Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for monitoring of subjects suffering from, or being evaluated for, heart failure. A filtered Natriuretic peptide time-series, alone or in combination with other clinical indicia such as weight gain, can be used to estimate a patient's hazard (risk of decompensation). The cumulative integral of Natriuretic peptide concentration can be used to estimate cumulative hazard (risk times exposure) over longer periods of exposure, e.g., 14 day periods, or 30 day periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to test devices for determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample, methods for using such test devices and methods of manufacturing such test devices. The test devices comprise a substrate having disposed thereon, two or more conductive tracks, a reagent composition and a top layer covering a portion of the conductive tracks which forms, in combination with the substrate, a sample receiving chamber. At least one of the conductive tracks comprises a conductive polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for monitoring of subjects suffering from, or being evaluated for, heart failure. A filtered Natriuretic peptide time-series, alone or in combination with other clinical indicia such as weight gain, can be used to estimate a patient's hazard (risk of decompensation). The cumulative integral of Natriuretic peptide concentration can be used to estimate cumulative hazard (risk times exposure) over longer periods of exposure, e.g., 14 day periods, or 30 day periods.

Abstract: An improved disposable glucose test strip for use in a test meter of the type which receives a disposable test strip and a sample of blood from a patient and performs an electrochemical analysis is made using a non-conductive integrated reagent/blood separation layer containing a filler, an enzyme effective to oxidize glucose, e.g., glucose oxidase, and a mediator effective to transfer electrons from the enzyme. The integrated layer formulation is printed over a conductive carbon element to form a working electrode. The filler, for example a silica filler, is selected to have a balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicty such that one drying it forms a two-dimensional network on the surface of the conductive element. The response of this test strip is essentially temperature independent over relevant temperature ranges and is substantially insensitive to the hematocrit of the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring clotting times in a fluid, typically blood, within a microchannel, with the onset of clotting being determined by measurement of the rate of change, or the value, of capacitance or impedance between two electrodes situated on either side of the microchannel. The device includes an upper support member and a lower support member with a microchannel formed therein. The device also includes electrodes situated along the length of the microchannel.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detectable analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A glucose sensor in the form of a skin patch 2 has a microneedle 4 which painlessly penetrates the skin to draw out interstitial fluid. The interstitial fluid passes to a common entrance port 7. A series of microchannels 8 is provided on the skin patch. The fluid drawn onto the patch is selectively switched between a number of microchannels 8 by means of electro-osmotic pumps 10 and hydrophobic gates 12. Each microchannel 8 has an electrochemical detector 11 for sensing gluocse concentration.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clotting times in a fluid, typically blood, within a microchannel whereby the onset of clotting is determined by measurement of the rate of change or value of capacitance or impedance between two electrodes situated on either side of the microchannel. There is provided a disposable test-strip (100) comprising an upper and lower support (101) and (103). A microchannel (102) is formed into the upper surface of the lower support member (103). A second substrate layer (101) is laminated on top of the support member (103), thereby closing the open microchannel (102). Electrodes (104) are formed on the respective outer surfaces of the substrate layers and coplanar to the channel.