Passive sample detection to initiate timing of an assay
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and systems for passively and automatically detecting the presence of a sample (the “sample detection phase”) upon application of the sample to a biosensor, identifying the sample detection time and then initiating the measurement of a targeted characteristic, e.g., the concentration of one or more analytes, of the sample (the “measurement phase”), immediately upon sample detection. The subject methods and systems do not employ or involve the application of an electrical signal from an external source to the electrochemical cell for purposes of performing the sample detection phase and are, thus, less complicated and involve fewer steps and components.
22 Citations
31 Claims
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1-25. -25. (canceled)
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26. A method for determining the presence of a sample within an electrochemical cell comprising two electrodes defining an electrochemical cell, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a signal producing system within said electrochemical cell wherein the concentration of said signal producing system deposited on one electrode is greater than the concentration of said signal producing system deposited on the other electrode;
applying said sample to said electrochemical cell in the absence of an external signal applied to said electrochemical cell;
producing a potential difference within said electrochemical cell without applying an external signal to the electrochemical cell; and
monitoring said potential difference. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification