Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in analyte monitoring devices. These compositions are useful to increase the flux of analyte across skin, tissue or mucosal surfaces. The compositions include hydrogels and collection reservoir systems comprising ionically conductive materials. The present invention also includes methods of making/manufacturing hydrogels or collection reservoir systems, collection assemblies comprising the hydrogels, electrode assemblies in combination with the hydrogels or collection reservoir systems, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in analyte monitoring devices. These compositions are useful to increase the flux of analyte across skin, tissue or mucosal surfaces. The compositions include hydrogels and collection reservoir systems comprising ionically conductive materials. The present invention also includes methods of making/manufacturing hydrogels or collection reservoir systems, collection assemblies comprising the hydrogels, electrode assemblies in combination with the hydrogels or collection reservoir systems, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A disposable element is provided for use in analytical equipment for electrochemical determination of biological cells. The disposable element comprises a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a filter for retention of solids in the vicinity of the electrodes. The analytical equipment with disposable elements can be used for respiratory assays, enzyme assays or immunoassays, among other uses.In a variation, the disposable element comprises a reference electrode, working electrode and fusible link.

Abstract: A method of assay for the presence of .alpha.-amylase in a sample employs a derivatized .alpha.-oligosaccharide which can be hydrolyzed by an enzyme mix including .alpha.-amylase to yield an electroactive compound, and at least one other enzyme which with .alpha.-amylase gives an enzyme mix capable of hydrolyzing the derivatized .alpha.-oligosaccharide. The sample is contacted with the derivatized .alpha.-oligosaccharide and with the other enzyme to permit hydrolysis of the derivatized .alpha.-oligosaccharide and to allow formation of the electroactive compound. An electrode is poised at a potential at which the derivatized .alpha.-oligosaccharide is not electochemically active, the potential being one at which the electroactive compound is electochemically active. Any current arising from electrochemical activity of the electroactive compound is detected.