Abstract: Electrochemical test sensors and analysis methods are described that reduce or eliminate the pre-treatment or dilution of blood samples prior to HbA1c analysis. Thus, a blood sample obtained from a blood draw or phlebotomy may be introduced to the electrochemical test sensor for HbA1c analysis. The described test sensors immobilize or deactivate incompatible reagents, enzymes, and antibodies so they do not substantially interfere with each other during the analysis. The test sensors also use heat to catalyze reactions that otherwise would proceed at too slow of a rate to be practical.

Abstract: Electrochemical test sensors and analysis methods are described that reduce or eliminate the pre-treatment or dilution of blood samples prior to HbA1c analysis. Thus, a blood sample obtained from a blood draw or phlebotomy may be introduced to the electrochemical test sensor for HbA1c analysis. The described test sensors immobilize or deactivate incompatible reagents, enzymes, and antibodies so they do not substantially interfere with each other during the analysis. The test sensors also use heat to catalyze reactions that otherwise would proceed at too slow of a rate to be practical.

Abstract: A test sensor heating system is disclosed that provides the desired and different temperatures to at least two different reaction zones based on a fixed potential. The measurement device does not alter the potential applied to the heating system in response to temperature feedback information. The heating system provides the desired and different temperatures to the different reaction zones of the test sensor by varying heating element spacing and/or the resistivity of an associated resistive layer of the test sensor to provide the desired temperature in response to the fixed potential. The system also may provide two or more different temperature zones to the test sensor by using different heating element spacing and/or resistive layer resistivity at different locations of the test sensor.

Abstract: Immobilization zones through which a sample flows before reaching the proteolytic agents and/or active enzyme and associated electrode/s of an electrochemical test sensor may be used to trap or chemically deactivate active enzyme and/or proteolytic agent deactivating agents. Through either trapping or chemical deactivation, the immobilization zones substantially prevent the enzyme deactivating agents from reaching, and thus reducing the activity of the active enzyme or enzymes. Similarly, trapping or chemical deactivation may be used to prevent or substantially reduce the incidence of the proteolytic deactivating agent or agents from reaching the proteolytic agent.

Abstract: A test sensor heating system is disclosed that provides the desired and different temperatures to at least two different reaction zones based on a fixed potential. The measurement device does not alter the potential applied to the heating system in response to temperature feedback information. The heating system provides the desired and different temperatures to the different reaction zones of the test sensor by varying heating element spacing and/or the resistivity of an associated resistive layer of the test sensor to provide the desired temperature in response to the fixed potential. The system also may provide two or more different temperature zones to the test sensor by using different heating element spacing and/or resistive layer resistivity at different locations of the test sensor.

Abstract: Immobilization zones through which a sample flows before reaching the proteolytic agents and/or active enzyme and associated electrode/s of an electrochemical test sensor may be used to trap or chemically deactivate active enzyme and/or proteolytic agent deactivating agents. Through either trapping or chemical deactivation, the immobilization zones substantially prevent the enzyme deactivating agents from reaching, and thus reducing the activity of the active enzyme or enzymes. Similarly, trapping or chemical deactivation may be used to prevent or substantially reduce the incidence of the proteolytic deactivating agent or agents from reaching the proteolytic agent.

Abstract: A test sensor heating system is disclosed that provides the desired and different temperatures to at least two different reaction zones based on a fixed potential. The measurement device does not alter the potential applied to the heating system in response to temperature feedback information. The heating system provides the desired and different temperatures to the different reaction zones of the test sensor by varying heating element spacing and/or the resistivity of an associated resistive layer of the test sensor to provide the desired temperature in response to the fixed potential. The system also may provide two or more different temperature zones to the test sensor by using different heating element spacing and/or resistive layer resistivity at different locations of the test sensor.

Abstract: A pushable exercise apparatus configured to be pushed along a surface by a user and to provide user-selected variation in resistance to rotation applied to wheels of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a frame, a handle, a wheel shaft rotatably supported by the frame, one or more wheels fixedly attached to the wheel shaft, and an electrical braking system, such as a generator braking system. The electrical braking system may have a motor driven by rotation of the wheel shaft and variable electrical resistance such that an amount of torque and/or effort required to rotate at least one of the wheels is dependant on the amount of electrical resistance provided to the motor.