Abstract: An improved electrode layout for a continuous strip sensor is provided which reduces misalignment of the electrodes with the contacts which read the position of the strip. Better contact with the electrodes reduces or eliminates transient signals between stop positions of the sensor strip.

Abstract: A lancet carrier for an integrated lancet sensor assembly incorporating a lance cover includes an elongated body with a bottom, an open top, a body open end and a body closed end, a lancet-receiving recess with a recess bottom surface, the recess extending between the open end and the closed end, and a trough-forming member forming a trough with a trough open end in communication with the body open end, the trough-forming member longitudinally extending a predefined distance along the bottom from the body open end, the trough replacing a portion of the recess bottom surface at the body open end.

Abstract: A pricking system includes lancets for producing a prick wound, sampling devices for collecting a sample of a body fluid from the prick wound, a housing having an opening for application of a body part in which the prick wound is to be produced, a drive arranged in the housing for moving one of the lancets to produce the prick wound and to then move one of the sampling devices to the prick wound so produced, a coupling part for coupling to the drive one of the lancets for a pricking movement and then coupling to the drive one of the sampling devices for a sampling movement, the coupling part being moved, during the pricking movement and the sampling movement, respectively, from a starting position into an end position by an advancing movement, and from the end position back into the starting position by a reversing movement, respectively, and a motion control which, during the sampling movement, causes the coupling part to reach an end position that differs from the end position reached by the coupling part d

Abstract: Devices and methods for automatic monitoring of fluid of a patient are disclosed, comprising a patient line, a transfer disk which receives the fluid and controllably transfers the fluid to test substrates, and a sensor disk which houses the test substrates. The sterile transfer disk may be configured to maintain the sterility of the patient sampling assembly while transferring samples to non-sterile components, such as the sensor disk.

Abstract: A blood test strip useful for venting a closed intravenous system and collecting a blood sample is described herein. The blood test strip includes a blood test strip, one or more vents, and a gripping member coupled to the proximal end of the blood test strip. The one or more vents are disposed between the distal and the proximal portions of the blood test strip.

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.

Abstract: An analytic magazine is proposed, which comprises at least one chamber with at least one analytic aid. The analytic aid comprises at least one test element for detecting at least one analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid. The test element has at least one test field with at least one test chemical. The test field is at least partly arranged within the chamber, wherein at least one wall of the chamber at least partly covers the test field and at least partly delimits a test-field surface that is accessible from the chamber.

Abstract: A catheter-based medical device includes a catheter that is configured and arranged for at least partial insertion into a patient and that defines at least one lumen that is configured and arranged to receive a first fluid. A conductive-fluid detector is coupled to the at least one lumen and is configured and arranged to detect when a second fluid is disposed within the at least one lumen that is more conductive than the first fluid. The conductive-fluid detector includes a plurality of axially-positioned bodies, each body defining a lumen. The lumens of the axially-positioned bodies are aligned to form a shared lumen in fluid communication with the at least one lumen of the catheter. Spaced apart electrodes are disposed within the shared lumen.

Abstract: A phlebotomy device includes a needle defining a lumen and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a sharpened tip configured to pierce tissue. The phlebotomy device further includes a sensor disposed at least partially within the lumen. The sensor has a first state and a second state and is configured to transition from the first state to the second state upon exposure to blood at physiological temperature.

Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing, including a meter assembly that communicates with a partner device, such as a PC. The device can be made compact, convenient to carry, and easily connectable to a variety of electronics devices.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling device includes a firing mechanism that is configured to be automatically cocked and fired. In one form, the device includes an electric motor that is operable to cock the firing mechanism and fire an integrated lancet/sampling device to form an incision in skin. Subsequent to formation of the incision, the integrated lancet device is temporarily removed from the skin to promote bleeding from the incision. After a specified period of time, the integrated lancet device is then repositioned against the skin in order to collect a fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical instrument for assaying body fluids, the instrument having the following features: a) a housing provided with a receiving element for engaging a body part, b) an abutment for the body part which can be moved between a release position and an operating position relative to the receiving element, c) a lancing unit having a lancing element that can pierce the body part resting against the abutment in a linear lancing stroke, d) a test tape unit having a test tape for receiving body fluid issuing from the body part, and e) a detection unit for examining the body fluid applied to a section of the test tape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring a subject, including setting respective first and second thresholds that are different from one another, sensing at least one parameter of the subject, and analyzing the parameter to generate a score. If the score is between the first and second thresholds, an alert that is indicative of a condition of the subject is generated only after the subject awakes. If the score passes the second threshold, an alert that is indicative of the subject's condition is generated immediately. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the capture of bodily fluid upon lancing of a patient. In one embodiment, the fluid sample capture aperture mesh (320) ring is placed in the pathway of a finger penetrating member (340). The aperture mesh ring has a center clearance area that allows the penetrating member to pierce the skin unobstructed. The aperture mesh ring may contain a series of fluid sampling meshes as to allow the release bodily fluid to “wick” into the fluid sampling meshes for transport to the respective sensor. The invention may also relate to a method of improving the fluidic flow through a membrane mesh structure for the transportation of bodily fluids from a point of sampling to a point of measurement.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

Abstract: A blood test device (21) ensuring successful measurement wherein fingers scarcely slip out from the blood test device and blood never sticks to other sites in the course from the puncture of the patient's skin to the completion of the blood test. This blood test device (21) comprises a cartridge (24) in which sensors (23) pooling blood oozing out from the punctured skin are stored in a layered state, a transport unit transporting a single sensor sheet (23) from the inside of the cartridge (24) to the outside, a holder (25) holding the transported sensor (23), a laser emitting unit (26) puncturing the skin in the state where the sensor (23) is held by the holder (25), and a pump (28) keeping the inside of the holder (25) and the inside of the cartridge (24) under negative pressure.

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: This invention provides an assay device for testing an analyte in samples, comprising a chamber with an opening for collecting samples, a test element, and a sound indication structure. The indication structure creates sound by vibrating after the structure deforms and would move back to the original position. The assay device is easy to operate for non-professionals.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter includes a front attachment part to which a test piece is attached, a measurement part for measuring a component of blood collected via a blood guide passage in the test piece, and a monitor for displaying the measurement results obtained by the measurement part. When the device is placed on a horizontal plane by referring to the display face of the monitor as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side and placing the display face of the monitor upward, the central axis of the test piece extends obliquely downward toward the front side. The blood glucose meter comprises a main part provided with the monitor and a linking part between the main part and the front attachment part. The top face of the linking part is placed roughly parallel to the central axis line and is provided with an ejector lever.

Abstract: A blood testing apparatus has a test member and a laser source configured to produce a wound from which blood flows. The laser source produces at least a cutting wavelength, and a coagulation wavelength. Electronics for analysis and a display are provided. The test member, laser source, electronics and display form a glucose monitoring system that is integrated in a single apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for piercing a body part and determining whether a sufficient volume of blood has been withdrawn. A lancing element is rapidly inserted into a body part in a forward phase and retracted quickly to a lesser puncturing depth. Subsequently, the lancing element is retracted slower than during the first retraction movement and the distance retracted during the second retraction is shorter than the first retraction movement. During the second retraction movement, body fluid is collected in a collection phase by a capillary structure of the lancing element. Contact between the lancing element and the body fluid is detected after the forward phase at the beginning and the end of a waiting period.

Abstract: An integrated sampling device defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to a channel for drawing fluid automatically towards a test media upon incision by an incision portion. The second opening is positioned over the test media allowing manual sampling of fluid if the channel fails to draw a sufficient amount of fluid onto the test media.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: Unique characteristic sounds produced as urine impacts the surface of the water are used to monitor men's urinary flow patterns and their dynamics. By detecting the intensity at selected acoustic frequencies, it is possible to accurately and precisely measure the urine flow rate. Techniques for analyzing urine flow and its dynamics employ sound levels that are detected with digital filters at two or more distinct frequency regions or channels of the sound spectrum. One frequency region that is designated the measurement channel is where the sound measurement intensity strongly depends on urine flow levels. Another frequency region that is designated the reference channel is where the sound measurement intensity is not dependent on urine flow levels. By using a combination of measurements from the measurement channel and the reference channel, the urine flow monitoring apparatus compensates for variations in operating conditions and other factors during use.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing information on at least one container for storing a biological sample, including: a holder configured to hold at least one biological sample container and a receiver configured to receive information relating to at least one of the container or the biological sample as well as data relating to at least one instruction for printing the information. The system and method further include a printer configured to print the information in accordance with the at least one instruction. In one embodiment, the printer is configured to print the information directly on the container. In another embodiment, the system and method further include an applicator configured to apply a label on the container and the printer is configured to print the information on the label.

Abstract: Lancets comprising a piercing element for puncturing the skin of a patient, a test region containing detection reagents for determining an analyte concentration of a body fluid sample, a capillary structure arranged in the piercing element for transporting a body fluid sample to the test region, and a sterile protection element, which encloses the tip of the piercing element. The capillary structure is blocked in a section surrounded by the sterile protection element. Also provided are methods for producing a lancet, comprising: producing a piercing element, which on the upper side has an upwardly open capillary structure; covering a section of the upper side of the piercing element and blocking the capillary channel in this section using a first material; covering a section of the underside using a second material; sterilizing the piercing element; and attaching a test region containing detection reagents to the piercing element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for measuring a heartbeat of a fetus in a pregnant subject. A motion-related parameter of the pregnant subject is sensed without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing. The fetal heartbeat is derived from the motion-related parameter, and an output is generated in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Muscle cramps can be reduced or avoided by monitoring the concentration of salt in perspiration to indicate the degree of salt depletion. Based on the degree of salt depletion, a sufficient amount of rehydration beverage is consumed to normalize the salt level.

Abstract: A system for operating a semi-closed loop and/or a closed loop resuscitation of a burn patient in view of patient information and other physiological data gathered by the system. The system in at least one embodiment includes an urine sensor, an infusion pump and a processor that controls the operation of the infusion pump at least in part from a signal received from the urine sensor.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a part of a subject is provided. An invasive or non-invasive sample of blood may used for this determination. Also provided is a device for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a subject.

Abstract: A supply of lancets for a multi-use lancing device are carried by a tape and sequentially brought from a storage position to an activating position by advancing the tape around a bend. The lancets are non-circular in cross-section along their longitudinal lengths, and in their activating position they extend from the tape such that their sharp tips are available for lancing tissue. The carrying tape can be arranged in reel-to-reel format in a housing having a lancing opening. The lancets can be integral with the tape and activated to move the lancet through the lancing opening by moving the tape along its tape path or by translating a dedicated service loop of the tape. The lancets can also be independent from the tape and activated through the lancing opening by a separate lancing actuator. A test media can be included on the carrying tape and the housing can contain a sensor to yield an integrated lancing and testing device.

Abstract: A method for providing decision-assist to medical staff resuscitating a burn patient includes receiving patient information, calculating an infusion rate, outputting the infusion rate, obtaining a urinary output, calculating a new infusion rate using infusion rate model based constants, and outputting the new infusion rate. In some embodiments, the method includes notifying medical staff when problems arise, displaying information regarding the resuscitation, and setting limits regarding the infusion rates.

Abstract: A urine collection system includes an anti-flux mechanism to reduce the amount of urine that may flow from within the collection bag back into the urine meter. The urine collection system includes a urine meter, a collection member defining at least a first opening for receiving urine from the urine meter and a shield positioned adjacent the opening of the collection member. The shield is affixed to the collection member at predetermined connection points along a periphery of the shield whereby urine flows between the connection points from the urine meter to the collection member. The shield may be affixed to an internal surface of the bag. The shield may be spot welded to the collection member at the connection points. The shield may include at least a first slot configured to permit the passage of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A skin penetrating system is provided with a drive force generator and a disposable housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the disposable housing member. Each penetrating member is coupled to the drive force generator. A plurality of analyte detecting members are each associated with a penetrating member and are positioned in the disposable housing member. Each analyte detecting member is positioned in a sample chamber with a volume of less than 1 ?L, The sample chambers have openings for transport of a body fluid into the sample chamber. Each analyte detecting member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of a body fluid disposed in the sample chamber. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.

Abstract: A device and method for the collection and testing of mammalian fluid samples. The device consists of an outer sleeve and an inner swab whereby the inner swab fits into the internal cavity of the outer sleeve and is moveable within the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve contains testing means, such as a pH test or an amine release test within its internal cavity. A fluid sample is introduced to the device by way of a sample collection opening in the outer sleeve, which is received by the inner swab within the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve containing the sample is then moved through the outer sleeve so that it comes into contact with the testing means.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of monitoring fluid output are disclosed. The apparatus, system and method includes at least one exit route for the fluid output, a collection point for the fluid output, and at least one output reader for display of at least one output reading device. The output reader includes a detector, such as a weight sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a float sensor, a mechanical diaphragm/counter, or an electromechanical or electrical sensor, through which the fluid output passes, at least one local memory at which a counter output of the detector is stored, and a buffer that forwards the counter output accumulated at the at least one local memory to at least one remote memory at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a test strip and a meter. The test strip is capable of being inoculated by the fluid sample. The test strip includes a test element, which contains at least one reagent adapted to cause a reaction when brought into contact with the analyte. The meter includes a read-head, a repositioning device, and a display. The read-head is capable of producing a signal indicative of the reaction between the analyte and the at least one reagent. The display is capable of displaying the analyte concentration. The repositioning device is adapted to move the test strip from a loading position to a testing position. The testing position positions the test element proximate to the read-head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lancing system for collecting samples of a body liquid having a receptacle for accommodating a lancet supply strip with a plurality of lancets, arranged transversely to the lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip, a feed mechanism for transporting a lancet supply strip, placed in the receptacle, to move the lancets of the lancet supply strip one after the other to a puncturing position, and a lancing drive for causing a lancet, which occupies a puncturing position, to perform a puncturing movement. The lancing system is characterized by a bending mechanism for bending a section of the lancet supply strip in lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip and for thereby separating a lancet tip of a lancet from the lancet supply strip for a puncturing action.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of monitoring urine output. The apparatus, system and method includes at least one exit route for the urine output, a collection point for the urine output, and at least one output reader for display of at least one output reading. The output reader includes a detector, such as a weight sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a float sensor, a mechanical diaphragm/counter, or an electromechanical or electrical sensor, through which the urine output passes, at least one local memory at which a counter output of the detector is stored, and a buffer that forwards the counter output accumulated at the at least one local memory to at least one remote memory at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A blood analysis device wherein a carrying part blood attached thereto can be localized to thereby facilitate handling after using. When incorporating blood collected from the punctured skin, the blood is held in a skin-puncturing device or the like so that an uncontaminated holding area can be enlarged and the degree of freedom in handling can be increased. A blood analysis device which comprises a plate type device body having a blood collection port for incorporating blood and a ventilation hole formed at a certain distance apart in a face and a passage located inside for connecting the blood collection port to the ventilation hole, and a blood analysis section located within the passage for analyzing the blood having been incorporated via the blood collection port.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the residual volume within a patient having a naso-enteral feeding tube. A collection container is coupled to the naso-enteral feeding tube and a physical force is applied to the collection container to prevent stomach fluid from flowing into the collection container. The physical force is removed from the collection container and the stomach fluid is allowed to flow into the collection container. The volume of fluid within the collection container is determined, which represents the gastric residual volume of the patient. At least a portion of the collected volume of stomach fluid is returned to the patient from the collection container.

Abstract: A point of care fluid testing system for determining properties of a fluid comprises a patient connection, a primary fluid routing portion, a pump, a secondary fluid routing portion, and a flushing fluid connection. The patient connection connects the system to a patient. The primary fluid routing portion has a pump region, a fluid transfer region, and an in-line testing region. The pump region pumps the fluid sample from the patient to the testing portion and back to the patient. The in-line testing region evaluates a first characteristic of the fluid sample. The fluid transfer region transmits a portion of the fluid sample out of the primary fluid routing portion. The secondary fluid routing portion includes an off-line testing portion that receives the portion of the fluid sample transmitted from the fluid transfer region. The off-line testing portion evaluates a second characteristic of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A blood test apparatus having a simple constitution whereby stable measurement can be conducted by surely sampling the blood in an amount being small but sufficient for the test without placing too much burden on a patient. When a first skin contact sensor of this apparatus detects the skin, driving of a negative pressure unit is initiated. Thus, the skin rises and comes into contact with a second skin contact sensor. After piercing into the skin, the negative pressure supply is once ceased. Next, the negative pressure is applied again for a definite period of time. Thus, the opening in the skin is broadened, which facilitates the flow out of the blood.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for obtaining and analyzing a blood sample contains a supply of lancets and test strips, which are located alternately on a carrier band. A lancet or alternatively a test strip may be clamped on a holder, which is mounted so it is movable. The movement controller of the holder comprises a three-dimensional control curve and a guide element, which engages at different depths in the control curve as a function of its relative position. The control curve comprises two guide paths, which run on different parallel planes. The contour of the first guide path determines the movement path of the lancet and the contour of the second guide path determines the movement path of the test strip. The test strip executes a transverse offset perpendicular to the puncture axis of the lancet.

Abstract: A machine for performing a method for immediate identification and rapid comparative assessment of indicators of the presence of infections and/or risk situations related to gastroduodenal pathologies, characterized in that it comprises a measurement unit that is constituted by a container supplied by means for aspirating gastric juices in which an agitator of the mixture of gastric juice, reagents and water operates, and at least one probe for sensing the values of the analysis, a hydraulic section that comprises a set of tanks for the reagents required for the analysis and for the water, which are connected to respective apparatuses for feeding said measurement unit and to a pump for feeding water into the stomach of the patient, an apparatus for controlling the temperature of said container, and an electrical section, which comprises a programmable control unit for actuating and controlling said feeder apparatuses and said measurement unit and is suitable to determine the test execution methods.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

Abstract: A method of treating patients in need of heart beat regulation or for preventing the development of cardiac arrhythmias, wherein the patients are not suffering from cardiac illness, by regulating heart beat using a cardiac pacemaker and reducing patient risk of developing a ventricular arrhythmia, wherein the risk is associated with an underlying patient illness, and wherein the patient does not suffer from cardiac illness, by regulating the patient's heart beat using a cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract: A pH indicator module is configured to attach on a proximal end to a suction mechanism and on a distal end to a proximal end of an aspiration tube. The pH indicator module comprises a barrel connector configured to attach to an aspiration tube, the barrel connector forming an inner passageway, the passageway being located in a direct flow path of the aspirated fluid when the pH indicator module is used. The barrel connector is configured to receive a pH indicator material placed in the passageway, the pH indicator material being configured to come into contact with a direct flow of the aspirated fluid drawn into the passageway to determine a pH value of the aspirated fluid. The pH indicator module also comprises a cap portion configured to attach on a proximal cap end to the suction mechanism and to attach on a distal cap end to the barrel connector.