Abstract: A system is provided for sensing a blood parameter, such as an analyte, in a patient's vasculature. The system includes a vascular access device, a parameter sensor, a pressure sensor and a flow control device. The vascular access device supports the parameter sensor within the vasculature of the patient and includes an internal passageway for drawing samples onto and calibrating the parameter sensor. The pressure sensor is within the internal passageway. The flow control device modulates sample draw, calibration and flushing fluid flows to prevent or remove clots based on communication with the pressure sensor. Advantageously, the dynamic, adaptive modulation of flow reduces flushing and other cycle times while at the same time improving clot flushing. As another advantage, this enables reduction or elimination of the use of heparin and other anticoagulant components in the solution supplied for flushing and/or calibration.

Abstract: There are provided methods of packaging and packages that prevent damage of the package contents while maintaining sterility and that limit the negative effects of sterilization on sensors such as enzyme sensors. A method of packaging an enzyme sensor includes providing an enzyme sensor such as a glucose oxidase sensor in a gas impermeable package comprising one or more of oxygen and water, removing a significant portion of the oxygen and water present in the package, and sealing the package. The resulting package comprises the enzyme sensor in an atmosphere that is substantially free of oxygen and water. The package can also include a pressure indicator that indicates when the package has exceeded a predetermined pressure.