Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. Such methods may be exemplarily achieved by determining a first glucose concentration by measuring a first reflectance at about a first wavelength at a testing surface of the pad; measuring a second reflectance at about a second wavelength; formulating at least one equation to correct the first glucose concentration for temperature or hematocrit effects using the second reflectance at about the second wavelength; determining a second glucose concentration using the first glucose concentration, the second reflectance at about a second wavelength; and displaying the second glucose concentration that is corrected for temperature and hematocrit effects.

Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. Such methods may be exemplarily achieved by determining a first glucose concentration by measuring a first reflectance at about a first wavelength at a testing surface of the pad; measuring a second reflectance at about a second wavelength; formulating at least one equation to correct the first glucose concentration for temperature or hematocrit effects using the second reflectance at about the second wavelength; determining a second glucose concentration using the first glucose concentration, the second reflectance at about a second wavelength; and displaying the second glucose concentration that is corrected for temperature and hematocrit effects.

Abstract: A test strip for use in the detection of an analyte (e.g., blood glucose) in a liquid sample (e.g., a whole blood sample) includes a base support layer and a reagent pad disposed on the base support layer. In addition, at least a portion of the base support layer in proximity to the reagent pad is formed of a clear material such that a user can perceive the liquid sample through the base support layer during application of the liquid sample to the reagent pad. The test strip optionally includes a reservoir for restraining excess liquid sample. The reservoir can be defined by hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the base support layer or by base support ridges that circumscribe the reagent pad. Also a test strip that includes a base support layer with a raised reagent pad platform, a reagent pad disposed on raised reagent pad platform and an upper layer disposed above the base support layer.

Abstract: A test strip for detecting an analyte (e.g., blood glucose) in a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood) includes an analytical portion (e.g., a reagent pad), a first edge with a first edge indentation and a second edge with a second edge indentation. The test strip also includes a first capillary channel adapted for providing fluid communication between the first edge indentation and the analytical portion, as well as a second capillary channel adapted for providing fluid communication between the second edge indentation and the analytical portion. Furthermore, the first and second edges are in an opposing relationship (e.g., on left-hand and right-hand sides of the test strip). Also, a test strip and meter combination for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample. The combination includes a test strip with an analytical portion and first and second edges. The first and second edges of the test strip each include an edge indentation with a sample application region.

Abstract: A reagent strip is provided for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a liquid test sample, such as glucose or cholesterol in whole blood. The reagent strip includes a testing pad containing a color-forming reagent system specific to the analyte. The testing pad is disposed so that a side with relatively small pores defines a testing surface and an opposite side with relatively larger pores defines a sample-receiving surface. A porous sample transport medium is attached to the sample-receiving surface. A change in coloration caused by the color-forming reagent system at the testing surface is quantitatively related to the concentration of the analyte in the liquid test sample. The reagent strip may optionally include a rigid support member which facilitates evaluation of the change in coloration by mechanical viewing means. Also provided is a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a liquid test sample.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a passageway for accepting a strip for determining the presence or quantity of an analyte is provided. The passageway has a serpentine shape to maintain the strip against an optical aperture in the passageway wall, insuring that a constant optical reading is obtained.

Abstract: A control solution for use with a porous reagent strip comprises a flexible semisolid polymer dispersed in water, such as polyvinyl acetate in distilled water, with appropriate control glucose concentration levels. This solution is useful in mimicking whole blood in conjunction with porous reagent strips to determine compliance of the strips and meters to established measurement and performance criteria.

Abstract: Acetamidoethylene is isolated from acetamidoethylene-containing mixtures by distillation with enhanced efficiency when a high-boiling liquid, especially glycerol, is added to the mixtures prior to or during said distillation. This invention is particularly effective at separating acetamidoethylene from mixtures additionally containing acetamide, especially preparation products.

Abstract: The ultrafiltration purification of aqueous solutions of polymeric anthraquinone colorants, wherein low molecular weight impurities are removed in an ultrafiltrate leaving a purified anthraquinone colorant-bearing retentate, is carried out with improved efficiency when pyridine is present and maintained in the aqueous solutions at a level of from 1 to 20% by volume.