Abstract: A test cartridge for evaluating biological fluids can have a sensor flow cell defining a flow path for selectively passing a test fluid or biological fluid across a sensor to evaluate the sensor or the biological fluid. The test cartridge can include a sample port and at least one deformable reservoir, both formed as part of the test cartridge and fluidly connected to the flow path upstream of the sensor. A biological fluid can be manually fed into the flow path through the sample port for evaluation by the sensor. Before the biological fluid is fed through the sample port, the deformable reservoir can be manually ruptured to pass the test fluid contained within the reservoir across the sensor to first evaluate the sensor. In an example, the deformable reservoir can include a first reservoir containing a liquid quality control (LQC) fluid and a second reservoir containing a calibration fluid.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a POC system that includes loading a first LQC fluid onto the testing chamber and measuring the first LQC fluid with the sensor to obtain a first actual measurement, where the first LQC fluid can comprise a first known concentration of an analyte. The method also includes loading a second LQC fluid, having a second known concentration of the at least one analyte, into the testing chamber and measuring the second LQC fluid with the sensor to obtain a second actual measurement. The known concentrations are evaluated against the actual measurements to determine difference values. The values are compared against expected LQC values to determine if the cartridge, the cartridge manufacturing lot, the POC system, or the user proficiency are outside quality control expectations.

Abstract: A test cartridge for evaluating biological fluids can have a sensor flow cell defining a flow path for selectively passing a test fluid or biological fluid across a sensor to evaluate the sensor or the biological fluid. The test cartridge can include a sample port and at least one deformable reservoir, both formed as part of the test cartridge and fluidly connected to the flow path upstream of the sensor. A biological fluid can be manually fed into the flow path through the sample port for evaluation by the sensor. Before the biological fluid is fed through the sample port, the deformable reservoir can be manually ruptured to pass the test fluid contained within the reservoir across the sensor to first evaluate the sensor. In an example, the deformable reservoir can include a first reservoir containing a liquid quality control (LQC) fluid and a second reservoir containing a calibration fluid.

Abstract: A point-of-care system that can include a contact pad on a printed circuit board and a connector assembly for retaining a lead and positioning the lead in contact with the pad on the printed circuit board and with interfaces of a cuvette. The connector assembly can include a base component and a clamp component, where the base component can define at least one recessed track for receiving each lead. The clamp component can be secured to the base component to clamp the at least one lead between the base component and the clamp component without flux or solder. The connector assembly can be secured to the printed circuit board without flux or solder.

Abstract: A point-of-care system that can include a contact pad on a printed circuit board and a connector assembly for retaining a lead and positioning the lead in contact with the pad on the printed circuit board and with interfaces of a cuvette. The connector assembly can include a base component and a clamp component, where the base component can define at least one recessed track for receiving each lead. The clamp component can be secured to the base component to clamp the at least one lead between the base component and the clamp component without flux or solder. The connector assembly can be secured to the printed circuit board without flux or solder.

Abstract: A portable device that includes a plurality of test modules for analyzing preselected concentrations of various body fluids of a patient. The portable diagnostic device interfaces and utilizes disposable cartridges and reagent diagnostic test strips and other fluid sample diagnostic devices to determine the amounts of preselected parameters in a patient's blood through either electrochemical, electrical, optical, or mechanical analysis. The disposable fluid sample diagnostic devices may include sample chambers with inlet ports, electrical, physical, or chemical sensors, in situ calibration media, a plurality of electrical interface terminals, and temperature control elements. An electrical interface interconnects the various test modules with one or more corresponding integrated circuits which in turn are electrically coupled to a common interactive display, printer, power supply, and communication ports.

Abstract: A device and method for testing and monitoring, either manually or automatically, the performance of various components electrically linked to the electronic circuitry of a diagnostic instrument. Components of the electrical circuitry, including potentiometric operational amplifiers and a multi-channel connector, are tested for leakage current, A/D reference voltage, edge connector contact resistance and background noise.

Abstract: A portable device that includes a plurality of test modules for analyzing preselected concentrations of various body fluids of a patient. The portable diagnostic device interfaces and utilizes disposable cartridges and reagent diagnostic test strips and other fluid sample diagnostic devices to determine the amounts of preselected parameters in a patient's blood through either electrochemical, electrical, optical, or mechanical analysis. The disposable fluid sample diagnostic devices may include sample chambers with inlet ports, electrical, physical, or chemical sensors, in situ calibration media, a plurality of electrical interface terminals, and temperature control elements. An electrical interface interconnects the various test modules with one or more corresponding integrated circuits which in turn are electrically coupled to a common interactive display, printer, power supply, and communication ports.