Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: A multichemistry measuring device and diagnostic test strips which, in combination with the multichemistry measuring device, provide a multichemistry testing system are disclosed. The test strips are for chemical analysis of a sample, and are adapted for use in combination with a measuring device having a test port and capable of performing a multiplicity of testing functionalities. Each type of test strip corresponds to at least one of the testing functionalities, and at least some types of test strips have indicators of the testing functionality on them. The test port is adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips and includes a sensor capable of specifically interacting with the indicator(s) on the test strips, thereby selecting at least one of the multiplicity of testing functionalities corresponding to the type of test strip.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a housing having a sealable chamber located therein and a sealable opening in fluid communication with the sealable chamber; (b) a vacuum pump in communication with the sealable chamber; (c) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which a sample is to be collected, preferably a lancing assembly, the device positioned within the sealable chamber; (d) a movable support for supporting and positioning a port for a fluid collector in the sealable chamber, the movable support capable of moving the port within the sealable chamber between a first position and a second position; and (e) a stop for aligning the fluid collector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:(a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained,(b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin,(c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood,(d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin,(e) retracting said lancet,(f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and(g) releasing the vacuum.In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: An electrode strip for use in an electrochemical sensor for measuring a compound in a sample is provided, including an electrode support, a reference or counter electrode disposed on the support, a working electrode spaced from the reference or counter electrode on the support, a covering layer defining an enclosed space over the reference and working electrodes and having an aperture for receiving a sample into the enclosed space, and a plurality of mesh layers interposed in the enclosed space between the covering layer and the support, the covering layer having a sample application aperture spaced from said electrodes and said reference electrode spaced from said working electrode at a position remote from and on the opposite side of said working electrode from said aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for powered infusion or sampling of a patient comprises: a housing (11) carrying a toothed roller (17), an electric motor (19), a transmission (20) operably coupling such roller and motor, and attachment means (14); and a syringe (12) including a barrel (13) and plunger (15), the plunger being of plastics material having a smooth untoothed longitudinal profile (16), and the attachment means holding the syringe by its barrel in a predetermined disposition relative to the housing with the plunger extending transversely relative to the toothed roller axis of rotation and such roller in penetrated driving engagement with said plunger profile; is provided with a further roller (23) carried by said housing and in transversely driven engagement with the syringe plunger; and a monitor (24) operably coupled with the further roller to generate electrical signals representing rotation of such roller and, in turn, plunger translation.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus consisting of a housing containing an electric motor, the housing having a channel-shaped chassis integrally connected thereto and laterally offset therefrom. A toothed drive roller is transversely journalled in the chassis and is drivingly coupled to the motor by meshing bevel gears. The chassis side walls have opposing vertical grooves receiving the peripheral radial flange of the barrel of a syringe, holding the barrel so that its plunger is transversely engaged on the toothed drive roller. A clamping rod is pivoted to the upper portion of one of the side walls and is lockingly engageable with the other side wall. The clamping rod carries a pressure pad which clampingly engages on the plunger to hold it in driving engagement with the toothed roller. A cannula is detachably connected to the discharge end conduit of the barrel. The discharge conduit is provided with a needle penetrable through a self-closing septum provided in the cannula connector member.