Abstract: A method of monitoring an analyte (such as, e.g., glucose) including the following steps: diffusing the analyte from a sampling location into a sensing fluid within a sensing chamber; detecting a concentration of the analyte in the sensing fluid; moving flushing fluid into the sensing chamber and simultaneously removing sensing fluid from the sensing chamber; permitting the flushing fluid to remain in the sensing chamber without flowing for a dwell time; removing the flushing fluid from the sensing chamber after the dwell time expires; and, after removing the flushing fluid from the sensing chamber, moving sensing fluid into the sensing chamber. The invention also includes an analyte monitoring device performing this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to increase the number of analyte-related signals used to provide analyte measurement values, e.g., when two or more analyte-related signals are used to obtain a single analyte measurement value a “rolling” value based on the two or more signals can be employed. In another aspect, interpolation and/or extrapolation methods are used to estimate unusable, missing or error-associated analyte-related signals. Further, interpolation and extrapolation of values are employed in another aspect of the invention that reduces the incident of failed calibrations. Further, the invention relates to methods, which employ gradients and/or predictive algorithms, to provide an alert related to analyte values exceeding predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an analyte monitor including a sensing volume, an analyte extraction area in contact with the sensing volume adapted to extract an analyte into the sensing volume, and an analyte sensor adapted to detect a concentration of analyte in the sensing volume. The sensing volume is defined by a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a thickness equal to the distance between the two faces. The surface area of the first face is about equal to the surface area of the second face and the extraction area is about equal to the surface area of the first and second face of the sensing volume. The analyte sensor includes a working electrode in contact with the sensing volume, the working electrode having a surface area at least as large as the analyte extraction area, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the sensing volume.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing volume in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending into the sensing volume; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface penetration device, a method to use the device, and an analyte monitor. Embodiments of the surface penetration device include a substrate with first and second surfaces, and first and second tissue piercing elements, the elements differing in configuration, but each associated with the first surface of the substrate. At least some of the tissue piercing elements have a distal and a proximal opening and a lumen extending between the openings. The proximal openings are in fluid communication with an opening in the second surface of the substrate. Embodiments of the analyte monitor include the features of the penetration device plus an analyte sensor that detects an analyte in a fluid. Embodiments of the method of penetrating tissue include providing a surface penetration device and urging the surface penetration device against a tissue surface until some of the first and second tissue piercing elements penetrate the tissue surface.

Abstract: An analyte monitor is provided with a sensor unit body configured for mounting on tissue, a sensor configured to detect an analyte in a fluid in the sensing area, an output device configured to communicate a result from the sensor to a user; and a user input device coupled with the sensor and the output device, wherein the monitor is configured to communicate a result to the user through the output device only after the user input device is activated. Systems, sensors and methods associated with the monitor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to increase the number of analyte-related signals used to provide analyte measurement values, e.g., when two or more analyte-related signals are used to obtain a single analyte measurement value a “rolling” value based on the two or more signals can be employed. In another aspect, interpolation and/or extrapolation methods are used to estimate unusable, missing or error-associated analyte-related signals. Further, interpolation and extrapolation of values are employed in another aspect of the invention that reduces the incident of failed calibrations. Further, the invention relates to methods, which employ gradients and/or predictive algorithms, to provide an alert related to analyte values exceeding predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to increase the number of analyte-related signals used to provide analyte measurement values, e.g., when two or more analyte-related signals are used to obtain a single analyte measurement value a “rolling” value based on the two or more signals can be employed. In another aspect, interpolation and/or extrapolation methods are used to estimate unusable, missing or error-associated analyte-related signals. Further, interpolation and extrapolation of values are employed in another aspect of the invention that reduces the incident of failed calibrations. Further, the invention relates to methods, which employ gradients and/or predictive algorithms, to provide an alert related to analyte values exceeding predetermined thresholds.