Disposable, self-administered electrolyte test

• US 20030201192A1
• Filed: 03/13/2003
• Published: 10/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Incorporated
• Inventors: Williams, John R., Dineen, Andrew, Prince, Jennifer Ryan
• Granted Patent: US 7,407,570 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 205/775
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0051 for taking saliva or sputum samples devices for receiving spittle A61J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0064 for taking sweat or sebum samples measuring sweat production A61B5/4266
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/007 for taking urine samples measuring urological functions A61B5/20; genital receptacles A61F5/451; urinals for bed-ridden persons A61G9/006
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/333 Ion-selective electrodes or membranes glass electrodes G01N27/36
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/48785 Electrical and electronic details of measuring devices for physical analysis of liquid biological material not specific to a particular test method, e.g. user interface or power supply

Abstract

A disposable, self-administered electrolyte test is affixed to the label of a commercially available electrolyte supplement, is available in the pharmacy section of a retail store, or is distributed by a physician or a clinic.

Claims

1. A disposable electrolyte test in the form of a substantially flat package, the electrolyte test comprising:

a. a flat, planar substrate;

b. a sample-receiving region on the substrate;

c. an ion-sensor cartridge in fluid communication with the sample-receiving region;

d. an indicator on the substrate adjacent the sample-receiving region; and

e. circuitry for operating the ion-sensor cartridge and the indicator so as to cause display, on the indicator, of an ionic parameter in response to the presence of a sample on the sample-receiving region.

2. The electrolyte test of claim 1 wherein the circuitry comprises a power source.

3. The electrolyte test of claim 1 wherein the ion-sensor cartridge comprises a plurality of ion-selective electrodes.

4. The electrolyte test of claim 3 wherein the substrate, electrodes, indicator and circuitry are integrated such that the sensor retains a substantially flat, planar profile.

5. The electrolyte test of claim 4 wherein the substrate has first and second sides, the sample-receiving region and the indicator being located on the first side of the substrate, the second side of the substrate comprising an adhesive facilitating affixation of the ion-sensor cartridge and the circuitry onto a surface.

6. The electrolyte test of claim 4 wherein the substrate, electrodes, indicator and circuitry are flexible such that the sensor may be conformed and affixed to a curved surface.

7. The electrolyte test of claim 2 wherein the power source is a printed battery.

8. The electrolyte test of claim 1 further comprising a flexible cover affixed over the substrate so as to be peelable therefrom.

9. The electrolyte test of claim 1 wherein the ionic parameter is an electrolyte level.

10. A method of performing an electrolyte test, the method comprising:

a. providing an electrolyte test element comprising a flat, planar substrate, a sample-receiving region on the substrate, an ion-sensor cartridge in fluid communication with the sample-receiving region, and an indicator responsive to the ion-sensor cartridge;

b. receiving a sample on the sample-receiving region; and

c. operating the ion-sensor cartridge and the indicator so as to cause display, on the indicator, of an ionic parameter of the sample.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the test element further comprises circuitry and a power source.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the ion-sensor cartridge comprises a plurality of ion-selective electrodes.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of affixing the test element onto a surface.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the substrate, electrodes, indicator and circuitry are flexible and the surface is curved, the test element being conformed thereto.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the power source is a printed battery.

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising affixing a flexible cover over the substrate so as to be peelable therefrom.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein the ionic parameter is an electrolyte level.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein the sample is saliva.