Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample preparation cartridges including a frame that includes a plurality of wells integrated therewith, where the plurality of wells have a closed bottom and an open top. The frame further includes an opening within the frame having a reaction vessel (RV) or RV cap removably disposed therein, where the plurality of wells and the opening are linearly arranged relative to each other. Also provided are sample preparation cartridges that include a frame, two or more cartridge separation projections on a top side of the frame, and two or more cartridge separation projections on a bottom side of the frame. The cartridge separation projections separate the cartridge and a different cartridge when the cartridge and different cartridge are stacked. Methods of using the sample preparation cartridges, as well as nucleic acid sample preparation units that include the sample preparation cartridges, are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample preparation cartridges including a frame that includes a plurality of wells integrated therewith, where the plurality of wells have a closed bottom and an open top. The frame further includes an opening within the frame having a reaction vessel (RV) or RV cap removably disposed therein, where the plurality of wells and the opening are linearly arranged relative to each other. Also provided are sample preparation cartridges that include a frame, two or more cartridge separation projections on a top side of the frame, and two or more cartridge separation projections on a bottom side of the frame. The cartridge separation projections separate the cartridge and a different cartridge when the cartridge and different cartridge are stacked. Methods of using the sample preparation cartridges, as well as nucleic acid sample preparation units that include the sample preparation cartridges, are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention provides conductive stripes, suitable for use as electrodes, and methods of making conductive stripes.

Abstract: The subject invention provides conductive stripes, suitable for use as electrodes, and methods of making conductive stripes.

Abstract: The subject invention provides conductive stripes, suitable for use as electrodes, and methods of making conductive stripes.

Abstract: Provided are methods of measuring analyte concentrations in interstitial fluid samples, methods of determining accuracy of subcutaneously implantable analyte sensors, methods of manufacturing and determining calibration factors for subcutaneously implantable analyte sensors, as well as subcutaneously implantable analyte sensors manufactured according to the described methods and having a high level of accuracy. Methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a bodily sample, and methods of extracting interstitial fluid are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for accessing bodily fluid beneath the skin surface by abrading the skin, whereby such bodily fluid may be extracted for ex vivo analysis or whereby an in vivo analyte sensor is implanted at the abrasion site.

Abstract: The subject invention provides conductive stripes, suitable for use as electrodes, and methods of making conductive stripes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: An article capable of both collecting interstitial fluid and detecting an analyte in that fluid and a method for use of that article. Preferably, the article is also capable of measuring the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid. The article can be used in conjunction with a meter that contains an appropriate detection element for determining the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as, for example, ALT, in a sample of biological fluid, such as, for example, whole blood, comprising: (a) a base layer; (b) a detecting layer comprising a reference electrode and a working electrode, the surface of the electrically conductive portion of the working electrode being sufficiently smooth so that determination of the concentration of an analyte present in a low concentration, e.g., less than 1 mM, can be made; (c) a layer overlying said electrodes, said layer comprising dried reagents; and (d) an anticoagulant disposed in such a location that it will prevent the sample from coagulating during the determination. The biosensor preferably further includes a fluid-transporting layer to aid in delivering the sample from a sample application zone to the electrodes.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a sample of interstitial fluid from a patient for use in monitoring the level of blood glucose in the patient. The device comprises a hollow tube having a wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the wall of the tube contains a multiplicity of pores.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring.

Abstract: An article capable of both collecting interstitial fluid and detecting an analyte in that fluid and a method for use of that article. Preferably, the article is also capable of measuring the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid. The article can be used in conjunction with a meter that contains an appropriate detection element for determining the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) forming an unobstructed opening in the area of the skin from which the sample of blood is to be extracted; and (b) extracting the sample of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin, with the aid of a vacuum and a stretching of the skin. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted, preferably a lancing assembly; and (b) a vacuum pump. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a housing.

Abstract: Provided are microparticle forms of carbon, carbon catalysts and carbon-containing electrically conductive materials which are covalently linked to peroxidase. The carbon:peroxidase conjugates are suitable for use as substrates in conventional electrodes. Surprisingly, the conjugates display very little sensitivity to known interfering substances and thus are suitable for use as interference free electrodes.

Abstract: A method for increasing the permeability of the stratum corneum by means of a source of light, preferably a laser, more preferably a pulsed laser. By increasing the permeability of the stratum corneum, access to the interstitial fluid is achieved, thereby enabling measurement of analytes in the interstitial fluid. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a source of light having a wavelength of from about 930 nm to about 1040 nm; and (b) exposing a region of the stratum corneum of the patient to said source of light for a period of time sufficient to form an opening in the stratum corneum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) forming an unobstructed opening in the area of the skin from which the sample of blood is to be extracted; and (b) extracting the sample of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin, with the aid of a vacuum and a stretching of the skin. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted, preferably a lancing assembly; and (b) a vacuum pump. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a housing. In another aspect of this invention, an article is provided for an article capable of both collecting blood and detecting an analyte in that blood is provided.