BODILY FLUID SAMPLING WITH TEST STRIPS HINGED ON A TAPE
First Claim
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1. A device for the sequential provision of sterile test strips to analyze a bodily fluid sample, comprising:
- a carrying tape having a supply section and an exposure section;
a plurality of test strips sequentially carried from the supply section to the exposure section by advancement of the carrying tape; and
means for restricting the exposure of the test strips in the supply section to a surrounding atmosphere, said means comprising at least one of;
a sterile compartment of a housing that contains the supply section and has a deformable seal at its exit, and a removable covering over the test strips in the supply section;
wherein the test strips have proximal and distal portions, the proximal portions of the test strips being coupled to the carrying tape;
wherein when in the exposure section of the carrying tape, a test strip is in an extended orientation relative to the carrying tape and exposed to the surrounding atmosphere, the extended orientation involving the distal portion of the test strip extending away from the carrying tape to facilitate contact with the bodily fluid sample.
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Abstract
A supply of test strips for bodily fluid sampling are provided on a tape such that advancing the tape serves to advance the test strips. One end of the test strips are attached to the tape, and their free end is allowed to extend away from the tape for use. This extension facilitates dosing and reduces the chances for contamination. Prior to use the test strips are maintained in a sealed container and/or under a removable covering to preserve their integrity and improve shelf life.
145 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A device for the sequential provision of sterile test strips to analyze a bodily fluid sample, comprising:
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a carrying tape having a supply section and an exposure section; a plurality of test strips sequentially carried from the supply section to the exposure section by advancement of the carrying tape; and means for restricting the exposure of the test strips in the supply section to a surrounding atmosphere, said means comprising at least one of;
a sterile compartment of a housing that contains the supply section and has a deformable seal at its exit, and a removable covering over the test strips in the supply section;wherein the test strips have proximal and distal portions, the proximal portions of the test strips being coupled to the carrying tape; wherein when in the exposure section of the carrying tape, a test strip is in an extended orientation relative to the carrying tape and exposed to the surrounding atmosphere, the extended orientation involving the distal portion of the test strip extending away from the carrying tape to facilitate contact with the bodily fluid sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of analyzing a fluid comprising:
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providing a cassette of test strips carried on a tape, wherein unused test strips are substantially isolated from moisture in the surrounding environment by a covering; peeling the covering from the tape to at least partially expose a selected test strip; advancing the tape in a first direction around a bend to extend a portion of the exposed test strip from the tape; and contacting a fluid to the extended portion of the exposed test strip. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of sampling a bodily fluid comprising:
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providing a plurality of test strips serially positioned along a tape wherein at least a portion of the test strips are initially contained in a sterile chamber of a housing having a deformable seal at its exit; advancing the tape in a first direction to withdraw a first test strip from the sterile chamber through the exit; positioning the tape around a bend to extend a free end of the first test strip from the tape; and contacting a bodily fluid to the extended free end of the test strip. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A device for the sequential provision of test strips for analysis of bodily fluids comprising:
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a tape having a supply section and an activating section, wherein the supply section includes a series of bends in the tape in alternating directions and wherein the activating section includes an activating bend in the tape; and a plurality of test strips carried by the tape and containing a test element for determining at least one property of the bodily fluid, wherein the test strips have a proximal portion coupled to the tape and a distal portion uncoupled to the tape such that their distal portion extends from the tape when the test strip is adjacent the activating bend in the tape. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification