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) introducing a sample into an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell comprising;
(i) two electrodes in a spaced apart relationship; and
(ii) a reagent;
(b) applying a first test potential, having a first polarity, between the electrodes, and measuring cell current;
(c) measuring a capacitance of the electrochemical cell;
(d) summing at least two current values measured during the first test potential to generate a first reference value;
(e) calculating a capacitance index (Cav/Cm) related to the measured capacitance (Cm), said capacitance index comprising a ratio of a pre-determined average capacitance of electrochemical cells of the same type (Cav) and the measured capacitance;
(f) using the capacitance index and the first reference value to distinguish between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample.
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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
3 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) introducing a sample into an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell comprising; (i) two electrodes in a spaced apart relationship; and (ii) a reagent; (b) applying a first test potential, having a first polarity, between the electrodes, and measuring cell current; (c) measuring a capacitance of the electrochemical cell; (d) summing at least two current values measured during the first test potential to generate a first reference value; (e) calculating a capacitance index (Cav/Cm) related to the measured capacitance (Cm), said capacitance index comprising a ratio of a pre-determined average capacitance of electrochemical cells of the same type (Cav) and the measured capacitance; (f) using the capacitance index and the first reference value to distinguish between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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Specification