Abstract: Determining, generating, and issuing a contextual alert message to a user regarding an alert condition of a process system is provided. Described is determining variable data from a sensor associated with a process system, transmitting a first set of variable data from the sensor to a server and using the server to develop an alert classification model using the first set of variable data, where the alert classification model contains contextual information about an alert condition of the process system, transmitting a second set of data from the sensor to the server and using the server to compare the second set of data to a threshold value to determine if the process system is in an alert condition or approaching an alert condition.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a given run of a process having a defined protocol is on a trajectory for successful completion is provided. The method includes the step of initiating a run of the defined protocol of the process. During the initiated run, obtaining information reflecting variables that may affect the quality of the process. A preferred trajectory model for achieving a successful implementation of a process is also obtained. The information reflecting the variables that affect the quality of the process are compared with the preferred trajectory model. This comparison allows a determination of offset of the value of the determined variables to the value of the same variables of the preferred trajectory model. The magnitude or amount of offset is indicative of the whether the run initiated in step is on a path or trajectory for success.

Abstract: A method for obtaining information encoded on an electrochemical test strip is provided. The test strip has two electrodes disposed within a sample space and the information is encoded on the test strip prior to introduction of liquid sample. The method includes the step of introducing sample to the sample space so that the sample is in contact with the two electrodes within the sample space. In another step a value is determined that is representative of the double layer capacitance of the test strip and/or the equivalent capacitance of the test strip. The determined value is then translated into information reflecting a characteristic of the test strip prior to introduction of sample.

Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus (EMA) for measuring electromagnetic properties of an electrical conductor such as a power cord is provided. Methods of using the EMA are also provided. The EMA includes a plurality of electromagnetic sensors (EMSs) disposed in an array along a length and a width of the EMA. The EMA further includes circuitry such as a microprocessor, communication circuitry, and power circuitry. The circuitry is in electrical communication with the EMSs.

Abstract: The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip.

Abstract: Liquid compositions are described which have enzyme that is able to convert a substrate to release hydrogen peroxide; substrate for the enzyme; and polymer. The substrate is less than 10% by weight of the composition and the composition does not comprise sufficient free water to allow the enzyme to convert the substrate, or has a water activity of 0.7 or less.

Abstract: A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.

Abstract: Devices and systems for cell culture analysis are provided. A device for cell culture analysis includes a first component comprising a receptacle configured to receive a cell culture insert having an apical surface and a basal surface and a second component. The device further includes an inlet port disposed at at least one of the first and second components and an outlet port disposed at at least one of the first and second components. The first component and second component are releasably couplable and configured to define a flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port when in a coupled state. The flow path is at least partially defined by a surface of the second component, and the first component is configured to expose the basal surface of the cell culture insert to the flow path.

Abstract: An electrochemical test device is provided having a base layer with a first electrode thereon and a top layer with a second electrode thereon. The two electrodes are separated by a spacer layer having an opening therein, such that a sample-receiving space is defined with one electrode on the top surface, the other electrodes on the bottom surface and side walls formed from edges of the opening in the spacer. Reagents for performing the electrochemical reaction are deposited on one of the electrodes and on the side walls of the sample-receiving space.

Abstract: An empirical data management system (EDMS) includes an application server, an environmental sensor unit, a process instrument, a data storage system, and a correlation module. If a correlation exists between two or more of process data, environmental data, and specified environmental operating ranges of the process instrument, a user is prompted with a specific message such as a recommendation, warning and/or query.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: A dry reagent composition that includes an active redox enzyme that oxidizes an analyte as a specific substrate to produce an inactive reduced form of the enzyme; and a salt of ferricyanide provides improved performance in electrochemical test strips such as those used for detection of glucose. The salt of ferricyanide consists of ferricyanide and positively-charged counter ions, and the positively charged counter ions are selected such that the salt of ferricyanide is soluble in water, and such that the salt of ferricyanide or the crystalline phase of the salt of ferricyanide has a solubility in water and/or a lower E0eff at a concentration of 100 mM than potassium ferricyanide. For example, the salt of ferricyanide may be tetramethylammonium ferricyanide.

Abstract: The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip.

Abstract: A dry reagent composition that includes an active redox enzyme that oxidizes an analyte as a specific substrate to produce an inactive reduced form of the enzyme; and a salt of ferricyanide provides improved performance in electrochemical test strips such as those used for detection of glucose. The salt of ferricyanide consists of ferricyanide and positively-charged counter ions, and the positively charged counter ions are selected such that the salt of ferricyanide is soluble in water, and such that the salt of ferricyanide or the crystalline phase of the salt of ferricyanide has a solubility in water and/or a lower E0eff at a concentration of 100 mM than potassium ferricyanide. For example, the salt of ferricyanide may be tetramethylammonium ferricyanide.

Abstract: The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a given run of a process having a defined protocol is on a trajectory for successful completion is provided. The method includes the step of initiating a run of the defined protocol of the process. During the initiated run, obtaining information reflecting variables that may affect the quality of the process. A preferred trajectory model for achieving a successful implementation of a process is also obtained. The information reflecting the variables that affect the quality of the process are compared with the preferred trajectory model. This comparison allows a determination of offset of the value of the determined variables to the value of the same variables of the preferred trajectory model. The magnitude or amount of offset is indicative of the whether the run initiated in step is on a path or trajectory for success.

Abstract: An empirical data management system (EDMS), such as an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) system, includes an application server running an EDMS server application, a data storage system containing data in communication with the application server, and an environmental sensor unit in communication with the application server. The data comprises environmental data received from the environmental sensor unit.

Abstract: Correction for initial variation in thickness of a polymer layer and for changes in the coating thickness that occur after implantation of a biosensor and therefore provides substantial increase in the accuracy and lifetime of implantable sensors is done using a factor derived from the decay of potential.

Abstract: A test strip with an incorporated optical waveguide and deflectors punched through the optical waveguide allows light to exit through a layer of the test strip and be detected by a photo detector. Using light and a photodetector, these uniquely coded strips are identified. The waveguide can be constructed by sandwiching two layers of the test strip around a light transmissible layer. This configuration allows light to be transmitted through the test strip and out the other end, as well as allowing some light to escape the deflector. This light is detected by a photodetector mounted in the analyte test meter. The deflectors may be placed in patterns such that detection of this light indicates certain characteristics of the strip, such as non-counterfeit, regional identification, type of analyte tested, and coding information.

Abstract: A method for obtaining information encoded on an electrochemical test strip is provided. The test strip has two electrodes disposed within a sample space and the information is encoded on the test strip prior to introduction of liquid sample. The method includes the step of introducing sample to the sample space so that the sample is in contact with the two electrodes within the sample space. In another step a value is determined that is representative of the double layer capacitance of the test strip and/or the equivalent capacitance of the test strip. The determined value is then translated into information reflecting a characteristic of the test strip prior to introduction of sample.