Abstract: There is described a method of detecting or determining volumetric sufficiency in an electrochemical test strip having at least first and second conductive elements. The method comprises depositing or applying a fluid sample on the test strip, the test strip being arranged so as to allow the applied sample to flow from one of the conductive elements into contact with the other of the conductive elements and thereby form an electrical connection or other electrical continuity therebetween. The method further comprises applying a potential difference across the first and second conductive elements. A voltage across a capacitive element connected to one of the first and second conductive elements is then measured. The invention is able to provide a reliable means of establishing a point in time at which electrical continuity between two or more conductive elements (for example electrodes) of an electrochemical test strip is deemed to have occurred.

Abstract: An analytical test strip has mutually-insulated first and second electrodes arranged to define a sample-receiving chamber. Electrically-insulating layers are disposed over respective electrodes. First and second electrical contact pads are electrically connected to the first electrode, and a third pad to the second electrode. A first side of the test strip has a first electrically-insulating layer and the third pad, and a second side has the second electrically-insulating layer and the first and second pads. The third pad extends longitudinally from the sample-receiving chamber farther than does the first electrically-insulating layer. Methods for determining an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample and analytical test systems for use in the determination of an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample are also described.

Abstract: A blood analyte measurement system is configured to receive a test strip. An LED proximate to the test strip is used to illuminate the test strip and, in conjunction with a photodiode, to determine its type. A compensation circuit of the measurement system insures that ambient light does not cause interference with the LED illumination to prevent saturation of the photodiode.

Abstract: An analyte meter with a test strip port that detects an orientation of a test strip inserted therein. A control circuit of the test meter is configured to apply a first predetermined analyte measurement signal to a test strip electrode in response to detecting a first orientation of the test strip, and a second predetermined analyte measurement signal to the same, or a different, electrode in response to detecting a second orientation of the test strip.

Abstract: An analytical test strip has mutually-insulated first and second electrodes arranged to define a sample-receiving chamber. Electrically-insulating layers are disposed over respective electrodes. First and second electrical contact pads are electrically connected to the first electrode, and a third pad to the second electrode. A first side of the test strip has a first electrically-insulating layer and the third pad, and a second side has the second electrically-insulating layer and the first and second pads. The third pad extends longitudinally from the sample-receiving chamber farther than does the first electrically-insulating layer. Methods for determining an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample and analytical test systems for use in the determination of an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample are also described.

Abstract: An analytical test strip has mutually-insulated first and second electrodes arranged to define a sample-receiving chamber. Electrically-insulating layers are disposed over respective electrodes. First and second electrical contact pads are electrically connected to the first electrode, and a third pad to the second electrode. A first side of the test strip has a first electrically-insulating layer and the third pad, and a second side has the second electrically-insulating layer and the first and second pads. The third pad extends longitudinally from the sample-receiving chamber farther than does the first electrically-insulating layer. Methods for determining an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample and analytical test systems for use in the determination of an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample are also described.

Abstract: An analyte meter with a test strip port that detects an orientation of a test strip inserted therein. A control circuit of the test meter is configured to apply a first predetermined analyte measurement signal to a test strip electrode in response to detecting a first orientation of the test strip, and a second predetermined analyte measurement signal to the same, or a different, electrode in response to detecting a second orientation of the test strip.

Abstract: A blood analyte measurement system is configured to receive a test strip. An LED proximate to the test strip is used to illuminate the test strip and, in conjunction with a photodiode, to determine its type. A compensation circuit of the measurement system insures that ambient light does not cause interference with the LED illumination to prevent saturation of the photodiode.

Abstract: An analytical test strip has mutually-insulated first and second electrodes arranged to define a sample-receiving chamber. Electrically-insulating layers are disposed over respective electrodes. First and second electrical contact pads are electrically connected to the first electrode, and a third pad to the second electrode. A first side of the test strip has a first electrically-insulating layer and the third pad, and a second side has the second electrically-insulating layer and the first and second pads. The third pad extends longitudinally from the sample-receiving chamber farther than does the first electrically-insulating layer. Methods for determining an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample and analytical test systems for use in the determination of an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample are also described.

Abstract: An analytical test strip and test meter combination for use in the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes an analytical test strip and a test meter, and a method for determination thereof. The analytical test strip has an electrode, a first electrical contact pad in electrical communication with the electrode and configured to communicate an electrical response of the electrode to the test meter; and a second electrical contact pad in electrical communication with the electrode and configured to communicate an electrical response of the electrode to the test meter should the test meter be in electrical communication with the second electrical contact pad. In addition, the second electrical contact pad has electrical continuity with the first electrical contact pad and the first and second electrical contact pads are disposed in either of first and second predetermined spatial relationships to one another.

Abstract: A soil sample of fixed volume is mixed with a drying agent (MgSO4) and then acetone. The liquid is filtered off and a sample is applied to the sensing surface of an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) device in an IR spectrometer. After evaporation of the acetone, absorption is measured in a C-H stretch region (e.g. 2950 cm?1) to provide a value indicative of the amount of oil in the sample.

Abstract: Liquid, particularly leaked oil or other hydrophobic liquid, is detected by a sensor. This preferably has a hydrophobic membrane (G) that takes up the oil selectively, a radiation source (A) that beams radiation at an interface between the membrane (G) and a window (F), and a radiation detector (H) that receives radiation resulting from interaction (such as reflection, scattering or fluorescence) of the input radiation with the liquid-containing membrane (G). The detector may employ a spectrofluorimeter (H) whose output can be used to characterise the liquid.