METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ANALYTE SENSOR AND DATA PROCESSING DEVICE

Abstract

Method and apparatus for integrated sensor and data processing assembly is provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/192,918, filed Jun. 24, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/530,473, filed Sep. 10, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,882, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,259, filed Sep. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,243, which, is counterpart PCT Application No. PCT/US2006/037312, filed Sep. 25, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Analyte monitoring systems generally include a sensor such as a subcutaneous analyte sensor, at least a portion of which is inserted under the skin for fluid contact with interstitial fluid, for detecting analyte levels such as glucose levels, a transmitter (such as an RF transmitter) in communication with the sensor and configured to receive the sensor signals and to transmit them to a corresponding receiver unit by for example, using RF data transmission protocol. The receiver may be operatively coupled to a glucose monitor that performs glucose related calculations and data analysis.

Generally, the sensor is configured to detect and measure the glucose levels of the patient over a predetermined period of time, and the transmitter is configured to transmit data corresponding to or associated with the measured glucose levels over the predetermined period of time for further analysis. To initially deploy the sensor so that the sensor electrodes are in fluid contact with the patient's analyte fluids, a separate deployment mechanism such as a sensor inserter or introducer is used. More specifically, the introducer includes a sharp needle shaped inserter that is configured to pierce through the skin of the patient and substantially concurrently guide the sensor through the patient's skin so as to place at least a portion of the sensor in fluid contact with the target biological fluid of the patient.

The inserter is typically used only during the sensor insertion process, and once the sensor is properly and accurately positioned, the inserter and the introducer are discarded. This requires a level of care as the inserter is sharp and may damage other parts of the patient's skin if not properly handled. Further, since the tip of the inserter has come into fluid contact with the patient's biological fluids, it is important to take particular precautions in the handling of the inserter.

Moreover, to minimize data errors in the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring system, it is important to properly insert the sensor through the patient's skin and securely retain the sensor during the time that the sensor is configured to detect analyte levels. Additionally, for the period of continuous or semi-continuous monitoring which can include, for example, 3 days, 5 days or 7 days, it is important to have the transmitter in proper signal contact with the analyte sensor so as to minimize the potential errors in the monitored data.

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have method and apparatus for providing simple, easy to handle and accurate sensor introduction and retention mechanism for use in an analyte monitoring system. More specifically, it would be desirable to have method and apparatus that minimizes the number of components which the patient has to handle, and which also reduces the number of required steps to properly and accurately position the analyte sensor in fluid contact with the patient's analytes. Additionally, it would be desirably to have method and apparatus which provide a low profile on-body components for comfort over an extended period of time.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an apparatus including an integrated sensor and data processing unit in one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible base layer, a data processing unit coupled to the base layer, an analyte sensor coupled to the base layer and in electrical communication with the data processing unit, and a sensor introducer assembly disposed on the base layer, a portion of the sensor introducer assembly operatively coupled to a portion of the analyte sensor, where the base layer is configured for placement on a skin of a patient, and further, where the sensor introducer assembly is substantially retained on the base layer until the base layer is removed from the skin of the patient. In addition, corresponding method and system for implementing the method are provided in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

In this manner, within the scope of the present invention, there are provided method and apparatus for providing an integrated sensor deployment and analyte monitoring assembly which includes pre-positioned sensor for accurate subcutaneous positioning and coupling to the data processing unit, and which also includes a low profile for the on-body components to provide additional comfort to the patient.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit of FIG. 1A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit of FIG. 1A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top planar view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit without the analyte sensor introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit of FIG. 1A with the introducer activated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the analyte sensor and introducer mechanism of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a side view and a bottom perspective view, respectively of the analyte sensor and introducer mechanism shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an analyte monitoring system with integrated analyte sensor delivery and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the data processing unit of the integrated analyte sensor delivery and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in further detail below, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for an integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly, which includes a sensor introducer mechanism, with the integrated assembly having a low-on-body profile to provide comfort in extended wear of the assembly by a patient. Moreover, the integrated analyte sensor assembly provides, in one embodiment, accurate subcutaneous positioning of the analyte sensor under the skin layer of the patient to establish fluid contact with the patient's interstitial fluid, for example, to monitor the patient's analyte levels.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1A, an integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100 in one embodiment of the present invention includes a base 110 and disposed thereon a data processing unit 120, an analyte sensor 130 operatively coupled to the data processing unit 120, a sensor introducer mechanism 140, and a power supply 150. In one embodiment, the data processing unit 120 is in electrical communication with a portion of the analyte sensor 130, for example, with a working electrode, the reference electrode and a counter electrode of the analyte sensor 130, and configured to receive one or more signals from the analyte sensor 130 that are associated with a corresponding one or more analyte levels monitored by the analyte sensor 130. While the various electrodes of the analyte sensor 130 are not shown, each of the electrodes in one embodiment are configured to couple to a respective one or a plurality of electrical contacts of the data processing unit 120 for electrical communication.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the power supply 150 may in one embodiment include a disposable battery configured to provide the necessary power to the data processing unit 120. As further shown, the sensor introducer mechanism 140 includes a dome shaped spring biased mechanism that is configured to, upon manual activation, position at a predetermined depth, a portion of the analyte sensor 130 through the skin layer of the patient so as to establish fluid contact with the patient's analyte such as interstitial fluid. In one embodiment, the base 110 may include an on-skin type patch having an adhesive material disposed on a bottom surface so as to securely position the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100 on the skin of the patient during the time period the patient is wearing the assembly 100.

In one embodiment, the base 110 may be made of a flexible polymer film or a woven material, and having disposed thereon or embedded, laminated or woven thereon, the electronic components associated with the data processing unit 120 and the power supply 150. Moreover, in one aspect, the base 110 may be configured to be water proof, dust tight and breathable to provide comfort to the patient during use, and also, to not compromise the functionality of the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, in use, the patient is provided with the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100 in the fully integrated and assembled form as shown in the Figure. That is, when the user is ready to position the analyte sensor, in one embodiment, the patient removes the adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the base 110, positions the base 110 on the desired location on the patient's skin, and manually activates the sensor introducer mechanism 140. Upon positioning of the analyte sensor 130 transcutaneously under the patient's skin layer, the portion of the sensor introducer mechanism 140 (for example, the insertion needle portion 160 coupled to the analyte sensor 130) that pierces the patient's skin is retracted out of the patient by a spring type retraction mechanism incorporated in the sensor introducer mechanism 140.

Thereafter, the sensor introducer mechanism 140 including the needle portion 160 is retained on the base 110 during substantially the entire time that the patient is wearing the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100 such that the insertion needle does not require separate handling by the patient. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1A, the dome shaped sensor introducer mechanism 140 is configured in one embodiment to substantially seal the area on the base 110 where analyte sensor insertion takes place. In this manner, in one embodiment, the sensor introducer mechanism 140 is configured to protect the sensor insertion site from contaminates or any undesirable material such as, for example, moisture.

In this manner, in one embodiment of the present invention, simplified and accurate method and system for analyte sensor insertion and the use of the data processing unit for analyte monitoring is provided. For example, a separate sensor insertion device is not necessary and thus the patient is not required to handle or dispose of a separate sensor insertion device. In addition, with the analyte sensor 130 and the sensor introducer mechanism 140 as well as the data processing unit 120 integrated on a single platform such as the base 110, in one embodiment, the positioning and the subcutaneous placement of the analyte sensor is maintained within a predetermined displacement range such that accurate positioning is easily achieved.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit while FIG. 1C shows a bottom perspective view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit of FIG. 1A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1B, in one embodiment, the bottom surface 110A of the base 110 as shown is provided with an adhesive material such as polyester or acrylic based adhesives or other suitable biocompatible material which provides substantial comfort when adhered to the skin of the patient while also providing secure positioning of the base 110 on the skin of the patient.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top planar view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit without the analyte sensor introducer mechanism 140, while FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit of FIG. 1A with the introducer activated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that in one embodiment, the data processing unit 120 and the analyte sensor 130 are disposed on the base 110 such that the electrical contacts between the analyte sensor 130 and the data processing unit 120 are established.

Thus, in one embodiment, advantageously, pre-configured contacts between the analyte sensor 130 and the data processing unit 120 may have at least some of the potential adverse results arising from when the electrical contacts are required to be made by the patient, for example. That is, in one embodiment, since the patient does not have to separately establish the electrical contacts between the analyte sensor 130 and the data processing unit 120, the potential for error in establishing electrical communication between the analyte sensor 130 and the data processing unit 120 is minimized.

Furthermore, referring back to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the profile of the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100 is substantially low, and primarily determined by the size of the sensor introducer mechanism 140 (shown as deployed with dome shape of the sensor introducer mechanism in a depressed or deflected position). That is, in one embodiment, the height or the lateral projection of the sensor introducer mechanism 140 substantially corresponds to the desired or predetermined sensor depth in subcutaneous placement.

FIG. 4 illustrates the analyte sensor and introducer mechanism of the integrated on-body analyte sensor and data processing unit, while FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a side view and a bottom perspective view, respectively of the analyte sensor and introducer mechanism shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the analyte sensor 130 positioned in the pre-deployment position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in the sensor introducer mechanism 140 is shown. As shown, the sensor introducer mechanism 140 in one embodiment includes a trigger portion 410 operatively coupled to the needle portion 160.

As shown, in one embodiment, the trigger portion 410 of the sensor introducer mechanism 140 is configured to displace the needle portion 160 in a substantially skin-piercing direction, e.g., a substantially vertical direction relative to the patient's skin surface. In an alternate embodiment, the needle portion 160 of the sensor introducer mechanism 140 may be configured for angled insertion of the analyte sensor 130, such that activation of the sensor introducer mechanism 140 is configured in one embodiment to displace the needle portion 160 so as to transcutaneously insert the sensor 130 at a predetermined angle relative to the surface of the patient's skin. Further, as shown in the Figures, the analyte sensor 130 is provided in cooperation with the needle portion 160 such that in one embodiment, when the trigger portion 410 is activated by the patient, for example, by the application of downward pressure on the outer surface of the trigger portion (the outer surface of the “dome shaped” area), the needle portion 160 is in turn configured to be driven in a substantially complimentary direction to the direction of the applied pressure, and further, displacing at least a portion of the sensor 130 with the needle portion 160. In other words, the needle portion 160 is configured in one embodiment to transcutaneously place a portion of the sensor 130 so that the portion of the sensor 130 is in fluid contact with the desired biological fluid (for example, interstitial fluid) of the patient.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5B, in one embodiment, a ledge segment 420 is provided in the sensor introducer mechanism 140 so as to couple with the analyte sensor 130. In one embodiment, the ledge segment 420 is configured to push down upon the analyte sensor 130 when the sensor introducer mechanism 140 is activated such that the ledge segment 420 is configured to substantially displace the analyte sensor 130 along with the movement of the needle portion 160 of the sensor introducer mechanism 140.

Additional detailed description of the dome shaped introducer mechanism is provided in patent application Ser. No. 11/240,259, filed Sep. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,243, entitled “Integrated Introducer and Transmitter Assembly and Methods of Use”, assigned to the Assignee of the present application.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an analyte monitoring system with integrated analyte sensor delivery and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, a data monitoring and management system 600 such as, for example, analyte (e.g., glucose) monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The subject invention is further described primarily with respect to a glucose monitoring system for convenience and such description is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the analyte monitoring system may be configured to monitor a variety of analytes, e.g., lactate, and the like.

Analytes that may be monitored include, for example, acetyl choline, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin, creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose, glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketones, lactate, peroxide, prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulating hormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example, antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin, digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also be monitored.

The data monitoring and management system 600 in one embodiment includes an integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610, a data analysis unit 630 which is configured to communicate with the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610 via a communication link 620. The data analysis unit 630 may be further configured to transmit and/or receive data to and/or from a data processing terminal 650 via communication link 640. The data processing terminal 650 in one embodiment may be configured for evaluating the data received by the data analysis unit 630.

Referring again to FIG. 6, also shown is a fluid delivery unit 670 which is operatively coupled to the data processing unit 650 via communication link 680, and further operatively coupled to the data analysis unit 630 via communication link 660, and also, operatively coupled to the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610 via communication link 690. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery unit 670 may include an external or implantable infusion device such as an insulin infusion pump, or the like, which may be configured to administer insulin to patients, and which may be configured to determine suitable modifications or updates to the medication dispensing profile based on data received from one or more of the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610, data analysis unit 630, or data processing terminal 650, for example, for administering and modifying basal profiles, as well as for determining appropriate boluses for administration based on, among others, the detected analyte levels received from the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610.

Furthermore, referring again to FIG. 6, the one or more of the communication links 620, 640, 680, and 690 may be configured as one or more of a wired or a wireless communication link, for example, including, but not limited to, RS232 cable connection, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, an RF communication link, an infrared communication link, a Bluetooth® enabled communication link, an 802.11x wireless communication link, or an equivalent wireless communication protocol which would allow secure, wireless communication of several units (for example, per HIPAA requirements) while avoiding potential data collision and interference.

Moreover, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the data monitoring and management system 600 may include one or more integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610, one or more data analysis unit 630, one or more fluid delivery unit 670 and one or more data processing terminal 650. In addition, the one or more integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610, one or more data analysis unit 630, one or more fluid delivery unit 670 and one or more data processing terminal 650 may be in communication with a remote site over a data network such as the internet for transmitting and/or receiving information associated with the functions and operations of each device. For example, the one or more integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610, one or more data analysis unit 630, one or more fluid delivery unit 670 and one or more data processing terminal 650 may be in communication with a data network such as the Internet for retrieving and/or transmitting data from a remote server terminal.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, in a multi-component environment, each device is configured to be uniquely identified by each of the other devices in the system so that communication conflict is readily resolved between the various components within the data monitoring and management system 600.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 130 is physically positioned in or on the body of a user whose analyte level is being monitored. The sensor 130 may be configured to continuously sample the analyte level of the user and convert the sampled analyte level into a corresponding data signal for transmission by the data processing unit 120. More specifically, in one embodiment, the data processing unit 120 may be configured to perform data processing such as filtering and encoding of data signals, each of which corresponds to a sampled analyte level of the user, for transmission to the data analysis unit 630 via the communication link 620.

In one embodiment, the communication link 620 may be configured as a one-way RF communication path from the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610 to the data analysis unit 630. In such embodiment, the data processing unit 120 (FIG. 1A) of the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 610 is configured to transmit the sampled data signals received from the sensor 130 (FIG. 1A) without acknowledgement from the data analysis unit 630 that the transmitted sampled data signals have been received. For example, the data processing unit 120 may be configured to transmit the encoded sampled data signals at a fixed rate (e.g., at one minute intervals) after the completion of the initial power on procedure. Likewise, the data analysis unit 630 may be configured to detect the encoded sampled data signals transmitted from the data processing unit 120 at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the communication link 620 may be configured with a bi-directional RF (or otherwise) communication between the data processing unit 120 and the data analysis unit 630.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the data processing terminal 650 may include a personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop or a handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and the like, each of which may be configured for data communication with the receiver via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processing terminal 650 may further be connected to a data network (not shown) for storing, retrieving and updating data corresponding to the detected analyte level of the user and/or therapy related information such as medication delivery profiles prescribed by a physician, for example.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the data processing unit of the integrated analyte sensor delivery and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the data processing unit 120 (FIG. 1) in one embodiment includes an analog interface 701 configured to communicate with the sensor 130 (FIG. 2), a user input 702, and a temperature detection section 703, each of which is operatively coupled to a data processing unit processor 704 such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) or equivalent microprocessor units.

Further shown in FIG. 7 are a transmitter serial communication section 705 and an RF transceiver 706, each of which is also operatively coupled to the processor 704. Moreover, a power supply 707 such as a battery is also provided in the data processing unit 120 to provide the necessary power for the components in the data processing unit 120. In one embodiment, the power supply 707 may be provided separate from the data processing unit 120 (FIG. 1) but integrated on the base 110 of the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly 100 (FIG. 1). Additionally, as can be seen from the Figure, clock 708 is provided to, among others, supply real time information to the processor 704.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the power supply section 707 in one embodiment may include a rechargeable battery unit that may be recharged by a separate power supply recharging unit (for example, provided in the data analysis unit 630 (FIG. 6)) so that the data processing unit 120 may be powered for a longer period of usage time. In addition, the temperature measurement (or detection) section 703 of the data processing unit 120 is configured to monitor the temperature of the skin near the sensor insertion site. The temperature reading may be used to adjust the analyte readings obtained from the analog interface 701.

In this manner, in one embodiment, the sensor detected analyte levels are provided to the data processing unit 120 of the integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit 100 (FIG. 1), for example, as current signals, and which are in turn, converted to respective digital signals for transmission (including, for example, RF transmission) to the data analysis unit 630, fluid delivery unit 670, and/or the data processing terminal 650 for further processing and analysis (including drug (e.g., insulin) therapy management, infusion control, and health monitoring and treatment, for example). That is, the monitored analyte data may be used by the patient and/or the patient's healthcare provider to modify the patient's therapy such as an infusion protocol (such as basal profile modifications in the case of diabetics) as necessary to improve insulin infusion therapy for diabetics, and further, to analyze trends in analyte levels for improved treatment.

Additional detailed description of the data monitoring and management system such as analyte monitoring systems, its various components including the functional descriptions of data processing unit and data analysis unit are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,752, issued Jan. 16, 2001, entitled “Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use”, and in application Ser. No. 10/745,878, filed Dec. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,231, entitled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and Methods of Use”, each assigned to the Assignee of the present application.

An apparatus including an integrated sensor and data processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible base layer, a data processing unit coupled to the base layer, an analyte sensor coupled to the base layer and in electrical communication with the data processing unit, and a sensor introducer assembly disposed on the base layer, a portion of the sensor introducer assembly operatively coupled to a portion of the analyte sensor, where the base layer is configured for placement on a skin of a patient, and further, where the sensor introducer assembly is substantially retained on the base layer until the base layer is removed from the skin of the patient.

The flexible base layer in one embodiment may include one or more of a flexible polymer film, a woven layer, a knit layer, or a laminated layer.

Also, an adhesive layer may be disposed on a bottom surface of the flexible base layer, where the adhesive layer may be configured to substantially and securely retain the flexible base layer adhered to the skin of the patient for a predetermined time period. In one embodiment, the predetermined time period may include one or more of a useful life of the analyte sensor or a useful life of the data processing unit.

In another aspect, the portion of the analyte sensor may be configured to be transcutaneously positioned by the sensor introducer assembly when the base layer is placed on the skin of the patient, where the portion of the analyte sensor may be in fluid contact with analyte of the patient, and further, where the data processing unit may be configured to receive one or more signals associated with a corresponding one or more analyte levels of the patient from the analyte sensor.

In a further aspect, the data processing unit may include a data transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit one or more data associated with the received one or more signals.

The analyte sensor may include a glucose sensor.

An apparatus including an integrated sensor and data processing unit in another embodiment of the present invention includes a base layer, a data processing unit disposed in the base layer, a sensor in electrical communication with the data processing unit, the sensor coupled to the base layer, and a sensor introducer assembly permanently mounted on the base layer, a portion of the sensor introducer assembly configured to transcutaneous position a portion of the sensor in fluid contact with a biological fluid of a patient.

In a further embodiment, an adhesive layer may be provided and configured to removably retain the base layer adhered to the skin of the patient for a predetermined time period such as, for example, during the useful life of the sensor or the data processing unit.

An insertion kit in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible base layer, a data processing unit coupled to the base layer, an analyte sensor coupled to the base layer and in electrical communication with the data processing unit, and a sensor introducer assembly disposed on the base layer, a portion of the sensor introducer assembly operatively coupled to a portion of the analyte sensor, where the base layer is configured for placement on a skin of a patient, and further, wherein the sensor introducer assembly is substantially retained on the base layer until the base layer is removed from the skin of the patient.

Various other modifications and alterations in the structure and method of operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present invention and that structures and methods within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An apparatus comprising:

a sensor introducer assembly including an outer surface, a needle, and a spring-biased mechanism;

a base layer;

a data processing unit disposed on an upper surface of the base layer; and

an analyte sensor coupled to the base layer, wherein the analyte sensor includes a plurality of electrical contacts coupled in electrical communication to the data processing unit before displacing an insertion portion of the analyte sensor under a skin surface; wherein the spring-biased mechanism is configured to displace the insertion portion of the analyte sensor and the needle through an opening in the base layer in response to applying a downward force on the outer surface of the sensor introducer assembly, and wherein the outer surface of the sensor introducer assembly is configured to seal the opening in the base.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the base layer further includes one or more of a polymer film, a woven layer, a knit layer, or a laminated layer.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the base layer is flexible.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the base layer comprises a single platform configured to allow the analyte sensor and the data processing unit to move in relation to each other while maintaining electrical communication therebetween.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the spring-biased mechanism is further configured to retract the needle while the insertion portion of the analyte sensor is in fluid contact with a biological fluid under the skin surface.

26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the data processing unit is laminated to the upper surface of the base layer.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the sensor introducer assembly is coupled to the upper surface of the base layer, and wherein the needle of the sensor introducer assembly is configured to position the insertion portion of the analyte sensor in fluid contact with the biological fluid under the skin surface.

28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the analyte sensor further includes a planar portion disposed substantially in parallel to and on the upper surface of the base layer, and wherein the insertion portion of the analyte sensor is maintained at a predetermined angle relative to the planar portion of the analyte sensor when the insertion portion is in fluid contact.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the analyte sensor further includes an intermediate portion extending between the planar portion and the insertion portion of the analyte sensor, the intermediate portion including a substantially straight central segment, a first end angularly coupled to the insertion portion and a second end angularly coupled to the planar portion, and wherein the intermediate portion is positioned at an angle relative to the base layer and, upon positioning of the insertion portion, is positioned substantially parallel to the base layer.

30. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the sensor introducer assembly includes a portion for engaging the intermediate portion of the analyte sensor in response to the application of the downward force on the outer surface of the sensor introducer assembly.

31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the data processing unit is configured to receive one or more signals associated with a corresponding one or more analyte levels of a patient from the analyte sensor.

32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the data processing unit includes a data transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit one or more data associated with the received one or more signals.

33. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the outer surface of the sensor introducer assembly has a perimeter that is smaller than a perimeter of the base layer.

34. A method comprising:

applying a base layer to a skin surface,

applying a downward force on an outer surface of a sensor introducer assembly to activate a spring-biased mechanism; and

displacing, by the spring-biased mechanism, a needle of the sensor introducer assembly and an insertion portion of an analyte sensor through an opening of the base layer to position the needle and the insertion portion of the analyte sensor in fluid contact with a biological fluid under the skin surface, wherein a data processing unit is disposed on an upper surface of the base layer, wherein the analyte sensor is coupled to the base layer, the analyte sensor including a plurality of electrical contacts coupled in electrical communication to the data processing unit prior to displacing the insertion portion of the analyte sensor under the skin surface, and wherein the outer surface of the sensor introducer assembly is configured to seal the opening in the base.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the base layer further includes one or more of a polymer film, a woven layer, a knit layer, or a laminated layer.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the data processing unit is laminated to the upper surface of the base layer.

37. The method of claim 34, further comprising pushing, with a ledge segment of the sensor introducer assembly, the insertion portion of the analyte sensor in a downward direction.

38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of retracting, with the spring-biased mechanism, the needle while the insertion portion of the analyte sensor is in fluid contact with the biological fluid under the skin surface.

39. The method of claim 34, wherein the base layer comprises a single platform configured to allow the analyte sensor and the data processing unit to move in relation to each other while maintaining electrical communication therebetween.

40. The method of claim 34, wherein the outer surface of the sensor introducer assembly has a perimeter that is smaller than a perimeter of the base layer.