Distinguishing test types through spectral analysis
First Claim
1. A method for automatically selecting test types in an analytical meter system, comprising:
- providing a test element, said test element belonging to one of a plurality of test element types, said test element including a reaction site, said reaction site having an optically detectable condition formed by a reaction between a reagent and an analyte of a sample;
inserting said test element into an analytical meter system;
measuring a first optical property of the test element at said reaction site;
measuring a second optical property of the test element at said reaction site;
distinguishing said test element by identifying a predetermined relationship between said first and second optical properties; and
selecting a test type based at least in part upon the results of said distinguishing step.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatically selecting test types for an analytical meter system based on the insertion into the meter of a test element. The test element can be an analytical element, formed by a test strip with a fluid such as blood applied thereto; a control element, formed by a test strip with control fluid applied thereto; or a standard element, or a standard strip exhibiting known optical properties. By inserting the test element into the analytical meter system, optical properties are measured and the existence of relationships between the measurements are ascertained. Based on the existence or nonexistence of certain relationships, the proper test can be automatically selected by the meter without the need for user interaction. Advantageously, the results of the test can be classified and stored according to test type.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for automatically selecting test types in an analytical meter system, comprising:
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providing a test element, said test element belonging to one of a plurality of test element types, said test element including a reaction site, said reaction site having an optically detectable condition formed by a reaction between a reagent and an analyte of a sample;
inserting said test element into an analytical meter system;
measuring a first optical property of the test element at said reaction site;
measuring a second optical property of the test element at said reaction site;
distinguishing said test element by identifying a predetermined relationship between said first and second optical properties; and
selecting a test type based at least in part upon the results of said distinguishing step. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A meter system for performing one of a plurality of test types on a test element, where the test element is inserted into the meter system and belongs to one of a plurality of test element types, said meter system comprising:
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a first light emitting diode selectively discharging light at a first wavelength;
a second light emitting diode selectively discharging light at a second wavelength;
at least one light detector for measuring light emitted from the first and second light emitting diodes and reflected from a reaction site on a test element, said reaction site having an optically detectable condition formed by a reaction between a reagent and an analyte of a sample; and
a processor for distinguishing said test element by identifying a predetermined relationship between said first and second optical properties, and further for selecting a test type based at least in part upon the results of said distinguishing. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method for distinguishing a control element from an analytical element in a meter system, comprising:
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programming said meter with control element reflectance characteristics;
inserting a test element into said meter, said test element being either a control element or an analytical element, said test element including a reaction site, said reaction site having an optically detectable condition formed by a reaction between a reagent and an analyte of a sample;
measuring at two predetermined wavelengths a set of reflectance values reflected from said reaction site on said test element; and
distinguishing whether said test element is a control element or an analytical element based on the conformity of said reflectance values obtained by said measuring step with said control element reflectance characteristics programmed in said meter.
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Specification