Abstract: Non-aqueous, polymeric reagent film compositions for use with analytical test devices of the dry chemistry type are described. The film compositions are prepared from an organic solution of a copolymer formed by interaction of at least two monomers wherein(a) the first monomer is a hydroxylated acrylate of the general formula ##STR1## where R1 is hydrogen or, more preferably, methyl, and R2 is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and(b) the second monomer is a neutral acrylate of the general formula ##STR2## where R1 is hydrogen or, more preferably, methyl, and R3 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.Preferably, a third monomer is also included which is an amine-containing acrylate of the general formula ##STR3## where R1 is hydrogen or, more preferably, methyl, and R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl or glycidyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a surfactant polyethylene glycol group having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: On a carrier layer there are arranged several test layers which are at least partly in fluid contact with one another, enabling liquid exchange. On the carrier layer are arranged an application zone, a detection zone for the production of a detectable signal characteristic of the analytical determination, which contains at least one said test layer which is a reaction layer, and an absorption zone with a test layer which is an absorptive layer of an absorbent material, wherein the reaction layer and absorption zone are positioned next to each other. Between the application and the absorption zone is a capillary-active transport path on the carrier layer which connects the application zone and the absorption zone. The reaction layer is arranged parallel to the transport path between the application zone and the absorption zone in such a manner that it is in liquid contact with a liquid transported in the transport path.

Abstract: A viability test device wherein the viability of a test composition for the determination of an analyte of interest can be determined by simply wetting the device with ordinary water. The viability device can be prepared in three formats: a control or calibrator device, an internal control device and a self indicating device. Unreacted analyte, or an analog thereof, can be incorporated in a limited defined portion of a dried carrier matrix incorporated with a test composition to provide an internal control test device. When wetted with water, a positive optical response, usually color, indicates the test composition can provide a viable test for the analyte. The internal control test device is particularly advantageously used by diabetics in their own homes where a negative test response could be due to the desired control of the user's condition or due to deterioration of a test composition because of unfavorable storage conditions.

Abstract: A viability test device wherein the viability of a test composition for the determination of an analyte of interest can be determined by simply wetting the device with ordinary water. The viability device can be prepared in three formats: a control or calibrator device, an internal control device and a self indicating device. Unreacted analyte, or an analog thereof, can be incorporated in a limited defined portion of a dried carrier matrix incorporated with a test composition to provide an internal control test device. When wetted with water, a positive optical response, usually color, indicates the test composition can provide a viable test for the analyte. The internal control test device is particularly advantageously used by diabetics in their own homes where a negative test response could be due to the desired control of the user's condition or due to deterioration of a test composition because of unfavorable storage conditions.

Abstract: A composition, device and method for determining the presence of a reducing agent, such as ascorbic acid, in a test sample are disclosed. The composition comprises certain thiazine and oxazine compounds which, in their oxidized state, are colored, but which become colorless when reduced by a reducing agent. The device comprises a carrier matrix incorporated with the composition, and the method comprises contacting a test sample with the composition device and observing any detectable response such as a color change.