Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a base and a cover, where the cover includes a test strip selecting element. The subject devices may also be characterized by having a test strip holding means, which may include a cover with resiliently deformable walls and/or a gravity controlled test strip holding mechanism. In the subject methods, a test strip container with at least one test strip is provided and placed into a position that causes at least one test strip contained in the base to move into the cover so that a single test strip is selected for use. The subject methods may also include positioning the device in a particular orientation that causes a selected test strip to be held in a fixed position. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices are meters characterized by having an internal structure that includes a test strip selecting element having a continuously reduced cross-sectional area configured to select a single test strip at a time and means for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample applied to the selected test strip. In the subject methods for containing at least one test strip and dispensing a single test strip at a time, a meter having at least one test strip contained therein is provided. The meter is positioned with respect to the ground to cause the single test strip to move from a contained position to a dispensed position. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices are meters characterized by having an internal structure that includes a test strip selecting element having a continuously reduced cross-sectional area configured to select a single test strip at a time and means for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample applied to the selected test strip. In the subject methods for containing at least one test strip and dispensing a single test strip at a time, a meter having at least one test strip contained therein is provided. The meter is positioned with respect to the ground to cause the single test strip to move from a contained position to a dispensed position. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A system for drying chemical reagents on material, particularly for producing product used in making reagent test strips is described. By drying selected chemicals on substrate drawn past a radiant energy source (preferably an IR source), rapid drying may be achieved while obtaining high-quality product. Airflow sufficient to break or disturb a vapor boundary layer above drying solution may be provided to increase drying speeds. Any airflow provided should not disturb the surface of the solution. Still, air-impingement drying techniques may be employed in the system to finish drying reagent material once it is sufficiently dry to be stable in shape. The substrate upon which chemicals are dried may include a reflective coating to facilitate its use with high levels of radiant energy. A metallic or metalized substrate is advantageously used in producing electrochemical test strips. Such test strips may be used in conjunction with various kits and be conveniently read using known hand-held meters.

Abstract: A system for drying chemical reagents on material, particularly for producing product used in making reagent test strips is described. By drying selected chemicals on substrate drawn past a radiant energy source (preferably an IR source), rapid drying may be achieved while obtaining high-quality product. Airflow sufficient to break or disturb a vapor boundary layer above drying solution may be provided to increase drying speeds. Any airflow provided should not disturb the surface of the solution. Still, air-impingement drying techniques may be employed in the system to finish drying reagent material once it is sufficiently dry to be stable in shape. The substrate upon which chemicals are dried may include a reflective coating to facilitate its use with high levels of radiant energy. A metallic or metalized substrate is advantageously used in producing electrochemical test strips. Such test strips may be used in conjunction with various kits and be conveniently read using known hand-held meters.

Abstract: A system for laying down stripes of solution on substrate is described. The substrate preferably comprises a web of material set on a backing roller passed by a specially configured die. The die includes at least a mouth with lips extending beyond a face or body of the die. The die is adapted to avoid fluid leakage therefrom. Upper and lower portions of the die defining the mouth are preferably substantially flat and mirror images of each other. The lips are preferably placed in close proximity to the material on which the solution is to be deposited. Solution passing through the mouth of the die is directed to the webbing and deposited in a substantially constant thickness stripe or band. Often, the solution comprises a reagent-type solution. The solution coating is typically dried onto the substrate. Dried product may then be used in reagent test strop production.

Abstract: A method for laying down stripes of solution on substrate is described. The substrate preferably comprises a web of material set on a backing roller passed by a specially configured die. The die includes at least a mouth with lips extending beyond a face or body of the die. The die is adapted to avoid fluid leakage therefrom. Upper and lower portions of the die defining the mouth are preferably substantially flat and mirror images of each other. The lips are preferably placed in close proximity to the material on which the solution is to be deposited. Solution passing through the mouth of the die is directed to the webbing and deposited in a substantially constant thickness stripe or band. Often, the solution comprises a reagent-type solution. The solution coating is typically dried onto the substrate. Dried product may then be used in reagent test strip production.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices are meters characterized by having an internal structure that includes a test strip selecting element having a continuously reduced cross-sectional area configured to select a single test strip at a time and means for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample applied to the selected test strip. In the subject methods for containing at least one test strip and dispensing a single test strip at a time, a meter having at least one test strip contained therein is provided. The meter is positioned with respect to the ground to cause the single test strip to move from a contained position to a dispensed position. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a base and a cover, where the cover includes a test strip selecting element. The subject devices may also be characterized by having a test strip holding means, which may include a cover with resiliently deformable walls and/or a gravity controlled test strip holding mechanism. In the subject methods, a test strip container with at least one test strip is provided and placed into a position that causes at least one test strip contained in the base to move into the cover so that a single test strip is selected for use. The subject methods may also include positioning the device in a particular orientation that causes a selected test strip to be held in a fixed position. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Abstract: A system for laying down stripes of solution on substrate is described. The substrate preferably comprises a web of material set on a backing roller passed by a specially configured die. The die includes at least a mouth with lips extending beyond a face or body of the die. The die is adapted to avoid fluid leakage therefrom. Upper and lower portions of the die defining the mouth are preferably substantially flat and mirror images of each other. The lips are preferably placed in close proximity to the material on which the solution is to be deposited. Solution passing through the mouth of the die is directed to the webbing and deposited in a substantially constant thickness stripe or band. Often, the solution comprises a reagent-type solution. The solution coating is typically dried onto the substrate. Dried product may then be used in reagent test strop production.

Abstract: A system for laying down stripes of solution on substrate is described. The substrate preferably comprises a web of material set on a backing roller passed by a specially configured die. The die includes at least a mouth with lips extending beyond a face or body of the die. The die is adapted to avoid fluid leakage therefrom. Upper and lower portions of the die defining the mouth are preferably substantially flat and mirror images of each other. The lips are preferably placed in close proximity to the material on which the solution is to be deposited. Solution passing through the mouth of the die is directed to the webbing and deposited in a substantially constant thickness stripe or band. Often, the solution comprises a reagent-type solution. The solution coating is typically dried onto the substrate. Dried product may then be used in reagent test strip production.