Abstract: A detection system and method for detecting one or a plurality of species from a mixture of species in a phase. The detection system and method detect changes in conductance induced by the species. The conductance includes a cell structure having a rigid architecture having a top surface a portion of which is electrically conductive forming a first conductive component. A second conductive component substantially overlaps the first conductive component and is spaced from the first conductive component by an insulating component. One or more flow pathways exist between the first conductive component and the second conductive component for the chemical and/or biological species to flow. A time dependent electrical signal for inducing a time dependent response is applied to at least one of said first and second conductive components and a signal detector coupled to at least one of the first and second conductive components measures the time dependent response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a physical characteristic of a seafood product are provided. In one system, the estimate is based on a slope defined by a ratio of changes in peak resonant amplitude and frequency of an electromagnetic resonant circuit in loaded and unloaded states. In another system, a first probe of a plurality of probes is driven with a test signal when the plurality of probes is loaded by a seafood product and the estimate is based on received test signals at one or more of the other probes. In another system, the estimate is based on the loading effect of a seafood product on an electromagnetic resonant circuit, which is also used to read an ID from an RFID associated with the seafood product. The systems and methods may be used for individual specimens, or to determine an average estimate for multiple specimens at one time.

Abstract: An oscillator provides a reference signal having a phase. A tunable reactive circuit, including an induction coil, is driven by the fixed frequency reference signal of the oscillator with coil adapted to be positioned adjacent the specimen to generate an oscillating signal corresponding to the condition of the specimen. The tunable reactive circuit provides an output signal having a parameter indicative of the condition of the specimen. A resonant control circuit compares the reference signal to the oscillating signal and provides to the tunable reactive circuit a resonance control signal representative of the comparison. The resonance control signal tunes the tunable reactive circuit, which may be a series RLC circuit, so that the frequency of the oscillating signal is substantially constant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for designing and measuring a cell-electrode impedance sensor to detect chemical and biological samples, including biological cells. The method of designing a cell-electrode impedance sensor comprises: determining a cell free cell-electrode impedance and a cell-covered cell-electrode impedance; obtaining a sensor sensitivity of the cell-electrode impedance measurement system; and choosing one or more design parameters of the cell-electrode impedance sensor to maximize the sensor sensitivity. When the frequency of AC signal between electrodes ranges from 10 kHz to 40 kHz, the sensitivity of the sensor is maximized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: Arrays of biosensors are provided along with methods for operating the arrays of biosensors. The array of biosensors may include a first reference electrode that is connected to an input of a first control amplifier; a first working electrode and a second working electrode in proximity with the first reference electrode; and a counter electrode that is connected to at least an output of the first control amplifier, where the first control amplifier is operative with the counter electrode to maintain a first specified voltage between the first working electrode and the first reference electrode, and between the second working electrode and the first reference electrode.

Abstract: A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the air is flowing out from the second conduit end. In an embodiment, the device includes a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a detector arranged to detect an electrical property change, and an actuator for causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector, wherein in use, the air flowing into the device causes the detector and the actuator to move relative to each other, causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, electrodes are coupled to a surface at first, second, and third locations, the first location being further from the third location than from the second location. Impedance is measured at distinct frequencies between pairs of the electrodes. As a result, impedance is measured at differing regions below the surface, one region being deeper below the surface than the other region. In a second embodiment, a microfluidic device carries out an analysis. The analysis may be within a flexible patch adhered to a surface, or may be in a solid device implanted in a body of liquid surrounded by tissue. The analysis may involve pumping a fluid or may involve drawing an analyte electrophoretically through a microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A conductivity detector detects the electrical conductivity of a fluid under analysis for determining chemical or physical properties of the fluid that are related its electrical properties. Such conductivity detectors may find use in, for example, hemodialysis systems for analyzing the effectiveness of the hemodialysis treatment. In an aspect, to improve accuracy of the conductivity measurements, the detector utilizes four-wire resistance measurement methods. In another aspect, to avoid fouling or contamination of the electrodes, the detector utilizes capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) methods so that the electrodes are physically unconnected to the fluid contained in a fluid chamber. In a possible further aspect, the fluid chamber may be a disposable component removable from the electrodes. The conductivity detector can include other features such as calibration circuits and features for electrically isolating the fluid under detection from the fluid in the rest of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a fingerprint has an array of sensors, each sensor having a sensing surface for receiving the pressure of a finger and having an ITO layer that has an intrinsic variable resistance characteristic that varies because of the varying ridges and valleys of a finger. The intrinsic variable resistance characteristic is converted to a variable voltage for a given pixel based on the pressure applied by the finger, and the fingerprint is determined based on the variable voltage readings for each pixel.

Abstract: An impedance analyzer includes: a control voltage generating unit for generating a control voltage that has a predetermined amplitude value; a measuring unit operable to provide an output current, which has an amplitude value corresponding to that of the control voltage, for flowing through first and second body portions of a biological target, and to generate a measurement voltage that has an amplitude value corresponding to a difference between voltages at the first and second body portions attributed to flow of the output current therethrough; and a calculating module operable to determine an electrical impedance between the first and second body portions according to a predetermined adjustment value and the amplitude value of the measurement voltage.

Abstract: A biometric measurement apparatus has a measurement unit for measuring bioelectric impedance of different parts of a body and hematocrit. The measurement unit has impedance calculators (IPG1, IPG2) for measuring the impedance of tissues and blood of a living body with a first frequency to output as a first impedance (Z1), and for measuring the impedance of the tissues and blood of the living body with a second frequency to output as a second impedance (Z2), and has pulse wave analyzing units (MS1 and MS2) for analyzing differences of the first impedance between a first time and a second time and difference (?ZH) of the second impedance between the first time and the second time, and a hematocrit calculator (245) for calculating hematocrit based on the difference (?ZL) of the first impedance and the difference (?ZH) of the second impedance.

Abstract: A cell counter system includes an inlet via which a fluid containing a plurality of cells inflows; a channel in which the fluid flows; a valve unit, which controls flow of the fluid in the channel; an electrode unit, which is arranged in the channel for measuring impedance for counting a number of the plurality of cells; and an outlet, which is connected to the channel to drain the fluid.

Abstract: Techniques for characterizing a molecule are described herein. In one example, a portion of the molecule is trapped in a nanopore, a variable voltage is applied across the nanopore until the trapped portion of molecule is moved within the nanopore, and the molecule is characterized based on the electrical stimulus required to affect movement of at least a portion of the trapped portion of the molecule within the nanopore.

Abstract: A follower amplifier with power supply biased by a controlled voltage source such that the power supply potentials are, for the frequencies of interest, as close as possible to the potential of the follower output. There is proposed a front-end electronic circuit for biopotential and impedance measurements with outstanding performances (very high input impedance and gain very close to unity). Preferably, the explicit guard electrode and the explicit electronic unit at the belt are no longer necessary; all electronics is embedded in units placed directly at the measurement sites. Moreover, the proposed front-end electronic circuit allows a drastic simplification of the cabling and connectors since all units are connected to only one wire (the theoretical minimum) for potential reference and current return. Preferably, this wire does not even require an electrical isolation and can be easily embedded in the textile of a shirt, in a garment, mesh, belt, etc.

Abstract: A method for measuring membrane potential using dielectric spectroscopy is described. A new theoretical model allows for the determination of membrane potential from low-frequency impedance measurements to provide a non-evasive method which is both rapid and inexpensive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a nanopore and a structure formed with the nanopore. The present invention relates to a method of forming a nanopore by preparing a first structure and a second structure having a surface on which nucleotides can be attached; attaching one ends of a plurality of oligonucleotides complementary to each other on the surface; binding the first structure and the second structure; and removing some of the bound oligonucleotides. The present invention is effective in that a pore of a desired size can be accurately formed by adjusting the length of the oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analysis tool including a reagent portion and electrodes. The electrodes include a porous conductive portion where the reagent portion is formed. The porous conductive section is formed by, for instance, coating at least a part of a surface and an inner surface of a porous body with a conductive film. The porous body is, for instance, an insulating fiber mesh cloth. Preferably, the electrodes are formed in a sheet shape.

Abstract: An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of investigating a mechanism of action of a compound, which includes providing a device for monitoring cell-substrate impedance; attaching the device to an impedance analyzer; adding cells to two or more wells; adding a test compound to at least one of the wells and providing at least one control well; monitoring impedance of the wells to obtain a series of impedance measurements; plotting impedance measurements to obtain impedance curves and comparing the impedance curves to determine a time frame at which the test compound has a significant effect on cell growth or behavior. Determining the time frame provides information on changes in cell status in response to the test compound, including cell attachment or adhesion status, cell growth or proliferation status, the number of viable or dead cells, cytoskeletal organization or structure, and the number of cells going through apoptosis or necrosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a sensor and method for detecting a target molecule. In one instance, a sensor comprises a substrate including a hole, a first insulating layer located on the substrate and including a first nanopore corresponding to the hole, a first electrode, a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are located on a surface of the first insulating layer and are spaced apart by the first nanopore forming a nanogap, and a modulation unit configured to apply a unit input signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein at least one unit input signal is applied as a target molecule passes through the nanogap.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods to use nanoparticles as non-optical tags for detecting a change in mass. chemical sensing or bio-sensing events or reaction upon conjugation of nanoparticles onto a thermoresistor heat sensor. Particularly described is the use of metal nanoparticles in thermal sensors, thermal bio-sensors, and sensing pixel arrays for multiple analyte sensing. In addition, an asymmetric filter is disclosed that allows size separation of molecules from nanoparticles. The asymmetric filter is a porous membrane that is designed to have a small pore size in one size and a large pore size on the other side.

Abstract: An unadjusted ion population is obtained by measurement of an unadjusted charge transfer due to an imposed electrical potential between two surfaces within a plant. An adjusted ion population is determined by dividing the unadjusted charge transfer by the wetted surface area through which the charge transfers occurs. Changes in wetted surface area are measured by changes in the electrical capacitance of the surface/liquid interface. The type of ion is identified by application of a sequence of potential values imposed on the two surfaces by a source which permits the potential of the electron emitting surface to take on a value set by the ion involved in the electron transfer. The ion is identified by the value of this potential.

Abstract: According to a device and system for measuring the properties of cells, there is an advantage in that, since a cell accommodation unit having a volume is provided, the properties of three-dimensional cells can be measured. Further, the present invention is advantageous in that it enables passive measurement of multiple properties which passively measures the electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of cells, and active measurement of multiple properties which actively applies electrical, mechanical and optical types of stimulation to cells and measures their electrical, mechanical and/or optical reactions, thus measuring the multiple properties of cells with high reliability.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, electrodes are coupled to a surface at first, second, and third locations, the first location being further from the third location than from the second location. Impedance is measured at distinct frequencies between pairs of the electrodes. As a result, impedance is measured at differing regions below the surface, one region being deeper below the surface than the other region. In a second embodiment, a microfluidic device carries out an analysis. The analysis may be within a flexible patch adhered to a surface, or may be in a solid device implanted in a body of liquid surrounded by tissue. The analysis may involve pumping a fluid or may involve drawing an analyte electrophoretically through a microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A cellular electric potential measuring container includes a container body and an electrode substrate, the electrode substrate being attached to a lower end of the container body so as to form a plurality of wells, the cellular electric potential measuring container being for measuring cellular electric potential after being mounted on an electric potential measuring device, wherein the container body comprises: a plurality of tubular portions whose upper and lower ends are open. The electrode substrate includes a substrate body, with a plurality of measurement electrodes and a plurality of reference electrodes being disposed on one surface of the substrate body, and the container body is attached to the surface of the substrate body on which the measurement electrodes and the reference electrodes are disposed, and a method for producing a cellular electric potential measuring container.

Abstract: An electronic method and apparatus to externally sense and identify the position of live tissue within an animal claw, including opaque claws. The live tissue (quick) position is determined by electrical conductivity measurements along the claw, so that the claw can be cut or marked. A receptor electrode positioned on the claw measures conductivity resulting from either a source electrode placed on the animal, or from the electro-magnet field created by the ambient presence of radiated line voltage. A multi point contact electrode which does not require calibration, comprises alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections. A claw receptacle conforms the electrode to the claw.

Abstract: A detection system and method for detecting one or a plurality of species from a mixture of species in a phase. The detection system and method detect changes in conductance induced by the species. The conductance includes a cell structure having a rigid architecture having a top surface a portion of which is electrically conductive forming a first conductive component. A second conductive component substantially overlaps the first conductive component and is spaced from the first conductive component by an insulating component. One or more flow pathways exist between the first conductive component and the second conductive component for the chemical and/or biological species to flow.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions to conductively or to inductively fix substrates, including tissues, using electromagnetic energy. Also provided is a method of controlling the fixing process via feedback monitoring of a property of the composition and/or of the electromagnetic energy used.

Abstract: A pipette suitable for carrying out patch clamp techniques for characterizing the physiology of living cells is constructed using microfabrication techniques applied to silicon wafers. The pipette includes a body portion configured for mounting in a micromanipulator and a patch tip having a patch aperture. An internal passage through the pipette permits controlled dialysis of the cell contents. A solid conductive electrode near the patch tip can be connected to suitable electronics, permitting electrical activity of the cell to be monitored with very low access resistance and lowering the capacitance of the pipette. Other microfluidic devices such as pumps and valves are integrated into the device so that the dialysis can be rapidly controlled by electronic means. The pipette can also be configured so that multiple cells can be patched simultaneously, or multiple patches can be made on a single cell simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: A method for determining impedance includes receiving a time varying voltage signal from a biosensor and receiving a time varying current signal from the biosensor. The time varying voltage signal and the time varying current signal are transformed to a domain that represents complex values. The impedance representative of the biosensor based upon the transformed time varying voltage signal and the time varying current signal is calculated.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of an insect/insect larvae may include, but is not limited to: a first electrically conductive crush roller; a second electrically conductive crush roller; a drive motor operably coupled to at least one of the first electrically conductive crush roller and the second electrically conductive crush roller via an electrically isolating coupling; and detection circuitry configured to detect a signal transmitted from the first electrically conductive crush roller to the second electrically conductive crush roller when a conductive material is disposed between the first electrically conductive crush roller to the second electrically conductive crush roller.

Abstract: An electrical penetration graph (EPG) system includes a monitoring device with a buffered and stabilized voltage source assembly and a buffered internal amplifier with switched gain control. The system also includes a head stage amplifier. During the EPG process, the voltage source assembly directs an electrical current through a feeding insect. As the current passes through the insect, the insect's feeding process modulates the current and creates voltage waveform data. A head stage amplifier with selectable input resistance receives and amplifies the voltage waveform data. The data is transmitted back to the monitoring device where it is manipulated and further amplified by the monitoring device internal amplifier assembly. The waveform data is then transmitted to a controller and ultimately to an output device where the data is displayed.

Abstract: A bioelectric impedance measuring circuit for applying a current to an organism and measuring a bioelectric impedance of the organism is disclosed that includes a pseudo-sine wave generating circuit for generating a pseudo-sine wave based on an input square wave, a voltage/current converting circuit for outputting current to the organism in correspondence with the pseudo-sine wave generated by the pseudo-sine wave generating circuit, and a processing circuit for generating the square wave and supplying the square wave to the pseudo-sine wave generating circuit and measuring the bioelectric impedance based on a voltage output from the voltage/current converting circuit. The pseudo-sine wave generating circuit is included in a semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) is used to examine or monitor the state or state of health of plants (2) with the aid of a bipolar electrode (4) which uses its at least two different poles (5) to measure corresponding potentials of the plant and supply them to a detector and/or memory (7), in particular via an amplifier (9), with the result that conclusions regarding the state of, or the possible damage to, a plant (2) can be drawn from changes in the electrical signals and can ensure remedial action.

Abstract: The activity of cells is reduced without administering drugs or performing surgical removals. Electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 30 GHz to 3 THz are emitted to cells to reduce activity of the cells.

Abstract: A biosensor device (1) providing an analysis platform for detecting cell growth, comprising of an aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), a shear horizontal-surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) resonator including an input transducer (4) and an output transducer (5) symmetrically positioned on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), a counter electrode (6) positioned parallel to working electrodes (7) on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), for transmitting frequency voltage towards the living cell (3), a plurality of working electrodes (7) positioned beneath the living cell (3) on the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2) for receiving frequency voltage from the living cell (3), an impedance analyzer (8) for receiving impedance readings from the counter electrode (6) and working electrodes (7), and a back-etched silicon substrate (9) coupled to the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), for reducing current loss, wherein the living cell (3) is positioned in between of the input transducer and output transducer on the aluminium nitri

Abstract: A system monitors growth characteristics of a plant having a root buried in a prescribed volume of ground using a plurality of electrodes inserted into the ground at a known spacing relative to one another in proximity to the root or root-like structure. When electrical current is applied to some of the electrodes, electrical potential is measured at other ones of the electrodes to construct a representation of electrical impedance across the prescribed volume locating the root or root-like structure. Growth characteristics of the soil and the plant, for example root size, root shape, soil moisture content, and the like, can be identified by locating variations of the electrical impedance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical sensor strips and methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 ?g/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at ?20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. A method of increasing the performance of a quantitative analyte determination also is provided.

Abstract: An electroimpedance tomograph with a plurality of electrodes (1) is provided, which can be placed on the body of a patient and are connected via a selector switch (60) with a control and evaluating unit (20). The control and evaluating unit (20) cooperates with the selector switch (60) such that two electrodes each are supplied with an alternating current from an AC power source (22) and the detected analog voltage signals of the other electrodes are processed in order to reconstruct therefrom the impedance distribution of the body in the plane of the electrodes, wherein a symmetrical AC power source is used to reduce common-mode signals.

Abstract: Arrays of biosensors are provided along with methods for operating the arrays of biosensors. The array of biosensors may include a first reference electrode that is connected to an input of a first control amplifier; a first working electrode and a second working electrode in proximity with the first reference electrode; and a counter electrode that is connected to at least an output of the first control amplifier, where the first control amplifier is operative with the counter electrode to maintain a first specified voltage between the first working electrode and the first reference electrode, and between the second working electrode and the first reference electrode.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for detecting biomolecules. More specifically, by measuring the change in the electrical properties of a complex between a probe and carbon nanotubes, a non-label detection is achieved, capable of a rapid, sensitive and electrical detection of the presence and concentration of biomolecules in a sample solution.

Abstract: A biometric measurement apparatus has a measurement unit for measuring bioelectric impedance of different parts of a body and hematocrit. The measurement unit has impedance calculators (IPG1, IPG2) for measuring the impedance of tissues and blood of a living body with a first frequency to output as a first impedance (Z1), and for measuring the impedance of the tissues and blood of the living body with a second frequency to output as a second impedance (Z2), and has pulse wave analyzing units (MS1 and MS2) for analyzing differences of the first impedance between a first time and a second time and difference (?ZH) of the second impedance between the first time and the second time, and a hematocrit calculator (245) for calculating hematocrit based on the difference (?ZL) of the first impedance and the difference (?ZH) of the second impedance.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip with four new features. The test strip includes an indentation for tactile feel as to the location of the strips sample application port. The sample application port leads to a capillary test chamber, which includes a test reagent. The wet reagent includes from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight polyethylene oxide from about 100 kilodaltons to about 900 kilodaltons mean molecular weight, which makes the dried reagent more hydrophilic and sturdier to strip processing steps, such as mechanical punching, and to mechanical manipulation by the test strip user. The roof of the capillary test chamber includes a transparent or translucent window which operates as a “fill to here” line, thereby identifying when enough test sample (a liquid sample, such as blood) has been added to the test chamber to accurately perform a test. The test strip may further include a notch located at the sample application port. The notch reduces a phenomenon called “dose hesitation”.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip with four new features. The test strip includes an indentation for tactile feel as to the location of the strips sample application port. The sample application port leads to a capillary test chamber, which includes a test reagent. The wet reagent includes from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight polyethylene oxide from about 100 kilodaltons to about 900 kilodaltons mean molecular weight, which makes the dried reagent more hydrophilic and sturdier to strip processing steps, such as mechanical punching, and to mechanical manipulation by the test strip user. The roof of the capillary test chamber includes a transparent or translucent window which operates as a “fill to here” line, thereby identifying when enough test sample (a liquid sample, such as blood) has been added to the test chamber to accurately perform a test. The test strip may further include a notch located at the sample application port. The notch reduces a phenomenon called “dose hesitation”.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip with four new features. The test strip includes an indentation for tactile feel as to the location of the strips sample application port. The sample application port leads to a capillary test chamber, which includes a test reagent. The wet reagent includes from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight polyethylene oxide from about 100 kilodaltons to about 900 kilodaltons mean molecular weight, which makes the dried reagent more hydrophilic and sturdier to strip processing steps, such as mechanical punching, and to mechanical manipulation by the test strip user. The roof of the capillary test chamber includes a transparent or translucent window which operates as a “fill to here” line, thereby identifying when enough test sample (a liquid sample, such as blood) has been added to the test chamber to accurately perform a test. The test strip may further include a notch located at the sample application port. The notch reduces a phenomenon called “dose hesitation”.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip with four new features. The test strip includes an indentation for tactile feel as to the location of the strips sample application port. The sample application port leads to a capillary test chamber, which includes a test reagent. The wet reagent includes from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight polyethylene oxide from about 100 kilodaltons to about 900 kilodaltons mean molecular weight, which makes the dried reagent more hydrophilic and sturdier to strip processing steps, such as mechanical punching, and to mechanical manipulation by the test strip user. The roof of the capillary test chamber includes a transparent or translucent window which operates as a “fill to here” line, thereby identifying when enough test sample (a liquid sample, such as blood) has been added to the test chamber to accurately perform a test. The test strip may further include a notch located at the sample application port. The notch reduces a phenomenon called “dose hesitation”.