Abstract: A reagent strip for measuring glucose concentration in a biological fluid containing red blood cells has reduced interference of hematocrit with the glucose measurement. When a biological fluid contacts the strip, it causes, in a reagent impregnated in the strip, a color change which is a measure of the glucose concentration in the fluid. However, the color change is also affected by the red blood cell concentration (hematocrit), thereby reducing the accuracy of the glucose measurement. The hematocrit effect is reduced by adding to the reagent a component, such as imidazole or imidazole and N-acetylglucosamine, for minimizing side reactions of the glucose, or its reaction products, with the fluid.

Abstract: A separation matrix impregnated with a separating agent separates red blood cells or hemoglobin from whole blood. Upon separation, an impregnated test reagent reacts with the separated substantially clear component fluid to form a colored product which enables a visual or meter test for glucose levels in whole blood.

Abstract: A separation matrix impregnated with a separating agent separates red blood cells or hemoglobin from whole blood. Upon separation, an impregnated test reagent reacts with the separated substantially clear component fluid to form a colored product which enables a visual or meter test for analyte levels in whole blood. Such a test is appropriate for, among other things measuring glucose, cholesterol, or alcohol levels in whole blood samples. A visual meter is disclosed which allows sample to be applied to one side of the strip, and reading takes place on the opposite side, after separation of red blood cells and reaction to test reagent. Also, a useful test strip format is disclosed.