Abstract: An improved disposable glucose test strip for use in a test meter of the type which receives a disposable test strip and a sample of blood from a patient and performs an electrochemical analysis is made using a non-conductive integrated reagent/blood separation layer containing a filler, an enzyme effective to oxidize glucose, e.g., glucose oxidase, and a mediator effective to transfer electrons from the enzyme. The integrated layer formulation is printed over a conductive carbon element to form a working electrode. The filler, for example a silica filler, is selected to have a balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity such that one drying it forms a two-dimensional network on the surface of the conductive element. The response of this test strip is essentially temperature independent over relevant temperature ranges and is substantially insensitive to the hematocrit of the patient.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a measuring device compares the current generated by two working sensor parts and gives an error indication if they are too dissimilar, i.e., the current at one sensor part differs too greatly from what would be expected from considering the current at the other. Not only can this method detect when one of the sensor parts has not been properly covered with sample liquid, but it can also detect if there is a manufacturing defect in either sensor part or if either has been damaged after manufacture, since even with complete coverage of the working sensor parts, an anomalous current will be generated at the affected sensor part under such circumstances.

Abstract: An improved disposable glucose test strip for use in a test meter of the type which receives a disposable test strip and a sample of blood from a patient and performs an electrochemical analysis using a non-conductive integrated reagent/blood separation layer (17) containing a filler, an enzyme effective to oxidize glucose, e.g., glucose oxidase, and a mediator effective to transfer electrons from the enzyme. The integrated layer formulation is printed over a conductive carbon element (16) to form a working electrode. The filler, for example a silica filler, is selected to have a balance of hydrophobicity such that on drying it forms a two-dimensional network on the surface of the conductive element. The response of this test strip is essentially temperature independent over relevant temperature ranges and is substantially insensitive to the hematocrit of the patient.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the concentration of a substance such as glucose in a sample liquid such as blood or interstitial fluid, a measuring device is provided having a working sensor part (6b), a second working sensor part (8b) and a reference sensor part (4b). The sample liquid is applied to the measuring device and an electric current proportional to the concentration of the substance in the sample liquid is measured at each sensor part (6b, 8b). The electric currents are compared to establish the difference. If the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, an error indication is given. A disposable test strip with two working sensors (6b, 8b) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved disposable glucose test strip for use in a test meter of the type which receives a disposable test strip and a sample of blood from a patient and performs an electrochemical analysis is made using a non-conductive integrated reagent/blood separation layer containing a filler, an enzyme effective to oxidize glucose, e.g., glucose oxidase, and a mediator effective to transfer electrons from the enzyme. The integrated layer formulation is printed over a conductive carbon element to form a working electrode. The filler, for example a silica filler, is selected to have a balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity such that one drying it forms a two-dimensional network on the surface of the conductive element. The response of this test strip is essentially temperature independent over relevant temperature ranges and is substantially insensitive to the hematocrit of the patient.