Systems and methods of discriminating between a control sample and a test fluid using capacitance
First Claim
1. A method for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample, the method comprising:
- (a) applying a first test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode when a sample is introduced into an electrochemical cell and measuring a first current transient;
(b) applying a second test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode, the second test potential being sufficient to oxidize a reduced mediator at the second electrode and measuring a second current transient;
(c) measuring a capacitance of the electrochemical cell;
(d) applying a third test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode, the third test potential being sufficient to oxidize a reduced mediator at the first electrode, and measuring a third current transient;
(e) calculating, based on the first current transient, a first reference value;
(f) calculating, based on the second and third current transients, a second reference value;
(g) calculating, based on at least the measured capacitance, a capacitance index (Cav/Cm);
(h) calculating, based on the first reference value and the capacitance index, a third reference value; and
(i) determining, based on the second and third reference values, whether the sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample,wherein the capacitance index is a ratio of an average predetermined capacitance of electrochemical cells of the same type (Cav) and the measured capacitance of the electrochemical cell (Cm).
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Abstract
Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on characteristics of the sample (e.g., amount of interferent present, reaction kinetics, and/or capacitance). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon these characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample, the method comprising:
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(a) applying a first test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode when a sample is introduced into an electrochemical cell and measuring a first current transient; (b) applying a second test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode, the second test potential being sufficient to oxidize a reduced mediator at the second electrode and measuring a second current transient; (c) measuring a capacitance of the electrochemical cell; (d) applying a third test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode, the third test potential being sufficient to oxidize a reduced mediator at the first electrode, and measuring a third current transient; (e) calculating, based on the first current transient, a first reference value; (f) calculating, based on the second and third current transients, a second reference value; (g) calculating, based on at least the measured capacitance, a capacitance index (Cav/Cm); (h) calculating, based on the first reference value and the capacitance index, a third reference value; and (i) determining, based on the second and third reference values, whether the sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample,wherein the capacitance index is a ratio of an average predetermined capacitance of electrochemical cells of the same type (Cav) and the measured capacitance of the electrochemical cell (Cm). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification