Abstract: Methods, analytical devices and analytical systems are provided for determining at least one analyte concentration in a body fluid sample. The methods, which may be incorporated into the devices and systems, can include the following steps: applying a body fluid to a test carrier; illuminating the test carrier by at least one light source, where the at least one light source is modulated by using at least two modulation frequencies; receiving light remitted by the test carrier by using at least one detector; determining an analyte concentration by evaluating at least one detector signal generated by the detector, where the detector signal is demodulated with the at least two modulation frequencies to generate at least two demodulated detector signals, each demodulated signal corresponding to one of the modulation frequencies; and detecting a fault by comparing the at least two demodulated detector signals.

Abstract: Methods are provided for photometrically determining/detecting sample application to an analytical test element for use with a blood glucose measuring device, where the method includes obtaining a sequence of reflectance readings from the test element with the measuring device, including a blank value prior to sample application, and then monitoring changes of the reflectance readings from the test element with respect to a sample application condition defined by a limit for a reflectance decrease or a reflectance threshold. The methods also can include adjusting the sample application condition in accordance with a drift correction and can include determining an analyte concentration in the body fluid sample. In addition, photometric blood glucose measuring devices are provided that incorporate the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods, analytical devices and analytical systems are provided for determining at least one analyte concentration in a body fluid sample. The methods, which may be incorporated into the devices and systems, can include the following steps: applying a body fluid to a test carrier; illuminating the test carrier by at least one light source, where the at least one light source is modulated by using at least two modulation frequencies; receiving light remitted by the test carrier by using at least one detector; determining an analyte concentration by evaluating at least one detector signal generated by the detector, where the detector signal is demodulated with the at least two modulation frequencies to generate at least two demodulated detector signals, each demodulated signal corresponding to one of the modulation frequencies; and detecting a fault by comparing the at least two demodulated detector signals.

Abstract: Methods are provided for photometrically determining/detecting sample application to an analytical test element for use with a blood glucose measuring device, where the method includes obtaining a sequence of reflectance readings from the test element with the measuring device, including a blank value prior to sample application, and then monitoring changes of the reflectance readings from the test element with respect to a sample application condition defined by a limit for a reflectance decrease or a reflectance threshold. The methods also can include adjusting the sample application condition in accordance with a drift correction and can include determining an analyte concentration in the body fluid sample. In addition, photometric blood glucose measuring devices are provided that incorporate the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A hand-held device for measuring an analyte concentration in a sample of a body liquid includes a display means for displaying measured values; a measured-value storage for storing measured values; a measuring unit for generating measured values through measurements of the analyte concentration; a clock; a control unit for generating measured value datasets, each containing a measured value supplied by the measuring unit as well as the date and hour of the measurement by which the measured value was obtained, and for writing them into the measured-value storage; and operating elements that can be actuated by the user to set the clock, in which case the control unit will generate a time-correction dataset indicating the amount and direction of the setting effected. The control unit writes time-correction datasets into the measured-value storage so that a chronologically ordered sequence is generated containing time-correction datasets and measured value datasets.

Abstract: A hand-held device for measuring an analyte concentration in a sample of a body liquid includes a display means for displaying measured values; a measured-value storage for storing measured values; a measuring unit for generating measured values through measurements of the analyte concentration; a clock; a control unit for generating measured value datasets, each containing a measured value supplied by the measuring unit as well as the date and hour of the measurement by which the measured value was obtained, and for writing them into the measured-value storage; and operating elements that can be actuated by the user to set the clock, in which case the control unit will generate a time-correction dataset indicating the amount and direction of the setting effected. The control unit writes time-correction datasets into the measured-value storage so that a chronologically ordered sequence is generated containing time-correction datasets and measured value datasets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.

Abstract: A hand-held device for measuring an analyte concentration in a sample of a body liquid includes a display means for displaying measured values; a measured-value storage for storing measured values; a measuring unit for generating measured values through measurements of the analyte concentration; a clock; a control unit for generating measured value datasets, each containing a measured value supplied by the measuring unit as well as the date and hour of the measurement by which the measured value was obtained, and for writing them into the measured-value storage; and operating elements that can be actuated by the user to set the clock, in which case the control unit will generate a time-correction dataset indicating the amount and direction of the setting effected. The control unit writes time-correction datasets into the measured-value storage so that a chronologically ordered sequence is generated containing time-correction datasets and measured value datasets.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for verifying usability of a test element on the basis of the relation of at least one control parameter measurable from the blank test field of a test element to a standard value for the at least one control parameter. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining the deviation between a first ratio calculated from a blank-field reference value measured for the control parameter and a first standard value, and a second ratio calculated from a blank-field control value and the first standard value, and rejecting a test element if the deviation is not within a predetermined tolerance range for the deviation.

Abstract: A system for analysing a fluid sample arranged on a test element comprises a data processing unit configured to process results of an analysis of the fluid sample arranged on the test element, an audible signal generator, and a control unit. The control unit may control the audible signal generator to generate an audible test signal that is configured to test the operability of the signal generator to audibly encode information. The audible test signal may include audible features that allow for identification of any deviation of the generated audible test signal from a correctly generated audible test signal, and/or from which malfunction of the signal generator can be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.

Abstract: A handheld analysis device for examining a sample of body fluid, such as blood to analyze blood glucose, has a setting mode for changing various device settings to improve the changing of device settings. The handheld analysis device comprises a measurement unit, a microprocessor, a segment display, and an operating element. When the operating element is actuated, the device is placed in a selection mode and further actuation of the operating element, then in one of several setting modes, the user can efficiently change device settings by inputting data and/or control commands.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of a method and a system for monitoring the correct positioning of a test element in a test element receptacle of an analysis unit, the test element carrying a sample to be analyzed by the analysis unit. Using a delimiting element, responsive signals resulting from irradiating an analysis region on the test element are effectively prevented from impinging upon a signal detector when the analysis region is in an incorrect position relative to the analysis unit. The delimiting element is provided with a light-opaque region and a light-transmissive region, and the light-opaque region is positioned such that responsive signals impinge upon it rather than the light-transmissive region when the analysis region is in an incorrect position.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for verifying usability of a test element on the basis of the relation of at least one control parameter measurable from the blank test field of a test element to a standard value for the at least one control parameter. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining the deviation between a first ratio calculated from a blank-field reference value measured for the control parameter and a first standard value, and a second ratio calculated from a blank-field control value and the first standard value, and rejecting a test element if the deviation is not within a predetermined tolerance range for the deviation.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of a method and a system for monitoring the correct positioning of a test element in a test element receptacle of an analysis unit, the test element carrying a sample to be analyzed by the analysis unit. Using a delimiting element, responsive signals resulting from irradiating an analysis region on the test element are effectively prevented from impinging upon a signal detector when the analysis region is in an incorrect position relative to the analysis unit. The delimiting element is provided with a light-opaque region and a light-transmissive region, and the light-opaque region is positioned such that responsive signals impinge upon it rather than the light-transmissive region when the analysis region is in an incorrect position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the audible output of a piece of information by an audible signal generator, where the signal generator is arranged in an analysis system and the analysis system analyses a fluid sample using a test element, where analysis results are generated and are processed by a data processing unit, and where a control unit in the analysis system actuates the signal generator, so that the signal generator audibly outputs a piece of information, the signal generator sending an audible test signal in order to test the operability of the signal generator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for verifying fitness of an analysis element. The method comprises determining the deviation of the quotient of a control value and a first standard reference value as compared to a first reference quotient, formed by a control reference value and the first standard reference value, and to reject a checked analysis element, if the deviation is not within a given tolerance range.

Abstract: For a simple and reliable check of the fitness for purpose of analysis elements, it is proposed to check the deviation of the quotient of a control value and a first standard reference value as compared to a first reference quotient, formed by a control reference value and the first standard reference value, and to reject a checked analysis element, if the deviation is not within a given tolerance range.