Analyte sensor

• US 20060183984A1
• Filed: 02/22/2006
• Published: 08/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2004
• Status: Active Grant

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Claims

1. A method for limiting use of an analyte sensor to a predetermined time period, the method comprising:

providing a key associated with an analyte sensor, wherein the key is configured to control an amount of time over which information is obtained from the analyte sensor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyte sensor is a transcutaneous glucose sensor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is operatively connected to a receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to display sensor data.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the key.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the receiver is configured to control an amount of time over which information is displayed on the receiver from the sensor in response to the key.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is a software key.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is a unique code.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is selected from the group consisting of a unique number, a receiver ID, a sensor duration, a number of sensor systems, and combinations thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is configured for use with a plurality of sensors.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is provided by an information tag.

11. A method for distributing and controlling use of implantable sensor systems comprising reusable and disposable parts, the method comprising:

providing a single-use device associated with the sensor system, wherein the single-use device is configured to be inserted into a host'"'"'s tissue;

providing a key associated with the single-use device; and

providing a reusable device associated with a sensor system, wherein the reusable device is configured to provide sensor information responsive to receipt of the key.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the reusable device comprises a receiver configured to receive sensor information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reusable device further comprises an electronics unit configured to releasably mate with the single-use device.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

obtaining a package containing a plurality of single-use devices.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the single-use device is a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured for insertion into a subcutaneous tissue of a host.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the key comprises a written license code packaged with the single-use device.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of providing the key comprises:

providing a license code via at least one communication selected from the group consisting of written communication, voice communication, and electronic communication.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the reusable device is configured to receive the key via manual entry.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the reusable device is configured to wirelessly receive the key.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the key comprises sensor duration information configured to enable the sensor system to control an amount of time over which information is obtained from the single-use device or is displayed by the reusable device.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein the single-use device comprises a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured for insertion in a subcutaneous tissue of a host, and wherein the key comprises sensor insertion information configured to enable the sensor system to control a number of sensor insertions.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein the single-use device comprises a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured for insertion in a subcutaneous tissue of a host, and wherein the step of inserting the single-use device into a host comprises using an applicator to insert the sensor into the host.

23. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of obtaining sensor information from the sensor system comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of measurement of analyte information, digitalizing of sensor information, transmission of sensor information, receiving of sensor information, storing of sensor information, processing of sensor information, and displaying of sensor information.

24. A method for limiting use of a glucose sensor system to a predetermined time period, the method comprising:

inputting a key into a receiver, wherein the key is configured to control an amount of time over which information is obtained from a sensor system, after which time the sensor system is disabled such that glucose information cannot be obtained, wherein the sensor system is a transcutaneous glucose sensor system comprising a sensor configured for insertion into a tissue of a host and an electronics unit operatively connected to the sensor and configured to provide a signal representative of a glucose concentration in the host, and wherein the receiver is configured to receive the signal representative of a glucose concentration in the host and to display corresponding glucose information; and

obtaining glucose information from the sensor.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of inputting the key into the receiver is performed before the step of obtaining glucose information from the sensor.