Determining usability of analytical test strip
First Claim
1. A method for the determination of an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample, the method comprising:
- ascertaining whether an enzymatic reagent layer of an electrochemical-based analytical test strip has been exposed to a predetermined humidity level by measuring an electrical characteristic of the enzymatic reagent layer, the electrochemical-based analytical test strip having;
an electrically-insulating bottom layer;
a patterned electrically-conductive layer disposed on the electrically insulating bottom layer and including a first patterned portion and a second patterned portion;
an enzymatic reagent layer disposed on the first patterned portion, the second patterned portion and the electrically-insulating bottom layer such that the enzymatic reagent layer bridges the first patterned portion and the second patterned portion;
a patterned spacer layer;
a top electrically conductive layer; and
an electrically-insulating top layer;
applying the bodily-fluid sample to the electrochemical-based analytical test strip; and
determining the analyte based on an electrochemical response of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for determining usability of an analytical test strip includes a sample chamber to receive a fluid sample, a reagent in the sample chamber having a moisture-varying impedance, and two detection electrodes contacting the reagent. A test meter applies an AC waveform across the reagent via the detection electrodes while measuring an impedance of the reagent. A processor automatically determines whether the measured impedance of the reagent meets a dryness criterion. The meter includes a housing, a strip port connector, an impedance measurement circuit and the processor. A method for determining usability of a strip inserted in a hand held meter includes applying an AC waveform across a reagent of the strip and measuring a first electrical signal, and determining whether the strip meets the dryness criterion based on the first electrical signal. The test strip and ways of determining an analyte are also described.
-
Citations
1 Claim
-
1. A method for the determination of an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample, the method comprising:
-
ascertaining whether an enzymatic reagent layer of an electrochemical-based analytical test strip has been exposed to a predetermined humidity level by measuring an electrical characteristic of the enzymatic reagent layer, the electrochemical-based analytical test strip having; an electrically-insulating bottom layer; a patterned electrically-conductive layer disposed on the electrically insulating bottom layer and including a first patterned portion and a second patterned portion; an enzymatic reagent layer disposed on the first patterned portion, the second patterned portion and the electrically-insulating bottom layer such that the enzymatic reagent layer bridges the first patterned portion and the second patterned portion; a patterned spacer layer; a top electrically conductive layer; and an electrically-insulating top layer; applying the bodily-fluid sample to the electrochemical-based analytical test strip; and determining the analyte based on an electrochemical response of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip.
-
Specification