Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system is adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid. The electrochemical sensor system comprises a substrate, conductive material and a hydrogel or liquid. The substrate having porosity therethrough. The conductive material includes at least one electrode. The at least one electrode is coupled to the substrate. The at least one electrode has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The hydrogel or liquid is adapted to assist in carrying the analyte of the fluid to the first and second surfaces of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system is adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid. The electrochemical sensor system comprises a substrate, conductive material and a hydrogel or liquid. The substrate having porosity therethrough. The conductive material includes at least one electrode. The at least one electrode is coupled to the substrate. The at least one electrode has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The hydrogel or liquid is adapted to assist in carrying the analyte of the fluid to the first and second surfaces of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An indexer adapted to index a test sensor from a test-sensor cartridge. The indexer includes an indexer face having a first aperture formed generally through the center thereof. The indexer further includes a retention pin extending through the first aperture and a flexible pawl positioned near an edge of the indexer face. The indexer is adapted to be rotated in a first direction and a second generally opposite direction about the retention pin. The flexible pawl is configured to bend when the indexer is rotated in the second direction. The flexible pawl is configured to assist in rotating the test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system is adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid. The electrochemical sensor system comprises a substrate, conductive material and a hydrogel or liquid. The substrate having porosity therethrough. The conductive material includes at least one electrode. The at least one electrode is coupled to the substrate. The at least one electrode has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The hydrogel or liquid is adapted to assist in carrying the analyte of the fluid to the first and second surfaces of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the analyte concentration of a fluid test sample includes a base, a dielectric layer, a reagent layer, a light guide area, and a lid. The base provides a flow path for the test sample having on its surface a counter electrode and a working electrode adapted to electrically communicate with a detector of electrical current. The dielectric layer forms a dielectric window therethrough. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The lid is adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the test sample thereto. The light guide area transmits light towards the capillary space.

Abstract: A method of indexing and excising a test sensor from a test-sensor cartridge including rotating an indexer in a first direction such that a flexible pawl thereon is positioned between a first and second notch of the test-sensor cartridge. Rotating the indexer in a first direction, but not in a second generally opposite direction, likewise rotates the cartridge. The method further includes rotating the indexer in the second direction such that the flexible pawl is positioned between the second notch and a third notch, and an aperture of the indexer face is generally aligned with a first cavity of the test-sensor cartridge. The method further includes moving an excise mechanism such that a push rod extends through the second aperture and through the first cavity until the first test sensor is excised through an opposing end of the first cavity into a read position.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: An instrument configured to determine the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display, a user-interface mechanism, and a body portion. The body portion houses a test-sensor cartridge and includes an opening configured to receive a test sensor from the test-sensor cartridge. The body portion further includes an indexer and an excise mechanism positioned within the body portion. The indexer includes an indexer face, a retention pin, a flexible pawl, and a user-accessible tab. The indexer is configured to rotate about the retention pin, which extends through a first aperture in the indexer face. The excise mechanism includes a push rod configured to extend through a second aperture in the indexer face and a bar coupled with and generally parallel to the push rod.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the analyte concentration of a fluid test sample includes a base, a dielectric layer, a reagent layer, a light guide area, and a lid. The base provides a flow path for the test sample haying on its surface a counter electrode and a working electrode adapted to electrically communicate with a detector of electrical current. The dielectric layer forms a dielectric window therethrough. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The lid is adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the test sample thereto. The light guide area transmits light towards the capillary space.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the analyte concentration of a fluid test sample includes a base, a dielectric layer, a reagent layer, a light guide area, and a lid. The base provides a flow path for the test sample having on its surface a counter electrode and a working electrode adapted to electrically communicate with a detector of electrical current. The dielectric layer forms a dielectric window therethrough. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The lid is adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the test sample thereto. The light guide area transmits light towards the capillary space.

Abstract: A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.

Abstract: A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.

Abstract: A transdermal test sensor assembly adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample is disclosed. The assembly comprises a sensor support including at least one reservoir adapted to hold a liquid. The assembly further comprises a test sensor being coupled to the sensor support. The test sensor forms at least one aperture therein. At least a portion of the at least one aperture is adjacent to the at least one reservoir. The assembly further comprises a hydrogel composition positioned on the test sensor. The hydrogel composition is linked to the at least one reservoir via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A transdermal test sensor assembly adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample is disclosed. The assembly comprises a sensor support including at least one reservoir adapted to hold a liquid. The assembly further comprises a test sensor being coupled to the sensor support. The test sensor forms at least one aperture therein. At least a portion of the at least one aperture is adjacent to the at least one reservoir. The assembly further comprises a hydrogel composition positioned on the test sensor. The hydrogel composition is linked to the at least one reservoir via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor with a capillary channel is formed by placing a sacrificial insert and electrodes on a sensor base and applying plastic material. After the plastic material is cured, the sacrificial is removed leaving a capillary channel in the sensor. The inserts may be removed by a tool including a clamp for clamping and holding each insert stationary and a sliding block to which the sensor is secured.

Abstract: A transdermal test sensor assembly adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample is disclosed. The assembly comprises a sensor support including at least one reservoir adapted to hold a liquid. The assembly further comprises a test sensor being coupled to the sensor support. The test sensor forms at least one aperture therein. At least a portion of the at least one aperture is adjacent to the at least one reservoir. The assembly further comprises a hydrogel composition positioned on the test sensor. The hydrogel composition is linked to the at least one reservoir via the at least one aperture.