Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells including a first working electrode 32, a first counter electrode 34, a second working electrode 36, and a second counter electrode 38, wherein the electrodes are spaced such that reaction products from the first counter electrode 34 arrive at the first working electrode 32, and reaction products from the first and second counter electrodes 34, 38 do not reach the second working electrode 36. Also provided is a method of using such electrochemical cells for determining the concentration of a reduced or oxidized form of a redox species with greater accuracy than can be obtained using an electrochemical cell having a single working and counter electrode.

Abstract: A biosensor for use in determining a concentration of a component in an aqueous liquid sample is provided including: an electrochemical cell having a first electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, a second electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, the substrates being disposed with the electrically conductive materials facing each other and being separated by a sheet including an aperture, the wall of which aperture defines a cell wall and a sample introduction aperture whereby the aqueous liquid sample may be introduced into the cell; and a measuring circuit.

Abstract: Test strips and monitoring devices for the electrochemical analysis of analytes are disclosed. An illustrative test strip may include first and second electrodes, offset relative to one another with respect to an insertion end of the test strip. The monitoring device may have a stop and electrical contacts configured to position the test strip such that the offset electrodes are in contact with the electrical contacts of the monitor. In some cases, the insertion end of the test strip and the stop of the monitoring device include one or more features to key the insertion end of the test strip with the stop. Also, one or more programmable devices may be provided on or in the test strip for providing information and/or calibration data to the monitoring device when inserted into the monitoring device. In some embodiments, a monitoring device may be provided that includes a removable Sharps container for storing used test strips.

Abstract: An electric-current biosensor has a support, an electrode film, a conductive film, a bioactivity layer, and an adhesive layer. The support has a first support and a second support with a concave having a testing port therein. The electrode film has a first electrode film disposed on the first support and a second electrode film disposed on the second support. The first electrode film has a positive electrode film and a negative electrode film, which are formed with an interval slit therebetween. The conductive film has a positive and negative conductive films electrically connecting with the positive and negative electrode films, respectively. The bioactivity layer is disposed on the first electrode film and forms an activity area. The activity area covers at least some portions of the positive and negative electrode films. The adhesive layer is disposed between the first and second supports for bonding together.

Abstract: A bio-battery includes a biomolecular energy source, a first electrode and a second electrode. In some configurations, a bio-battery may also include a first cell containing the first electrode and the biomolecular energy source, and a second cell having a reducible substrate and the second electrode. The first cell can be in ionic communication with the second cell, for example by a proton exchange membrane. Various biomolecular energy sources can be used, including proton donor molecules or electrolytically oxidizable molecules. For example, the biomolecular energy source can be selected from the group consisting of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) and 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (FADH).

Abstract: Portable device for the measurement and control of analytes in biological fluids comprising: one disposable measuring cell suitable for application to the patient's skin, one measuring unit combined with said measuring cell by means of an electro-fluidic wiring and one remote control unit combined with said measuring cell and with said measuring unit and suitable for setting, adjusting and monitoring the measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detectable analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A quantitative analyzing method is provided for electrochemically measuring the concentration of a substance in a sample liquid using a sensor including a reagent layer (30) which contains a reagent for reacting with the substance and to which (30) the sample liquid is introduced, and a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (23) for applying a voltage to the reagent layer (30). The method includes a current measuring step for applying a voltage across the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (23) for measuring current flowing between the first and the second electrodes (22,23), a parameter calculating step for calculating a parameter based on the measured current, and a determining step for determining a state of the sample liquid introduced to the reagent layer (30) based on the parameter and at least one predetermined constant.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of a specific component includes the steps of: supplying a sample fluid to a reaction field holding a reagent; obtaining a single or a plurality of leak currents for correction, through a measurement of electric current made once or a plurality of times without applying a voltage to the reaction field; obtaining a single or a plurality of electric currents for calculation, through a measurement of electric current made once or a plurality of times while applying a voltage to the reaction field; and calculating a concentration of a specific component in the sample fluid, based on the single or the plurality of values for correction and the single or the plurality of values for calculation.

Abstract: Detection of abnormal signal traces in electrochemical measurements generated using an electrochemical test strip to which a potential is applied allows for an indication of an erroneous analyte determination. The current trace has an expected shape in which a peak current is observed a time tpeak after which there is a decrease in current. To detect abnormal signal traces, the time tpeak is determined experimentally and compared with an expected value, t?peak, and if the difference between the two values to over a predetermined threshold, an error message is provided to the user instead of a test result. The value of t?peak is determined as a function of a mobility term that is determined during a potentiometry phase following the amperometric measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor strip has a base, an electrode system, an optional spacer and a cover. The electrode system is laid on the base. The spacer is laid on the electrode system and exposes a portion of the electrode system for electrical connection with a meter and a different portion of the electrode system for application of a test reagent. The cover is covered on the spacer to form a cavity. Between the test reagent and the base, a hydrophilic layer is laid between them for increasing the binding effect of the test reagent on the base. The hydrophilic layer is laid on the area excluding from the electrode system and laid on the electrode system about 50% to 0% of the electrode system corresponding to the test reagent. The hydrophilic layer will not interfere with signal transmission of the electrode system so the test is more accurate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. The method of analyzing the plurality of biochips includes inserting a first biochp into a first station of an analysis device, inserting a second biochip into a second station of the analysis device, wherein each of the first and second biochips include a substrate, the substrates including an array of detection electrodes, each electrode including a different capture binding ligand, a different target analyte, and a label, and a plurality of electrical contracts, detecting current as an indication of the presence of the labels on the first biochip, and detecting current as an indication of the presence of the labels on the first second biochip. The devices and method may be used with multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays, such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: A biosensor, a measuring instrument for biosensor, and a method of quantifying a substrate contained in specimen liquid to reduce a measurement error by the biosensor; a biosensor, comprising at least a pair of electrodes formed on an insulation substrate; a measuring instrument, comprising a supporting part for detachably supporting the biosensor, a plurality of connection terminals electrically connected to the electrodes, and a drive power supply for applying a voltage to the electrodes through the connection terminals; wherein the biosensor is inserted into the measuring instrument, either one of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to first and second connection terminals fined to the measuring instrument only when the biosensor is inserted into the support part of the measuring instrument in a specified direction and has an electrode structure to allow the first connection terminal to conduct with the second connection terminal when a voltage is applied by the drive power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates one dimensional separation to another dimensional separation and automates the operation of the two dimensional separation. The first dimensional separation is performed in one column while the second dimensional separation is performed in multiple separation columns. The integration is achieved using a one-piece, a two-piece, or a three-piece interface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strip for analyzing a sample. The strip includes two insulating layers, a spacer layer, and a conducting circuit. The spacer layer is disposed between the two insulating layers, and configured to define, together with the two insulating layers, an adsorption port, a sample chamber, a capillary for delivering a sample from the adsorption port to the sample chamber through the capillary, and a vent for facilitating delivery of the sample into the sample chamber. The conducting circuit, also disposed between the two insulating layers, includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, conducting wires, and connectors. A test agent, reactive to an analyte in a sample, is in association with the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biosensors having improved sample application and measuring properties and their uses for detection, preferably, quantitative measurement, of analyte in a liquid sample. In particular, the invention provides for a biosensor having a sample application, reaction area and liquid soluble hydrophilic material facilitating the speed and uniformity of sample application, especially small volume sample application, via capillary flow. Methods for assaying analytes or enzymes using the biosensors are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calculating the resolution of blood glucose which corresponding with the peak value of the rising curve. The average peak value is obtained from calculating the plurality of peak value, which determined after the pre-setting sampling time. Then, the average peak value is calculated with the resistance of the measuring circuit, reference resistance, and reference voltage to obtain the resolution of the blood glucose. Furthermore, the mapping table can be fabricated by the different height of maximum peak value and outputted voltage in different presetting sampling time, such that the resolution of blood glucose can be obtained in different outputted voltage values.

Abstract: An electric-current biosensor has first and second supports, a pair of positive and negative electrodes on the first supports, an activity area covers the positive and negative electrodes, a pair of testing ports on two sides of the second support, and an electrode film mating with the activity area. The pair of testing ports force the sample to flow into the activity area and stops the sample from flowing outside the support along the surface thereof.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a sample site positioned on the substrate, a cover coupled to the substrate, and biocide positioned between the substrate and the cover. The biosensor may also include desiccant. The cover is operative to selectively block access to the sample site. The cover includes a fixed end coupled to the substrate, an opposite free end, and a middle portion extending across the sample site. The middle portion is releasably and recloseably adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly sensitive biosensor capable of yielding good response even when the amount of a sample is extremely small. The biosensor of the present invention includes: a first insulating base plate which has a working electrode comprising a plurality of branches and a first counter electrode comprising a plurality of branches, the branches of the working electrode and the first counter electrode being arranged alternately; a second insulating base plate which has a second counter electrode and which is disposed at a position opposite to the first insulating base plate; a reagent system comprising an oxidoreductase; and a sample supply pathway formed between the first and second insulating base plates, wherein the branches of the working electrode and the first counter electrode that are arranged alternately, the second counter electrode, and the reagent system are exposed in the sample supply pathway.

Abstract: An electroporation chamber is provided wherein cells are borne by a fluid medium through a conductive mesh receiving electrode (with the mesh size being such that it allows passage of cells of the desired size/type) and into the chamber. The cells are then captured on a conductive mesh capturing electrode having a mesh size which retains the desired cells. The electrodes are then charged to effect electroporation or other operations within the captured cells between the electrodes. If desired, different fluid media may flow through the electrodes and chamber (and over the cells) during such activities. When operations are completed, fluid flow may be reversed to carry the treated cells back out of the chamber through the receiving electrode.

Abstract: In biosensor system 1, biosensor 2 is mounted in measuring apparatus 3 for quantifying or detecting existence of a targeted substrate in a sample solution. Mounting end portion 20 of biosensor 2 to be mounted in measuring apparatus 3 has an extension of one base plate in the length direction, and further extensions of the other base plate in the width direction. Sensor mounting portion 30 of measuring apparatus 3 has a shape matching up with the shape of mounting end portion 20. Thereby wrong insertion of biosensor 2 in measuring apparatus 3 can be prevented. Further, varying shapes of plural biosensors 5 and 6 to have a common part and a non-common part, such biosensors can be handily measured by one measuring apparatus 7.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical connection between an electrochemical cell and a meter is provided. According to the method, an electrical connection is made between a meter, by means of a wedge-shaped connector with upper and lower conductive surfaces, and an electrochemical cell comprising a first substrate with a first electrically conductive coating and a second substrate with a second electrically conductive coating, the electrically conductive coatings being disposed to face each other in a spaced apart relationship by an insulating spacer. The meter further includes a pivot point for rotating the wedge connector on the pivot point.

Abstract: The electrode test strip is used with an electrochemical sensor for measuring an analyte in an aqueous sample, e.g., glucose in blood. The electrode strip includes an elongated electrode support, a first and second electrode on the support, a slotted dielectric layer, a screen and a slotted cover layer, all disposed atop each and atop the electrodes in the support. The dielectric layer and the cover layer are typically adhesively attached (the adhesive layers further define the slot). The slot is open to the terminal end of the test strip and the cover. The screen, interposed in the slot, has a porosity between 10%-40% to control analyte flow and volume in the slot and over the test area defined by electrode legs. Further refinements include utilizing a surfactant on the screen.

Abstract: Electrochemical test strip cards that can be singulated to produce electrochemical test strips are provided. The electrochemical test cards are made up of two or more electrochemical test strip precursors, where each precursor is characterized by the presence of a dry reagent housing reaction chamber bounded by opposing electrodes. In gaseous communication with each reaction chamber of the card is an integrated desiccant. Also provided are methods of using the subject electrochemical test strips cards, as well as kits that include the same. The subject test strips and cards find use in the detection/concentration determination of a number of different analytes, including glucose.

Abstract: Planar devices incorporating electrodes for performing chemical analyses are disclosed. The devices include an electrode module in a fluidic housing. The electrode module includes a carrier module and at least one electrode thereon. More specifically, the electrode module includes a planar carrier module made of a laminate of a metal layer and an insulator layer, which metal layer is divided into at least two metal conductor elements; and at least one electrode formed directly on the carrier module and including a membrane element for imparting chemical sensitivity to the electrode, the membrane element being applied to the insulator layer to be in electrical contact with one of the metal conductor elements through the insulator layer. The insulator layer preferably has die cut perforations through which the membrane element extends into electrical contact with the conductor layer. In the most economical embodiment, the carrier module is a common chip carrier according to ISO 7816-2.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices are meters characterized by having an internal structure that includes a test strip selecting element having a continuously reduced cross-sectional area configured to select a single test strip at a time and means for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample applied to the selected test strip. In the subject methods for containing at least one test strip and dispensing a single test strip at a time, a meter having at least one test strip contained therein is provided. The meter is positioned with respect to the ground to cause the single test strip to move from a contained position to a dispensed position. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes an electrode support substrate, electrodes positioned on the electrode support, each electrode including a meter-contact portion and a measurement portion, and a sensor support substrate. The sensor support substrate cooperates with the electrode support substrate to define channel in alignment with the measurement portion of the electrodes. Additionally, the sensor support substrate includes opposite ends and at least one window. The at least one window is spaced-apart from the ends and in alignment with the meter-contact portion of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid comprises: a housing (2) having an opening and containing a stack of sensors (16); a transport member (4) rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing, having an axis of rotation which spans the opening; a spring (24) which urges the stack against the transport member; and sealing means (20, 34) for making a moisture tight seal between the transport member and the sensors when the transport member is in a specified rotational position. An outer surface of the transport member has a recessed region (12) which is adapted to receive a single sensor from the stack. Rotation of the transport member with a sensor in the recessed region transports the sensor to a location where it can be connected to a meter (6, 8) and receive a drop of fluid to be tested.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a concentration measuring apparatus, a test strip for the concentration measuring apparatus, a biosensor system and a method for forming terminals of the test strip, whereby a component to be measured can be measured by the test strip fit to the target component to be measured. A type judgement electrode is provided separately from a positive electrode and a negative electrode in a measuring apparatus so as to judge the type of a set test strip with the measuring apparatus. Thus only when a test strip matching the measuring apparatus is set, the type judgement electrode is electrically connected to a terminal of the set test strip, enabling the measuring apparatus to measure a component to be measured in a liquid test sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor allowing the concentration of a constituent to be determined and being formed by a tongue of small dimensions including a thin plastic substrate (1) supporting at least two current conducting strips (4, 5) separated by a narrow insulating strip (3) of the substrate (1), said substrate (1) and said strips (4, 5) being covered with a plastic covering (2) into which are cut, at one end an opening (8) allowing portions of strip (4, 5) to appear for connection to an electronic apparatus and at the other end two windows (9a, 9b) separated by a strip (11) of the covering (2), said windows (9a, 9b) delimiting on the strips (4, 5) the useful surfaces of a reference electrode beneath a first window (9b) and a measuring electrode beneath a second window (9a) covered with a specific reactant. It is characterised in that at least the measuring window (9a) has an oblong contour in the direction of the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substate, an electrically conductive coating positioned on the support substrate, the coating being formed to define electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and a cover cooperating with the support substrate to define a channel. At least a portion of the electrodes are positioned in the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for point of care diagnosis and/or analysis of body fluids of a patient, comprising:—a cartridge (2),—a diagnosis and/or analysis apparatus (3),—means (6) for measurement of the concentration of at least one specific component of a sample of the body fluids,—connecting means (8, 13) providing communication for electrical and/or Ooptical values between the cartridge (2) and the diagnosis and/or analysis apparatus (3),—wherein said values correlate with at least one of the respective concentrations,—diagnosing and/or analyzing means (14) measuring the respective concentration value via the connecting means (8, 13),—storage means (10) for storing cartridge specific data and/or information,—reading means (15) for reading the data and/or information out of the storage means (10),—wherein the diagnosing and/or analyzing means (14) evaluate the respective concentration values in accordance to the cartridge specific data a

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (10) comprising essentially a support (11) wherein is placed a measuring card (12), a perfusion device (13), a thermostat (14), a measuring box (15) and a measurement management system (16). The measuring card (12) comprises an electrode array whereof one end emerges into the chamber and the other end is placed outside said chamber. The group of cells is placed in the chamber which is connected to the perfusion device (13). The support (11) comprises a connector (25) connecting the card (12) electrodes to the measurement management system (16) via the measuring box (15).

Abstract: A portable multi-functional electrochemical biosensor system includes a plurality of sample cells, pluggable information memories and a multi-functional signal analysis processor. The biosensor system uses a set of sample cell and pluggable information memory to detect the concentration of a corresponding selected analyte. Each sample cell has a reaction zone on which a chemical substance is placed to react with the corresponding analyte and has at least two independent electrodes. During detection, each corresponding pluggable information memory can provide parameters used for analysis. The multi-functional signal analysis processor has a microprocessor, an electrically erasable programmable read/write memory and an environmental temperature sensor. The concentration of the selected analyte is calculated by using the electrochemical reaction signal output from the sample cell and the parameters with cooperation of the environmental temperature sensor, and then an analysis result is output.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detectable analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid.

Abstract: There is provided electrochemical biosensors with a sample introducing part, comprising a sample introducing passage, an air discharge passage, and a void. The sample introducing passage communicates with the air discharge passage, and the void is formed at the point of communication. Also, disclosed is the electrochemical biosensor with the said sample introducing part and a fluidity determining electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor for quantifying one or more redox species in a liquid sample comprising a background electrochemical activity, wherein said biosensor comprises:

Abstract: A disposable electrochemical sensor for the detection of an analyte such as glucose in a liquid sample is provided. The sensor has a working electrode and a reference electrode disposed within a sample-receiving cavity, and a reagent layer disposed within the sample-receiving cavity and over the working electrode. The reagent layer contains at least an enzyme for producing an electrochemical signal in the presence of the analyte. The sample-receiving cavity has a volume of less than 1.5 &mgr;l, and the sensor provides a stable reading of the amount of analyte in a period of 10 seconds or less. Where appropriate for the generation of electrochemical signal, for example in the case of glucose detection, the reagent layer also contains a mediator. The sensor is used in combination with a meter for detection of the analyte in a liquid sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring the level of an oxidant or antioxidant analyte in a fluid sample. The device comprises a disposable electrochemical cell, such as a thin layer electrochemical cell, containing a reagent capable of undergoing a redox reaction with the analyte. When the device or method is to be used with slow-reacting analytes, heat may be applied to the sample by a resistive heating element in the device or by an exothermic material contained within the electrochemical cell. Application of heat will accelerate the rate of the redox reaction between the reagent and the analyte and thus facilitate the electrochemical measurement of slow-reacting analytes.

Abstract: An instrument (20) has a well (28a-b) for receiving a dry cell (75), an opening (78) through which a first connector (74) is exposed to the well (28a-b), and a boss (76) adjacent the opening (78). The boss (76) precludes the wrong terminal of the dry cell (75) from engaging the first connector (74) when the dry cell (75) is inserted into the well (28a-b) in incorrect orientation. A second connector (80) includes a base (81), a first leg (82) resiliently connected to and extending away from the base portion, a second leg (84) resiliently connected to and extending away from the first leg (82), and a third leg (86) resiliently connected to and extending away from the second leg (84) and toward the first leg (82). A display (42) for the instrument (20) has a lens (90) having a substantially transparent substrate with a polyurethane coating. The instrument housing has first and second portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring hemoglobin in a fluid sample. The device comprises a disposable electrochemical cell, such as a thin layer electrochemical cell, containing a reagent capable of being reduced by hemoglobin. A suitable fluid sample that may be analyzed according the present invention is whole blood. If the hemoglobin to be analyzed is present in red blood cells, a lysing agent may be added to the sample to release the hemoglobin prior to analysis.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes an electrode support substrate, electrodes positioned on the electrode support, each electrode including a meter-contact portion and a measurement portion, and a sensor support substrate. The sensor support substrate cooperates with the electrode support substrate to define channel in alignment with the measurement portion of the electrodes. Additionally, the sensor support substrate includes opposite ends and at least one window. The at least one window is spaced-apart from the ends and in alignment with the meter-contact portion of at least one of the electrodes.