Abstract: A diagnostic kit disclosed herein comprises a nanoparticle-biomaterial complex, an extraction solution, a collection electrode, and a current peak measurement unit. The nanoparticle-biomaterial complex comprises: one or more nanoparticles selected from a metal group consisting of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, gallium, arsenic, thallium, nickel, manganese and bismuth; one or more biomaterial-binding materials binding to the nanoparticles through a binding-stabilizing agent and binding specifically to the biomaterials to be detected; and a binding-stabilizing agent forming bonds between the nanoparticles and the biomaterial-binding materials. The extraction solution serves to isolate and extract the nanoparticles from the nanoparticle-biomaterial complex. The collection electrode serves to collect the nanoparticles from the extraction solution. The current peak measurement unit serves to measure current peaks corresponding to the nanoparticles collected from the collection electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor that can be used for easy and quick quantitative analysis of a specific component in a sample with high precision and a method for manufacturing such a biosensor. The present invention also provides a biosensor that can be used for a highly precise quantitative analysis after an extended period of storage, specifically, a biosensor with excellent storage stability, and a method for manufacturing such a biosensor. The present invention relates to a biosensor comprising an electrically insulating substrate (1); an electrode (2) having a working electrode (21) and a counter electrode (22) formed on the substrate; and a reaction part (4) that is adhered to one end of the electrode (2); the reaction part (4) being mainly composed of a hydrophilic polymer comprising an oxidoreductase, an electron acceptor, fine crystalline cellulose powder, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments.

Abstract: A sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector.

Abstract: A drum type container for analytical elements comprises a casing defining a compartment with a plurality of portions For receiving respective ones of the analytical elements. The container further comprises a base assembly to which the casing is rotatably mounted. The base assembly includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the glucose test strips from the casing and a locking mechanism for maintaining an alignment of a selected one of the compartment portions with the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for blood analysis includes a housing having an upper panel and a sampling section having a filling inlet; at least one pair of chambers in a form of depression of the upper panel of the housing and sealed by a diaphragm; portions of the diaphragm over the chambers being flexible; and one or more channels adapted to interconnect the pair of chambers; one of the chambers containing a predetermined amount of a reagent for blood analysis; and a sample outlet disposed next to and connected to the chamber containing the reagent, the sample outlet including an outlet cavity recessed from the upper panel, a divider disposed therein, and a cover covering the outlet cavity; the sample outlet sealing the reagent to the chamber containing the reagent. Further disclosed is the method of using the disposable cassette for measurements of hematology parameters on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.

Abstract: A blood glucose measurement device (50) comprises a test piece insertion unit (10) for inserting, holding, and electrically connecting a test piece on which an electrode pattern has been formed, a measurement circuit (16) for electrochemically measuring a biological sample that has been placed in the form of a spot on the test piece, a communication circuit (15) for transmitting the result of measurement with the measurement circuit (16) by wireless communication using an antenna electrode (2C) equipped with the test piece, and a switch (14) that is connected to the test piece insertion unit (10) for switching between the measurement circuit (16) and the communication circuit (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical tool (X) which includes a substrate (1), a flow path for moving a sample along the substrate (1), a reagent portion (14) provided in the flow path, and an insulating film (13) covering the substrate (1) and including an opening (15a) for defining a region for forming the reagent portion (14). The insulating film (13) further includes at least one additional opening (15b) positioned in a longitudinal direction (N1) relative to the opening (15a). For instance, the flow path is configured to move the sample by capillary force.

Abstract: A non-enzymatic electrochemical method of simultaneous measurement of hemoglobin (Hb) and percentage of glycated hemoglobin (% HbA1c) in a blood sample is disclosed. The method includes determining the total amount of hemoglobin in a sample by electrochemically measuring the voltammetric current due to iron (II) and iron (III) redox portions in hemoglobin and determining the percentage of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by potentiometry. Also disclosed is a novel screen-printed electrode (SPE) strip modified for potentiometric measurement of HbA1c.

Abstract: A test element magazine for a system for measuring the concentration of at least one constituent in a fluid sample is provided. The test element magazine comprises at least one test element in at least one chamber. The chamber is individually sealed by a sealing element. The test element comprises at least one active portion for contacting a skin portion of a patient and/or for contacting a fluid sample, wherein the test element further comprises at least one support body, wherein the support body is adapted for being engaged by an actuator. By a forward movement of the test element the support body of the test element applies a force to the sealing element, thereby forcing open the sealing of the chamber.

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: An electrochemical biosensor and a biosensor measuring device. The electrochemical biosensor includes a plurality of electrodes, capillary sample cell portions, reaction reagent layers, electrode connection portions, and a production lot information identification portion. The production lot information identification portion is configured such that the production lot information is recorded thereon has one or more infrared absorption/reflection marks, which indicate information about differences between production lots through the printing and/or attachment of colored or colorless materials, having differences in absorbency or reflectivity of infrared rays, in conformity of a predetermined pattern or through the attachment of transparent films.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for biomolecular detection, comprising a nanopipette, exemplified as a hollow inert, non-biological structure with a conical tip opening of nanoscale dimensions, suitable for holding an electrolyte solution which may contain an analyte such as a protein biomolecule to be detected as it is passed through the tip opening. Biomolecules are detected by specific reaction withy peptide ligands chemically immobilized in the vicinity of the tip. Analytes which bind to the ligands cause a detectible change in ionic current. A sensitive detection circuit, using a feedback amplifier circuit, and alternating voltages is further disclosed. Detection of Il-10 at a concentration of 4 ng/nl is also disclosed, as is detection of VEGF.

Abstract: Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.

Abstract: An electrochemical test system comprising an electrochemical test strip capable of initiating an instrument, determining if it is inserted into a correct position of the instrument, a sample is injected into a reaction region of the electrochemical test strip, and the sample covers the reaction region properly. The electrochemical test strip includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system, and an insulating layer. The electrode system includes a resistor, a set of measurement electrodes which includes a reference electrode and a working electrode insulated from each other, and a set of identifying electrodes which includes first and second identifying electrodes connected through the resistor. A method for detecting a sample includes the steps of inserting the electrochemical test strip into a measurement instrument, providing the sample in the reaction region, and applying a voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode, and measuring a current corresponding to the voltage.

Abstract: A biosensor measuring an analyte contained in a sample is provided, including: an insulative lower substrate that has at least one electrode on which an enzyme reaction layer reacting with the analyte is formed; an upper substrate that faces the lower substrate and is made of a conductive material; and an adhesive layer that has a sample feed with a predetermined height on the enzyme reaction layer and attaches the upper and lower substrates to each other, where an end of the upper substrate acts as an electrode in which an electron-transfer mediator contained in the enzyme reaction layer is oxidized or reduced, and the other end acts as an electrical contact part that electrically contacts a measurement unit.

Abstract: In a biosensor for measuring a specific substance in a liquid sample, one or a combination of sugar alcohol, metallic salt, organic acid or organic acid salt which has at least one carboxyl group in a molecule, and organic acid or organic acid salt which has at least one carboxyl group and one amino group in a molecule, is included in a reagent layer provided on electrodes, thereby providing a highly-accurate biosensor which is excellent in stability and has high response (sensitivity, linearity) of the sensor to the substrate concentration.

Abstract: A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample has a portable glucose meter (GM) having a test strip port for receiving a disposable electrochemical test strip, means for calculating a glucose concentration value in a sample applied to a test strip received in the test strip port, and optionally a rechargeable GM battery. Next the combination has a portable rechargeable supplemental battery pack (SBP). The combination also has a web enabled portable device (WEPD) having a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet. The GM, the SBP, and the WEPD are electrically coupled to allow power transfer between the GM, the SBP, and the WEPD. The GM and the WEPD are communicatively coupled to allow for data transfer between the GM and the WEPD. The GM and SBP are detachable from and reattachable to the WEPD to form the portable combination. Lastly the combination has means for managing battery operations of the combination.

Abstract: A hemoglobin-detecting electrode test strip is provided, which includes an insulating substrate; an electrode system; an insulating layer that partially covers the electrode system so that one uncovered portion on the electrode system forms an electrochemical reaction region and another uncovered portion on the electrode system forms a conductive wire connecting region; and a reaction layer including an electron mediator and an anion surfactant and at least partially covering the electrochemical reaction region. A device for detecting hemoglobin is further provided, which includes the hemoglobin-detecting electrode test strip and an electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A capillary biosensor analysis system is provided for analyzing a liquid sample, comprising a plurality of longitudinally arranged and consecutively provided and aligned capillary biosensors having a capillary channel enclosed by at least two wall parts and containing one or more reagents, and an evaluation instrument which has a holder to position a forward-most capillary biosensor in a measurement position for performing an analysis. The plurality of capillary biosensors are implemented as a multiple capillary-biosensor strip. A multiple capillary-biosensor strip is guided and held in the holder in such a manner that one capillary biosensor of the strip at a time is located in the measurement position. The multiple capillary-biosensor strip is movable in the evaluation instrument in such a manner that consecutive capillary biosensors of the multiple capillary-biosensor strip are transported one after the other into the measurement position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test strip with an identification function and a test instrument using the same. The test strip of the present invention comprises a substrate, a test area on the substrate and an identification area also on the substrate. The identification area has at least two identification electrodes, at least one resistor element connected in parallel with the identification electrodes, and an electrode area coupling the identification electrodes and the resistor element. Thereby, the present invention provides many sets of identification signals to differentiate customers, test strips and test instruments.

Abstract: There is provided a biosensor in which a spacer 6 having a cutout portion is bonded between at least first support 1 and a second support 8 to form a specimen supply path 7 through which a supplied specimen is sucked into a space between the supports 1 and 8, a reagent that reacts with a component in the specimen is placed in the specimen supply path 7, and an air hole 9 for promoting suction of the specimen is formed in the second support; wherein the air hole 9 is shaped such that a diameter y of an opening 91b at one surface of the second support 8 which faces the specimen supply path 7 is larger than a diameter x of an opening 91a at the other surface of the second support, and projecting parts 92a and 92b are formed at the peripheries of the openings 91a and 91b, respectively. Thereby, a sufficient amount of specimen can be sucked regardless of the viscosity of the specimen supplied to the biosensor, and further, the specimen is prevented from flowing over the air hole 9.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards apparatuses and methods for the automated measurement of blood analytes and blood parameters for bedside monitoring of patient blood chemistry. Particularly, the current invention discloses a programmable system that can automatically draw blood samples at a suitable programmable time frequency (or at predetermined timing), can automatically analyze the drawn blood samples and immediately measure and display blood parameters such as glucose levels, hematocrit levels, hemoglobin blood oxygen saturation, blood gases, lactate or any other blood parameter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biosensor and more particularly to an electrochemical biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a carrier. The invention is particularly useful for determining the concentration of glucose in blood and is described herein with reference to that use but it should be understood that the invention is applicable to other analytic determinations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biosensor and more particularly to an electrochemical biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a carrier. The invention is particularly useful for determining the concentration of glucose in blood and is described herein with reference to that use but it should be understood that the invention is applicable to other analytic determinations.

Abstract: In a biosensor system and its measuring instrument which determine that a biosensor chip has been inserted and measure biological information on a biological material supplied to the biosensor chip, the size of the biosensor chip is made small, the reliability of the measuring instrument is improved, and the product life becomes long. In addition, a measurement error of the biological information is suppressed in measuring the biological information by inserting a biosensor chip, which has a sensor electrode formed of an electrode member with an electric resistance value higher than a conductive metal, into the measuring instrument. An electrode portion provided in an insertion portion 5 of a measuring instrument 1 is configured such that a ground electrode 12 is used in both a sensor insertion determining circuit 14 and a blood sugar level measuring circuit 15.

Abstract: A compact biosensor cartridge allows biosensors to be tested one by one and protects the biosensors from moisture until they are set. A biosensor dispensing device is also disclosed. A biosensor cartridge may be installed in the dispensing device and pushing and rotating elements are both used to eject the biosensors through a sensor ejecting port in the case. The biosensors are discharged to outside the case when ejection means inside the cartridge are driven by a driving means outside the biosensor cartridge. This configuration allows the biosensor cartridge to be made smaller and thinner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a signal of interest in a biological fluid when the test strip is mated to an appropriate test meter, wherein the test strip and the test meter include structures to verify the integrity of the test strip traces, to measure the parasitic resistance of the test strip traces, and to provide compensation in the voltage applied to the test strip to account for parasitic resistive losses in the test strip traces.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor strip is provided. The electrochemical sensor strip includes an insulating substrate having a reaction concavity integrally formed thereon, a cover, an electrochemical reaction layer, and an electrode device. The reaction concavity is peripherally and entirely enclosed by the insulating substrate. The cover partially covers on the reaction concavity by leaving an opening on the reaction concavity. The electrochemical reaction layer is located in the reaction concavity, and the electrode device is located in the reaction concavity for transmitting a signal resulting from an electrochemical reaction performed in the electrochemical reaction layer.

Abstract: A test strip for measuring a signal of interest in a biological fluid when the test strip is mated to an appropriate test meter, wherein the test strip and the test meter include structures to verify the integrity of the test strip traces, to measure the parasitic resistance of the test strip traces, and to provide compensation in the voltage applied to the test strip to account for parasitic resistive losses in the test strip traces. In addition, conductive traces are positioned to ensure structural interrogation of all electrodes and traces present upon the test strip.

Abstract: The presence of a select analyte in the sample is evaluated in an an electrochemical system using a conduction cell-type apparatus. A potential or current is generated between the two electrodes of the cell sufficient to bring about oxidation or reduction of the analyte or of a mediator in an analyte-detection redox system, thereby forming a chemical potential gradient of the analyte or mediator between the two electrodes After the gradient is established, the applied potential or current is discontinued and an analyte-independent signal is obtained from the relaxation of the chemical potential gradient. The analyte-independent signal is used to correct the analyte-dependent signal obtained during application of the potential or current.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Abstract: A biochemical test system, a measurement device, a biochemical test strip and a method of making the same are provided. The biochemical test system includes a biochemical test strip and a measurement device. The biochemical test strip includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system disposed on the insulating substrate, and a pattern code disposed on one side of the insulating substrate. The pattern code includes N components and at least one of the N components penetrates the insulating substrate. The measurement device includes a microprocessor and a connector. The connector is coupled to the pattern code and the electrode system for receiving signals corresponding to the pattern code. The microprocessor is coupled to the connector for receiving signals from the connector.

Abstract: Sensors for the electro-chemical analysis of samples and methods for the manufacturing of sensors allow for more efficient manufacture and use of electro-chemical sensors. Flexible sheets, such as polycarbonate sheets, are used to easily manufacture sensor components, with sensor chemistry being applied to the sensor components at manufacture. Sensors may be manufactured with modular components, enabling easy production-line manufacture and construction of electro-chemical sensors with significant cost savings and increased efficiency over existing sensor styles and sensor manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.

Abstract: A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technique for analyzing a sample.

Abstract: A substantially planar electrochemical test strip for determination of the presence and/or quantity of an analyte in a sample is provided that has a first electrode, a first connector including two contact pads, and a first conductive lead extending between the first electrode and the first connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the first electrode and the first connector; a second electrode, a second connector including one or more contact pads, and a second conductive lead extending between the second electrode and the second connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the second electrode and the second connector, and a sample chamber for receiving a sample. The first and second electrode are disposed to contact a sample within the sample chamber such that an electrochemical signal is generated. The contact pad or pads of the second connector are between the contact pads of the first connector when viewed in the plane of the test strip.

Abstract: An intelligent biosensing meter has a parameter storing unit stored a plurality of parameters that sample strips detection needed and at least one slot for receiving a sample strip or a code card. The code card can store a plurality of parameters therein that are not stored in the parameter storing unit. Therefore, the intelligent biosensing meter not only stores parameters therein but also receives the code card to store new parameter or download new parameter from an internet. Manufacturers can save budget for manufacturing code cards if parameters stored in the biosensing meter are suitable for testing a new batch of sample strip or download from the internet. Furthermore, the intelligent biosensing meter can insert different kind of cards or strips into one slot and recognize them by circuit design to control different functions. The biosensing meter of the present invention will decrease manufacturing cost and be operated easily.

Abstract: According to the standard solution and the determination method of the present invention, in a case where a voltage is applied by a drive voltage of a measurement apparatus to an electrode portion of a biosensor comprising an electrode portion including a counter electrode and a measuring electrode formed on an insulating substrate, and a reagent layer which reacts with a sample solution supplied to the electrode portion, and a current value which flows at the application is measured, thereby determining a substrate contained in the sample solution, a reducing substance is contained in the standard solution used for controlling a precision of measurement of the measurement apparatus. Therefore, when the standard solution is measured, a large change occurs in a current waveform between time t0 and t1 shown in FIG. 6 due to the reducing substance, thereby discriminating whether the analyte liquid being measured is the standard solution or the sample solution and easily identifying the kind of analyte liquid.

Abstract: The presence of a select analyte in the sample is evaluated in an an electrochemical system using a conduction cell-type apparatus. A potential or current is generated between the two electrodes of the cell sufficient to bring about oxidation or reduction of the analyte or of a mediator in an analyte-detection redox system, thereby forming a chemical potential gradient of the analyte or mediator between the two electrodes After the gradient is established, the applied potential or current is discontinued and an analyte-independent signal is obtained from the relaxation of the chemical potential gradient. The analyte-independent signal is used to correct the analyte-dependent signal obtained during application of the potential or current.

Abstract: The measurement instrument includes an attribute information output section to output attribute information about the attributes of the measurement instrument as an electric physical value. The attribute information is based on at least one of the conditions including a resistance of the attribute information output section, a location of the attribute information output section, and the size of a region on which the attribute information output section is formed. The attribute information may be used to select the calibration curve suitable for the measurement instrument. The attribute information may be one that relates to a specific measurement standard applied to the measurement instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for measuring the concentration of a particular component in a sample liquid using a test tool (2). The test tool (2) includes a first through a third detection elements (31a-33a) arranged in the mentioned order in the moving direction of the sample liquid for measuring an electro-physical quantity. The present invention provides a concentration measuring method which includes a first detection step for detecting whether or not liquid conduction is established between the first and the second detection elements (31a, 32a), a second detection step for detecting whether or not liquid conduction is established between the second and the third detection elements (31a, 33a), a measurement step for measuring an electro-physical quantity by using the first through the third detection elements (31a-33a), and a concentration computation step for computing the concentration of the particular component based on the electro-physical quantity.

Abstract: An analysis system is provided which comprises an integrated analysis device and a test strip magazine, for determining an analyte in a body fluid, wherein the analysis system comprises a first group comprising reusable components and a second group of components comprising a plurality of disposable articles. The second group includes non-electronic and electronic components, with critical interfaces configured between two or more such components, wherein non-electronic components can be disconnected from electronic components at a disconnection point. In one embodiment, critical interfaces are produced and tested during production of the analysis system.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor analysis system is provided for analyzing a sample liquid, comprising a biosensor having an electrode structure made of at least two electrodes, a test field, covering the electrode structure and capable of absorbing the sample liquid, and a defined sample application surface on the top side of the test field. The system also includes an analysis instrument comprising an evaluation unit for determining the desired analysis data. The analysis instrument comprises an AC resistance measuring device for measuring an AC resistance value between two electrodes of the electrode structure by means of an area compensation measurement. The measured AC resistance value is used, in the determination of the analysis data, as a measure of the partial area of the effective electrode structure area wetted by the sample liquid.

Abstract: A method of forming a biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The method includes providing a metallized electrode support substrate and a sensor support, ablating the electrode support substrate to form electrodes, coupling the sensor support substrate to the electrode support substrate, and positioning spaced-apart electrically conductive tracks across the sensor support substrate so that each track is in electrical communication with one electrode.

Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Abstract: This electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp including a light-transmissive arc tube having spaced wall portions of dielectric material and a first gaseous fill within the arc tube. An excitation coil about the arc tube is energizable with RF current effective to develop a toroidal arc discharge in the first gaseous fill upon a dielectric breakdown of the fill. A starting container is joined to the arc tube and has an end wall constituted by one of said arc-tube wall portions. A second gaseous fill within the starting container has a dielectric strength lower than that of the first gaseous fill. For initiating the rotoidal arc discharge, we provide an arrangement for producing a dielectric breakdown of the gaseous fill within the starting container that develops into an electric discharge that changes the potential at the end wall in such a manner as to cause a dielectric breakdown of the first gaseous fill.