Abstract: A biosensing meter is provided that determines a value of an analyte in a biological sample. The meter employs an algorithm for determining the analyte value, which value is dependent upon ambient temperature about the biological sample when it is present in a reaction zone. The biosensing meter includes a processor and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned within the meter's structure and thereby exhibits a delayed response to changes in the ambient temperature. The meter performs a temperature estimation method to overcome the delayed temperature response. The method commences by the meter repetitively and periodically acquiring temperature readings from the temperature sensor when the biosensing meter is both in an on state and in an off state. When the meter is in the on state, the algorithm estimates the ambient temperature by employing at least two most recent temperature readings and extrapolating therefrom to achieve an ambient temperature estimate.

Abstract: A biosensing meter is enabled to receive a sample strip that includes a sample well with an analyte reactant therein and electrodes in contact therewith. The biosensing meter includes an excitation supply for supplying potentials to a sample strip electrode. A sense amplifier is also provided for connection to another electrode of an inserted sample strip and produces an output signal indicative of sensed currents when an analyte containing fluid is present in the strip's sample well. A pluggable memory key is insertable into the meter and includes a plurality of stored parameter values and procedure routines that control operations of the meter. A microprocessor is responsive to a procedure routine and parameter values accessed from the pluggable memory key to cause the excitation supply to apply a plurality of potentials for preset durations, both the values of the potentials and the time duration of their application determined from parameter values derived from the memory key.

Abstract: A biosensing meter receives a sample strip that includes electrically isolated sense and excitation electrodes bridged by a reaction zone. When a drop of biological sample fluid is placed in the reaction zone, a plurality of fail/safe tests are performed. A drop size test is performed by a circuit that detects the size of the drop placed in the reaction zone. The circuit both detects that a drop has been placed in the reaction zone and further measures a test current level, after a delay, to determine that the drop size is sufficient to enable hydration of reactants in the reaction zone. Subsequently, during the reaction, a "delta" current change is measured at succeeding sample time. This test measures the difference between succeeding current samples during a measurement time. If each succeeding sample is not less than preceding sample by a delta value, a determination is made that the current is not monotonically decreasing and the test is aborted.