DETERMINING USABILITY OF ANALYTICAL TEST STRIP

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A system for determining usability of an analytical test strip, the system comprising:
a) the analytical test strip having a sample chamber adapted to receive a fluid sample, a reagent arranged at least partly in the sample chamber, and two spaced-apart detection electrodes in contact with the reagent, wherein the reagent has an impedance that varies with moisture content; and b) a test meter adapted to receive the analytical test strip, the test meter having an impedance-measurement circuit configured to apply an alternating-current waveform across the reagent via the detection electrodes and concurrently measure an impedance of the reagent, and having a processor configured to automatically determine whether the measured impedance of the reagent meets a selected dryness criterion.