Abstract: A microfluidic analytical system for monitoring an analyte (such as glucose) in a fluid sample (e.g., blood or ISF) includes an analysis module and an electrical device (for example, a meter or power supply). The analysis module includes an insulating substrate and a microchannel(s) within the insulating substrate's upper surface. The analysis module also includes a conductive contact pad(s) disposed on the upper surface of the insulating substrate and an electrode(s), with the electrode(s) being disposed over the microchannel. In addition, the analysis module includes an electrically conductive trace(s) that electrically connects the electrode to at least one electrically conductive contact pad. The analysis module also has a laminate layer disposed over the electrode, the electrically conductive trace, the microchannel and a portion of the upper surface of the insulating substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an analysis module with accessible electrically conductive contact pads includes forming an insulating substrate with an upper surface, a microchannel(s) within the upper surface, and electrically conductive contact pad(s) disposed on the upper surface. The method also includes producing a laminate layer with a bottom surface, electrode(s) on the laminate layer bottom surface, and electrically conductive trace(s) on the laminate layer bottom surface. The method further includes adhering the laminate layer to the insulating substrate such that a portion of the bottom surface of the laminate layer is adhered to a portion of the upper surface of the insulating substrate, each electrode is exposed to at least one microchannel; and each electrically conductive trace is electrically contacted to at least one electrically conductive contact pad.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring clotting times in a fluid, typically blood, within a microchannel, with the onset of clotting being determined by measurement of the rate of change, or the value, of capacitance or impedance between two electrodes situated on either side of the microchannel. The device includes an upper support member and a lower support member with a microchannel formed therein. The device also includes electrodes situated along the length of the microchannel.

Abstract: A microfluidic analytical system for monitoring an analyte (for example, glucose) in a liquid sample (e.g., ISF) includes an analysis module with at least one micro-channel for receiving and transporting a liquid sample, at least one analyte sensor for measuring an analyte in the liquid sample and at least one position electrode. The analyte sensor(s) and position electrode(s) are in operative communication with the micro-channel. The microfluidic system also includes a meter configured for measuring an electrical characteristic (such as impedance or resistance) of the position electrode(s). Moreover, the measured electrical characteristic is dependent on the position of the liquid sample in the micro-channel that is in operative communication with the position electrode for which an electrical characteristic is measured.

Abstract: A microfluidic analytical system for monitoring an analyte (for example, glucose) in a liquid sample (e.g., ISF) includes an analysis module with at least one micro-channel for receiving and transporting a liquid sample, at least one analyte sensor for measuring an analyte in the liquid sample and at least one position electrode. The analyte sensor(s) and position electrode(s) are in operative communication with the micro-channel. The microfluidic system also includes a meter configured for measuring an electrical characteristic (such as impedance or resistance) of the position electrode(s). Moreover, the measured electrical characteristic is dependent on the position of the liquid sample in the micro-channel that is in operative communication with the position electrode for which an electrical characteristic is measured.

Abstract: A device for extracting bodily fluid (such as an ISF sample) includes a penetration member with a channel (e.g., a hollow needle) and a fluid flow regulator (for example, a narrow-bore cylinder) disposed within the channel. The penetration member is configured for penetrating a target site (such as a dermal tissue target site) and subsequently residing within the target site and extracting a bodily fluid sample therefrom. The fluid flow regulator is adapted to control (e.g., reduce or minimize variation in) bodily fluid flow rate through the penetration member. In addition, the presence of the fluid flow regulator in the channel of the penetration member serves to reduce sensor lag by reducing the dead volume of the penetration member. A method for extracting bodily fluid from a target site includes providing the aforementioned device. Next, the target site is penetrated with the penetration member of the device.

Abstract: A glucose sensor in the form of a skin patch 2 has a microneedle 4 which painlessly penetrates the skin to draw out interstitial fluid. The interstitial fluid passes to a common entrance port 7. A series of microchannels 8 is provided on the skin patch. The fluid drawn onto the patch is selectively switched between a number of microchannels 8 by means of electro-osmotic pumps 10 and hydrophobic gates 12. Each microchannel 8 has an electrochemical detector 11 for sensing gluocse concentration.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clotting times in a fluid, typically blood, within a microchannel whereby the onset of clotting is determined by measurement of the rate of change or value of capacitance or impedance between two electrodes situated on either side of the microchannel. There is provided a disposable test-strip (100) comprising an upper and lower support (101) and (103). A microchannel (102) is formed into the upper surface of the lower support member (103). A second substrate layer (101) is laminated on top of the support member (103), thereby closing the open microchannel (102). Electrodes (104) are formed on the respective outer surfaces of the substrate layers and coplanar to the channel.