielectric layer, a reagent layer, a light guide area, and a lid. The base provides a flow path for the test sample having on its surface a counter electrode and a working electrode adapted to electrically communicate with a detector of electrical current. The dielectric layer forms a dielectric window therethrough. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The lid is adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the test sample thereto. The light guide area transmits light towards the capillary space.

Abstract: An integrated diagnostic instrument (10) for analyzing a fluid sample includes a housing (12), a sensor pack (122), a disk drive mechanism (200) and a lancing mechanism (16). The lancing mechanism includes a lance holder (110) adapted to removably engage a base of a lance (86), a plunger (66) coupled to the lance holder, a shaft (70) running through a central portion of the plunger, a spring at least partially surrounding the shaft, and a slider (90) located on a rail on the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A transdermal test sensor assembly adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample is disclosed. The assembly comprises a sensor support including at least one reservoir adapted to hold a liquid. The assembly further comprises a test sensor being coupled to the sensor support. The test sensor forms at least one aperture therein. At least a portion of the at least one aperture is adjacent to the at least one reservoir. The assembly further comprises a hydrogel composition positioned on the test sensor. The hydrogel composition is linked to the at least one reservoir via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.

Abstract: A transdermal test sensor assembly adapted to assist in determining at least one analyte concentration of a fluid sample is provided. The test sensor assembly comprises a sensor support, a first test sensor, a second test sensor, a first hydrogel composition, and a second hydrogel composition. The first test sensor couples to the sensor support. The second test sensor couples to the sensor support. The first hydrogel composition is positioned on the first test sensor. The second hydrogel composition is positioned on the second test sensor.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system is adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid. The electrochemical sensor system comprises a substrate, conductive material and a hydrogel or liquid. The substrate having porosity therethrough. The conductive material includes at least one electrode. The at least one electrode is coupled to the substrate. The at least one electrode has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The hydrogel or liquid is adapted to assist in carrying the analyte of the fluid to the first and second surfaces of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An optical reagent format with a precise capillary channel is made by molding a format on a carrier of a precise predetermined thickness. The carrier includes an insert at least a portion of which is molded in the format. Once the format is made, the insert is detached from the carrier and removed from the format leaving a precisely dimensioned capillary channel with an inlet and vent. A reagent may be applied in the capillary channel and the format used to measure the analyte in a fluid such as blood. An electrochemical sensor with a capillary channel is formed by placing a sacrificial insert and electrodes on a sensor base and applying plastic material. After the plastic material is cured, the sacrificial is removed leaving a capillary channel in the sensor. The inserts may be removed by a tool including a clamp for clamping and holding each insert stationary and a sliding block to which the sensor is secured.

Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.

Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.

Abstract: A lancing mechanism fixture for puncturing skin with a lancet having a penetration end being moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lancet, the penetration end being moveable from a first position to a second position during a forward stroke, the penetration end being movable from the second position back to the first position during a return stroke. The motion of the lancet is controlled by a cam mechanism including a slot cam and a cam follower connected to a lancet. A drive member applies a linear force to the slot cam whose linear motion and slot path shape forces the lancet to move from a first position to a second position and back to the first position.

Abstract: A test sensor is made that is adapted to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The method includes providing a lid and providing a base. The lid is attached to the base to form an attached lid-base structure. The lid-base structure has a first end adapted to receive the fluid sample and a second opposing end adapted to be placed into a meter. Auto-calibration information is assigned to the lid-base structure. The second opposing end is formed such that the shape of the second opposing end corresponds to the auto-calibration information.