Error Detection in Analyte Measurements Based on Measurement of System Resistance
First Claim
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1. A method for determination of an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of:
- (a) introducing the sample to an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes;
(b) applying a potential difference, Vapp, between the electrodes of the test strip and observing a current signal sufficient to provide a determination of analyte in the sample;
(c) switching off the applied potential at time tswtich and determining the magnitude, Vdrop, of a voltage drop arising from series electrode resistance, if present;
(d) checking the determined magnitude of Vdrop against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of Vdrop falls outside of the range, and (e) if the magnitude is within the predetermined range, proceeding to display or communicate the result from the determination of analyte.
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Abstract
Measurement of the series resistance of a working and counter electrode pair in an electrochemical test strip provide error detection for multiple variations in the quality of the test strip, as well as the operation of strip in the test meter. In particular, a single measurement of series resistance can be used to detect and generate an error message when an incorrect reading is likely to result due to (1) damaged electrode tracks, (2) fouled electrode surfaces, (3) dirty strip contacts, or (4) short circuit between the electrodes.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for determination of an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of:
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(a) introducing the sample to an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes;
(b) applying a potential difference, Vapp, between the electrodes of the test strip and observing a current signal sufficient to provide a determination of analyte in the sample;
(c) switching off the applied potential at time tswtich and determining the magnitude, Vdrop, of a voltage drop arising from series electrode resistance, if present;
(d) checking the determined magnitude of Vdrop against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of Vdrop falls outside of the range, and (e) if the magnitude is within the predetermined range, proceeding to display or communicate the result from the determination of analyte. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A meter for receiving an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes and providing a determination of an analyte in a sample applied to the electrochemical test strip when received in the meter, said meter comprising
(a) a housing having a slot for receiving an electrochemical test strip; -
(b) communications means for receiving input from and communicating a result to a user; and
(c) means for applying a potential and to determine analyte concentration from an observed current, (d) means for switching off the potential at time tswitch and determining Vdrop; and
(e) means for comparing Vdrop with a predetermined range and generating an error message in place of a result if Vdrop falls outside the range. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for detecting erroneous conditions in an analyte determination in an electrochemical test strip comprising determining the magnitude of series electrode resistance during analyte determination, checking the determined magnitude of the series electrode resistance against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of series electrode resistance outside of the range.
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