Method and apparatus for coding diagnostic meters
Inventors
Neel, Gary T. • Modzelewski, Brent E. • Rounds, George R. • Oti, Carlos • Caban, Allan Javier • Akins, Jeffrey
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11559810-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanism for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips.
Core Innovation
The described invention relates to diagnostic testing systems in which an electronic meter is housed in a removable meter housing and uses a signal interface for receiving coding information from a test media container. The test media container has an associated coding element that provides lot-specific code information to the meter when the meter housing is transferred between containers.
When the removable meter housing is transferred from one container to another, the on-container coding methods transfer the lot-specific calibration code information to recalibrate the meter for the new container/test media lot. The disclosed approach is directed to reducing user errors associated with manual or incorrect coding and with universal coding by using the coding information stored on the container.
The document also describes releasable coupling between the meter housing and the container using a top mount attachment and an interface arrangement where the meter interface contacts the container coding element to obtain calibration data. Various top-mount attachment schemes are described, including lock and protrusion, tab-based engagement with a defined tab angle range, lever-hook-detent mechanisms with optional button actuation, press-fit post/orifice, and snap-on or screw-on adaptor rings, with an optional eject button for releasing the meter housing.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies two independent claims, both centering on a diagnostic testing system/kit that includes a housing with a glucose meter, a plurality of compatible test media sized to insert through a test media port, and a top mount attachment that releasably attaches the housing to a container closure/top end. The independent claims themselves mainly cover structural sizing and the top-mount releasable attachment, while the main inventive features are further refined in dependent claims via specific attachment mechanisms.
Releasably attached top mount meter housing and container closure
A housing having a test media port and housing a glucose meter, and a top mount attachment formed on the housing configured to releasably attach the housing to the closure of a container holding test media.
Test media port size matched to test media first end for insertion
A plurality of test media compatible with the glucose meter, each test media having a first end and a second end, wherein a width and a height of the test media port is approximately equal to the width and the height of the first end such that the first end is insertable into the glucose meter through the test media port for performing a diagnostic test on a sample at the second end.
Container volume permitting contact between test media with closure containment
A container having an open interior volume permitting contact between the plurality of test media, the container including a closure for containing the plurality of test media in the open interior volume.
Kit configuration with container top end and releasable top mount attachment
A kit for diagnostic testing comprising a housing having a test media port and housing a glucose meter, a plurality of test media compatible with the glucose meter sized for insertion of the first end into the test media port, a container including a top end configured to contain test media compatible with the electronic meter, and a top mount attachment formed on the housing configured to releasably attach the housing to the container.
Across the identified independent claims, coverage centers on a housing with an embedded glucose meter and a test media port sized to receive the first end of compatible test media, a container for holding the plurality of compatible test media, and a top mount attachment that releasably couples the meter housing to a container closure or container top end.
Stated Advantages
Reducing user errors versus manual/incorrect coding or universal coding by transferring lot-specific code information for recalibration from an on-container coding element.
Documented Applications
Diagnostic testing using a glucose meter with compatible test media inserted through a test media port, with removable transfer of a meter housing between test media containers for lot-specific recalibration.
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