Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling auto-exposure settings of a mobile device when capturing an image of a color reference card and of a test field. Provided are a color reference card and an optical test strip having the test field with a sample applied thereto. The color reference card has different color reference fields having known reference color values and one or more gray background fields having defined gray values. An exposure metering area is set and auto-exposure settings are determined based on a scene in the exposure metering area. The scene has at least part of the test field and at least part of the different color reference fields and the one or more gray background fields. The camera captures an image of the scene using the determined auto-exposure settings. A method of determining concentration of analyte in a sample by using a mobile device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical analyte testing system having a handheld meter, particularly, a glucose meter, and a test magazine is disclosed. In the disclosed method a replaceable test magazine including a plurality of test elements is provided in the handheld meter for conducting successive analyte tests. An auxiliary measuring unit of the handheld meter measures at various points of time at least one ambient parameter, including temperature or humidity. The method checks for a threshold violation by comparing the measured ambient parameter with a preset threshold. The preset threshold is lowered after an initial period of use of the test magazine, and a use-up period is adjusted based on the check for a threshold violation.

Abstract: A glucose test arrangement is provided for use in a handheld meter. The arrangement comprises a disposable test pad responsive to glucose in a body fluid, and a supporting member adapted to support the test pad at an application site for applying body fluid from a user's skin onto a receiving area of the test pad. The receiving area faces away from the supporting member. One or more spacer elements are arranged on the supporting member adjacent to the test pad, wherein the one or more spacer elements have a skin-contacting end section which protrudes above the receiving area.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical analyte testing system having a handheld meter, particularly, a glucose meter, and a test magazine is disclosed. In the disclosed method a replaceable test magazine including a plurality of test elements is provided in the handheld meter for conducting successive analyte tests. An auxiliary measuring unit of the handheld meter measures at various points of time at least one ambient parameter, including temperature or humidity. The method checks for a threshold violation by comparing the measured ambient parameter with a preset threshold. The preset threshold is lowered after an initial period of use of the test magazine, and a use-up period is adjusted based on the check for a threshold violation.

Abstract: A diagnostic test tape for liquid samples is provided comprising a flexible transport tape and a plurality of test fields applied to the transport tape that are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the tape, where said test fields comprise a detection layer and a spreading net spanning the detection layer for a planar uptake of liquid sample, wherein the spreading net is formed from a lattice-like fabric comprising fabric threads that cross at right angles. In order to prevent the fabric from arching up under tape tension it is proposed that the fabric is oriented obliquely to the transport tape such that all fabric threads run obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an analytical element comprising at least one test field for analyzing a liquid sample, wherein provision is made for a carrier on which a polymer fabric is arranged. At least one portion of the polymer fabric is irradiated with UV laser light and thereby hydrophobized.

Abstract: A diagnostic test tape for liquid samples is provided comprising a flexible transport tape and a plurality of test fields applied to the transport tape that are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the tape, where said test fields comprise a detection layer and a spreading net spanning the detection layer for a planar uptake of liquid sample, wherein the spreading net is formed from a lattice-like fabric comprising fabric threads that cross at right angles. In order to prevent the fabric from arching up under tape tension it is proposed that the fabric is oriented obliquely to the transport tape such that all fabric threads run obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an analytical element comprising at least one test field for analyzing a liquid sample, wherein provision is made for a carrier on which a polymer fabric is arranged. At least one portion of the polymer fabric is irradiated with UV laser light and thereby hydrophobized.

Abstract: An aqueous control liquid is provided that contains glucose at a known concentration and cyclodextrin. A method is also provided that binds a wetting agent from a region of a test element that comes into contact with a sample. The method includes contacting the region with a control liquid that has a substance selected from the group of cyclodextrin derivatives and dispersed materials having a specific surface of 100 m2/g to over 1000 m2/g. A method for controlling the function of a measuring system having test strips and a measuring instrument for the determination of glucose in liquid samples is provided that includes contacting the test strip with a control liquid containing glucose at a known concentration and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives and detecting a signal caused by the glucose contained in the control liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous control liquid (control solution) containing glucose at a known concentration and at least one substance selected from the group comprising cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin derivatives and finely dispersed materials having a large specific surface.