METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING DIAGNOSTIC TEST STRIPS

摘要

An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.

主权项

1. An apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips, comprising:
a container configured to store a stack of test strips; a spring disposed in the container, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips; and an actuator for actuating the spring to dispense the one test strip from the container, wherein the actuator comprises a lever arm that pivots about a pivot point, a first end of the lever being exposed outside the container for direct manipulation by a user, and a second end of the lever arm being connected to the spring to drive the spring so that pivoting of the lever causes the spring to dispense the contacted test strip.