Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.

Abstract: Detection reagents, multi-analyte test elements, test systems, and multi-analyte measuring methods are provided. In particular, multi-analyte test elements have (1) a first working electrode and first counter electrode pair covered with a first analyte-specific reagent that includes an enzyme, a coenzyme and a first mediator and have (2) a second working electrode covered with a second analyte-specific reagent that includes an enzyme, a coenzyme and a second mediator, where the second mediator is different than the first mediator. The single counter electrode can be used as the counter electrode for both the first and second analyte measurements at their respective working electrodes. Moreover, the mediator concentrations, measurement ranges, and applied potential differences are not the same for each analyte-specific measurement.

Abstract: Detection reagents, multi-analyte test elements, test systems, and multi-analyte measuring methods are provided. In particular, multi-analyte test elements have (1) a first working electrode and first counter electrode pair covered with a first analyte-specific reagent that includes an enzyme, a coenzyme and a first mediator and have (2) a second working electrode covered with a second analyte-specific reagent that includes an enzyme, a coenzyme and a second mediator, where the second mediator is different than the first mediator. The single counter electrode can be used as the counter electrode for both the first and second analyte measurements at their respective working electrodes. Moreover, the mediator concentrations, measurement ranges, and applied potential differences are not the same for each analyte-specific measurement.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying test element integrity includes providing a biosensor having an electrode-support substrate. A first electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a first body and a neck extending from the first body. A second electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a second body and an opposite pair of necks. Each of the necks extends from a respective end of the second body. A spacer is positioned on the substrate and has an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the substrate. The method also includes applying a signal across the necks of the second electrode to verify continuity along the second electrode. The second body of the second electrode and the pair of connective necks surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode.

Abstract: Electrode arrangements for test elements, test elements and methods of determining sample sufficiency, monitoring fill time, establishing fill directions and/or confirming electrode coverage by a sample for test elements are disclosed. The test elements have an electrode-support substrate including a spacer having an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel. The electrode-support substrate also includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair, wherein the first electrode pair is positioned between the second electrode pair.

Abstract: Electrode arrangements for test elements, test elements and methods of determining sample sufficiency, monitoring fill time, establishing fill directions and/or confirming electrode coverage by a sample for test elements are disclosed. The test elements have an electrode-support substrate including a spacer having an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel. The electrode-support substrate also includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair, wherein the first electrode pair is positioned between the second electrode pair.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying test element integrity includes providing a biosensor having an electrode-support substrate. A first electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a first body and a neck extending from the first body. A second electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a second body and an opposite pair of necks. Each of the necks extends from a respective end of the second body. A spacer is positioned on the substrate and has an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the substrate. The method also includes applying a signal across the necks of the second electrode to verify continuity along the second electrode. The second body of the second electrode and the pair of connective necks surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying test element integrity includes providing a biosensor having an electrode-support substrate. A first electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a first body and a neck extending from the first body. A second electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a second body and an opposite pair of necks. Each of the necks extends from a respective end of the second body. A spacer is positioned on the substrate and has an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the substrate. The method also includes applying a signal across the necks of the second electrode to verify continuity along the second electrode. The second body of the second electrode and the pair of connective necks surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.

Abstract: Detection reagents, multi-analyte test elements, test systems, and multi-analyte measuring methods are provided. In particular, multi-analyte test elements have (1) a first working electrode and first counter electrode pair covered with a first analyte-specific reagent that includes an enzyme, a coenzyme and a first mediator and have (2) a second working electrode covered with a second analyte-specific reagent that includes an enzyme, a coenzyme and a second mediator, where the second mediator is different than the first mediator. The single counter electrode can be used as the counter electrode for both the first and second analyte measurements at their respective working electrodes. Moreover, the mediator concentrations, measurement ranges, and applied potential differences are not the same for each analyte-specific measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.

Abstract: An in vivo amperometric sensor is provided for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The sensor comprises a counter electrode and a working electrode, and the working electrode comprises a sensing layer which is generally water permeable and arranged on a support member adjacent to a contact pad. The sensing layer comprises an immobilized enzyme capable of acting catalytically in the presence of the analyte to cause an electrical signal. The sensing layer has an upper surface facing the body fluid and a lower surface facing away from the body fluid, and the immobilized enzyme is distributed within the sensing layer in such a way that the enzyme concentration in the middle between the upper and lower surfaces is at least as high as on the upper surface of the sensing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.

Abstract: Electrode arrangements for test elements, test elements and methods of determining sample sufficiency, monitoring fill time, establishing fill directions and/or confirming electrode coverage by a sample for test elements are disclosed. The test elements have an electrode-support substrate including a spacer having an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel. The electrode-support substrate also includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair, wherein the first electrode pair is positioned between the second electrode pair.

Abstract: Electrode arrangements for test elements, test elements and methods of determining sample sufficiency, monitoring fill time, establishing fill directions and/or confirming electrode coverage by a sample for test elements are disclosed. The test elements have an electrode-support substrate including a spacer having an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel. The electrode-support substrate also includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair, wherein the first electrode pair is positioned between the second electrode pair.

Abstract: An in vivo amperometric sensor is provided for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The sensor comprises a counter electrode and a working electrode, and the working electrode comprises a sensing layer which is generally water permeable and arranged on a support member adjacent to a contact pad. The sensing layer comprises an immobilized enzyme capable of acting catalytically in the presence of the analyte to cause an electrical signal. The sensing layer has an upper surface facing the body fluid and a lower surface facing away from the body fluid, and the immobilized enzyme is distributed within the sensing layer in such a way that the enzyme concentration in the middle between the upper and lower surfaces is at least as high as on the upper surface of the sensing layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying test element integrity includes providing a biosensor having an electrode-support substrate. A first electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a first body and a neck extending from the first body. A second electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a second body and an opposite pair of necks. Each of the necks extends from a respective end of the second body. A spacer is positioned on the substrate and has an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the substrate. The method also includes applying a signal across the necks of the second electrode to verify continuity along the second electrode. The second body of the second electrode and the pair of connective necks surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode.

Abstract: An in vivo amperometric sensor is provided for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The sensor comprises a counter electrode and a working electrode, and the working electrode comprises a sensing layer which is generally water permeable and arranged on a support member adjacent to a contact pad. The sensing layer comprises an immobilized enzyme capable of acting catalytically in the presence of the analyte to cause an electrical signal. The sensing layer has an upper surface facing the body fluid and a lower surface facing away from the body fluid, and the immobilized enzyme is distributed within the sensing layer in such a way that the enzyme concentration in the middle between the upper and lower surfaces is at least as high as on the upper surface of the sensing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.