Abstract: An analyte (e.g., glucose) is tested in a sample (e.g., blood or blood-free interstitial fluid) having both the analyte and other constituents (e.g., protein). The analyte has an absorption peak over a narrow bandwidth at a characteristic wavelength. The other constituents have an absorption over a broad bandwidth. The broad bandwidth includes and is broader than the narrow bandwidth. Radiant energy (e.g., IR radiation) is directed at the sample. The energy has a source bandwidth including the broad bandwidth. The sample absorbs a portion of the energy. A remainder of the energy is available for analysis. The remainder is analyzed by filtering the remainder into an analyte portion and a reference portion. The analyte portion contains substantially only the narrow bandwidth. The reference portion contains substantially only the broad bandwidth. The analyte portion and the reference portion are measured and compared to calculate an amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment—and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling interstitial fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent collected by the sampler.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: An analyte (e.g., glucose) is tested in a sample (e.g., blood or blood-free interstitial fluid) having both the analyte and other constituents (e.g., protein). The analyte has an absorption peak over a narrow bandwidth at a characteristic wavelength. The other constituents have an absorption over a broad bandwidth. The broad bandwidth includes and is broader than the narrow bandwidth. Radiant energy (e.g., IR radiation) is directed at the sample. The energy has a source bandwidth including the broad bandwidth. The sample absorbs a portion of the energy. A remainder of the energy is available for analysis. The remainder is analyzed by filtering the remainder into an analyte portion and a reference portion. The analyte portion contains substantially only the narrow bandwidth. The reference portion contains substantially only the broad bandwidth. The analyte portion and the reference portion are measured and compared to calculate an amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a body fluid for testing for an analyte includes a needle for penetrating a patient's skin to access the fluid within the skin. The needle has a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. An interior surface of the body defines a fluid pathway extending between the ends. The second end is positioned to deposit fluid for testing. The first end has a beveled face on a front side of the body. The beveled face terminates at a penetration tip with the beveled face having an opening in communication with the fluid pathway. The penetration tip is burnished to a rounded shape and bent to facilitate low pain and rapid fluid collection.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment—and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a body fluid for testing for an analyte includes a needle for penetrating a patient's skin to access the fluid within the skin. The needle has a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. An interior surface of the body defines a fluid pathway extending between the ends. The second end is positioned to deposit fluid for testing. The first end has a beveled face on a front side of the body. The beveled face terminates at a penetration tip with the beveled face having an opening in communication with the fluid pathway. The penetration tip is burnished to a rounded shape and bent to facilitate low pain and rapid fluid collection.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment-and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.