Abstract: A method for the transfer of a bodily fluid sample (such as a whole blood sample) during the determination of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in the bodily fluid sample includes applying the bodily fluid sample to a sample collection reservoir of an analytical test strip (for example, an electrochemical-based analytical test strip). During such application, the sample collection reservoir is isolated from fluid communication with a determination chamber of the analytical test strip. The analytical test strip is subsequently inserted into a test meter such that the sample collection reservoir is placed into fluid communication with the determination chamber and such that at least a portion of the bodily fluid sample is consequentially transferred from the sample collection reservoir to the determination chamber. The method further includes determining the analyte in the bodily fluid sample transferred to the determination chamber.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter and analytical test strip cartridge combination includes a hand-held test meter with a test meter housing and an extractor with a test strip engagement feature, while the analytical test strip cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a test strip presentation mechanism disposed within the cartridge housing, and a plurality of analytical test strips (each with at least one extractor engagement feature) disposed in the cartridge housing. Moreover, the test meter housing is configured for operative engagement with the cartridge housing, the test strip presentation mechanism is configured to present a single analytical test strip from the plurality of analytical test strips for engagement with the extractor, and the extractor and test meter housing are configured such that the extractor is operatively extendable from the test meter housing into the cartridge housing upon engagement of the meter housing with the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A method for the transfer of a bodily fluid sample (such as a whole blood sample) during the determination of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in the bodily fluid sample includes applying the bodily fluid sample to a sample collection reservoir of an analytical test strip (for example, an electrochemical-based analytical test strip). During such application, the sample collection reservoir is isolated from fluid communication with a determination chamber of the analytical test strip. The analytical test strip is subsequently inserted into a test meter such that the sample collection reservoir is placed into fluid communication with the determination chamber and such that at least a portion of the bodily fluid sample is consequentially transferred from the sample collection reservoir to the determination chamber. The method further includes determining the analyte in the bodily fluid sample transferred to the determination chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for determining a suitable site for sampling physiological fluid. In the subject methods, a potentially suitable physiological sampling site is selected, the fluid flow of the site is characterized and the site is then determined to be suitable based on the whether the site has high or low flow. Suitability may also be determined based on the type of sample obtainable from the site, where the order of the above-described steps may be altered. The subject devices include at least one site flow characterization element for determining the flow characteristics of a potential physiological sampling site and/or at least one sample type characterization element for determining whether the vasculature is arterial, venous or neither, i.e., an interstitial fluid sampling site. The subject methods and devices are particularly suited for use in the detection of physiological sampling sites in the fingers, arms, legs, earlobes, heels, feet, nose and toes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for determining a suitable site for sampling physiological fluid. In the subject methods, a potentially suitable physiological sampling site is selected, the fluid flow of the site is characterized and the site is then determined to be suitable based on the whether the site has high or low flow. Suitability may also be determined based on the type of sample obtainable from the site, where the order of the above-described steps may be altered. The subject devices include at least one site flow characterization element for determining the flow characteristics of a potential physiological sampling site and/or at least one sample type characterization element for determining whether the vasculature is arterial, venous or neither, i.e., an interstitial fluid sampling site. The subject methods and devices are particularly suited for use in the detection of physiological sampling sites in the fingers, arms, legs, earlobes, heels, feet, nose and toes.

Abstract: Test strips for determining the concentration of at least one analyte, e.g., glucose, in a physiological sample and methods for their manufacture and use and are provided. The subject test strips include a transfer element for facilitating the transfer of sample to a reaction area of the test strip. In certain embodiments, the transfer element, typically porous, has a first area and a second area, and in certain embodiments the two areas have different thicknesses. In other embodiments, the transfer element is non-porous and is configured to transfer sample by wicking it between the transfer element and the reaction area of the test strip. In the subject methods, the transport element facilitates transfers of a sample to a reaction area of the test strip. The subject test strips and methods find use in a variety of different applications, particularly in the determination of glucose concentrations.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for determining a suitable site for sampling physiological fluid. In the subject methods, a potentially suitable physiological sampling site is selected, the fluid flow of the site is characterized and the site is then determined to be suitable based on the whether the site has high or low flow. Suitability may also be determined based on the type of sample obtainable from the site, where the order of the above-described steps may be altered. The subject devices include at least one site flow characterization element for determining the flow characteristics of a potential physiological sampling site and/or at least one sample type characterization element for determining whether the vasculature is arterial, venous or neither, i.e., an interstitial fluid sampling site. The subject methods and devices are particularly suited for use in the detection of physiological sampling sites in the fingers, arms, legs, earlobes, heels, feet, nose and toes.

Abstract: Test strips for determining the concentration of at least one analyte, e.g., glucose, in a physiological sample and methods for their manufacture and use and are provided. The subject test strips include a transfer element for facilitating the transfer of sample to a reaction area of the test strip. In certain embodiments, the transfer element, typically porous, has a first area and a second area, and in certain embodiments the two areas have different thicknesses. In other embodiments, the transfer element is non-porous and is configured to transfer sample by wicking it between the transfer element and the reaction area of the test strip. In the subject methods, the transport element facilitates transfers of a sample to a reaction area of the test strip. The subject test strips and methods find use in a variety of different applications, particularly in the determination of glucose concentrations.