Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow movement between a sample receiving pad and a test strip, including: a sample receiving pad having first and second portions separated by a narrowed portion; an absorbent pad in contact with the first portion of the sample receiving pad; and a test strip in contact with the second portion of the sample receiving pad.

Abstract: A structure for controlling fluid flow from a sample receiving pad into a lateral flow assay test strip, including: a lateral flow assay test strip; a sample pad abutting the lateral flow assay test strip; a pinch wall positioned to direct fluid flow from the sample pad to the lateral flow assay test strip; a top support structure positioned on top of the test strip; and a bottom support structure positioned underneath the test strip, wherein each of the top and bottom support structures comprise a plurality of separate spaced-apart support ribs positioned along the length of the test strip.

Abstract: A combination body fluid analyte meter and cartridge system, having: (a) a body fluid analyte meter, with: a housing; a logic circuit disposed within the housing; a visual display disposed on the housing; and a measurement system disposed within the housing; and (b) a cartridge, having: at least one lateral flow assay test strip, the lateral flow assay test strip having: (i) a lateral flow transport matrix; (ii) a specific binding assay zone on the transport matrix for receiving a fluid sample and performing a specific binding assay to produce a detectable response, and (iii) a general chemical assay zone on the transport matrix for receiving the fluid sample and performing a general chemical assay to produce a detectable response; wherein the cartridge is dimensioned to be receivable into the body fluid analyte meter such that the measurement system is positioned to detect the responses in the specific binding assay zone and the general chemical assay zone in the lateral flow assay test strip.

Abstract: A device for preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte meter, including: (a) a first portion, comprising: a capillary channel dimensioned to receive a fluid sample therein, an internal nozzle in communication with the capillary channel, a mixing chamber in communication with both the capillary channel and the internal nozzle, and a dispensing nozzle in communication with the mixing chamber; (b) a treatment solution chamber covered by a septum; and (c) a second portion that is moveable with respect to the first portion to pierce the septum such that contents of the treatment solution chamber mix with contents of the capillary channel in the mixing chamber and are ejected through the dispensing nozzle when the second portion is moved with respect to the first portion.