Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved meter that utilizes a method of reducing the effects of interfering compounds in the measurement of analytes and more particularly to a method of reducing the effects of interfering compounds in a system wherein the test strip utilizes two or more working electrodes. In one embodiment of the present invention, a meter is described which applies a first potential to a first working electrode and a second potential, having the same polarity but a greater magnitude than the first potential, is applied to a second working electrode. The meter then measures the generated current and utilizes a predetermined algorithm to correct the measured current to compensate for the presence of interfering compounds in the sample.

Abstract: A calibration strip for use with a package of test strips includes a substrate with and a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on a surface of the substrate with the permutative grey scale calibration pattern including more than one grey scale region. Moreover, the grey scale regions of the calibration strip define a grey scale permutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of test strips in a package associated with the calibration strip.

Abstract: An electrochemical-based sensor includes an electrode with at least one electrode surface, a film disposed on the electrode surface, and a dialysis membrane disposed on the film. The film includes a redox enzyme and a hydrophilic redox polymer (i.e., a polymer with an attached redox mediator(s)). In addition, the dialysis membrane serves to entrap the redox polymer and redox enzyme in the vicinity of the electrode. Such entrapment is accomplished by employing a redox enzyme and a hydrophilic redox polymer of a sufficiently high molecular weight that they do not pass through the dialysis membrane.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and kits are provided for use in determining the concentration of chemical and biochemical components in aqueous fluids. The subject devices include test strips which define a longitudinal axis and include a distal edge configured for insertion into a measurement instrument and having an alignment notch formed in the distal edge for engagement with an alignment member of the measurement instrument. The alignment notch has opposing edges wherein at least a portion of the opposing edges is in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axis. In using the subject devices, the devices are inserted into a measurement instrument having an alignment pin. When operatively engaged with the alignment pin, the notch serves to maintain the device in a substantially motionless position. The invention is useful in a variety of applications, particularly in the determination of blood glucose concentrations.

Abstract: An ion implanter vacuum integrity check process and apparatus that enables a vacuum integrity check at a pressure substantially below the ion implantation process pressure, while storing an ion implantation process pressure set point for a subsequent ion implantation process. An ion implanter includes an end station chamber, a high vacuum system, a disk, a gas supply system and a controller for storing at least a vacuum integrity check pressure set point and an ion implantation process pressure set point. A disk inserted into the end station is accelerated to a predetermined rotational speed, while the high vacuum system is used to pump down the end station chamber. The end station chamber is, then, purged with an inert gas for a first predetermined time period, while maintaining the disk rotational speed and continuing to pump down the end station chamber. The pressure of the end station chamber is monitored, while the disk rotational speed and pumping of the chamber are maintained.