Remote-dosing analyte concentration meter
First Claim
1. A meter for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid that is applied to a first surface of a porous membrane that contains a reagent, which reacts with the analyte to cause a change in reflectance of a second surface of the membrane, the membrane being attached to and substantially closing an end of a hollow frustum device, and the meter comprising(a) a body having a frustum-shaped distal section for mating engagement with the device, the section tapering inwardly to an end that faces the second surface of the membrane,(b) an optical system in the body to direct a beam of light out from the distal end and to accept light reflected back from the second surface of the membrane,(c) means for measuring the light reflected back into the body both before and after the sample is applied to the membrane, and(d) means for computing the analyte concentration in the fluid from the measured values of reflected light.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A meter is used in conjunction with a hollow, frustum-shaped disposable device to measure the concentration of an analyte in a sample of a biological fluid. The smaller end of the frustum has a porous membrane, to which a sample of the fluid may be applied. Preferably, a reagent in the membrane reacts with the analyte to cause a color change. The meter has a frustum-shaped distal section that mates with the device. The meter measures the color change and computes from the change the analyte concentration in the sample. The meter and disposable device permit remote dosing of the device, which minimizes the likelihood of cross-contamination between the user and the meter. Devices can be mounted on the meter and released from the meter without touching them, to further protect against contamination.
-
Citations
9 Claims
-
1. A meter for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid that is applied to a first surface of a porous membrane that contains a reagent, which reacts with the analyte to cause a change in reflectance of a second surface of the membrane, the membrane being attached to and substantially closing an end of a hollow frustum device, and the meter comprising
(a) a body having a frustum-shaped distal section for mating engagement with the device, the section tapering inwardly to an end that faces the second surface of the membrane, (b) an optical system in the body to direct a beam of light out from the distal end and to accept light reflected back from the second surface of the membrane, (c) means for measuring the light reflected back into the body both before and after the sample is applied to the membrane, and (d) means for computing the analyte concentration in the fluid from the measured values of reflected light.
Specification