Abstract: Provided are systems and methods that permit the direct assessment of temperature on an electrochemical test strip, including at the reaction site of the strip, through the inclusion of an infrared sensor within the biosensing instrument. Analyte measurement systems are provided in which an infrared sensor is used to assess temperature associated with a test strip, and the acquired temperature data is used to modulate data regarding an analyte in a biological sample, thereby providing a more accurate measurement of the analyte.

Abstract: A medical detecting device including at least one miniature probe/lance (hereinafter microprotrusion) containing an integrated sensor which is covered with a protective coating to shield the sensor from fouling and other interactions with a host prior to its desired use is provided. In accordance with the present invention, the protective coating is selectively removed from the sensor prior to using the same. The present invention also provides a method for detecting a selected agent using the medical detecting device of the present invention.