Abstract: Described embodiments provide systems and methods for managing the temperature of an item that includes a first flap portion and a second flap portion defining between them a first pouch containing substance; a third flap portion and the second flap portion defining between them a second pouch containing substance; a first portion of a fastener attached to the front side of the first flap portion; a first complementary portion of the fastener attached to the obverse side of the second flap portion; a second complementary portion of the fastener attached to the obverse side of the third flap portion.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide systems and methods for controlling the temperature of an item with a sheet. The sheet includes a front side and an obverse side, a first adhesive disposed along a first edge of the sheet on the front side of the sheet, such that when the sheet is folded over the item, the first adhesive engages with the front side of the sheet to create a container pocket having a container volume; and a second adhesive disposed on the front side of the sheet such that when the sheet is folded over the item, the second adhesive engages with the sheet to create a temperature control pocket with a volume less than the container volume. The sheet also includes a third adhesive for engaging with an ice pack, and a fourth adhesive and a fifth adhesive for creating side enclosures for the temperature control pocket.

Abstract: An analyte test instrument having improved calibration and communication processes. The instrument employs a calibration method that allows it to communicate with any one of a plurality of data storage strips. A data storage strip including a memory device is inserted into the test port of the instrument. The data storage strip is identified, and the instrument establishes communications with the data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to the data storage strip. Second, the instrument employs a method for ensuring that the instrument is operated using valid calibration strips and test strips. The instrument determines whether one or more of test parameters stored in the instrument is invalid for a test strip inserted into the test port of the instrument. If a test parameter is invalid, an indication of the invalid strip parameter is displayed on the display.

Abstract: An analyte test instrument having improved calibration and communication processes. The instrument employs a calibration method that allows it to communicate with any one of a plurality of data storage strips. A data storage strip including a memory device is inserted into the test port of the instrument. The data storage strip is identified, and the instrument establishes communications with the data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to the data storage strip. Second, the instrument employs a method for ensuring that the instrument is operated using valid calibration strips and test strips. The instrument determines whether one or more of test parameters stored in the instrument is invalid for a test strip inserted into the test port of the instrument. If a test parameter is invalid, an indication of the invalid strip parameter is displayed on the display.

Abstract: An analyte test instrument having improved calibration and communication processes. The instrument employs a calibration method that allows it to communicate with any one of a plurality of data storage strips. A data storage strip including a memory device is inserted into the test port of the instrument. The data storage strip is identified, and the instrument establishes communications with the data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to the data storage strip. Second, the instrument employs a method for ensuring that the instrument is operated using valid calibration strips and test strips. The instrument determines whether one or more of test parameters stored in the instrument is invalid for a test strip inserted into the test port of the instrument. If a test parameter is invalid, an indication of the invalid strip parameter is displayed on the display.