Analyte detection meter and associated method of use
Inventors
Iyengar, Sridhar • Harding, Ian • Williams, Richard • Cai, Kevin
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11719687-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method for obtaining information encoded on an electrochemical test strip is provided. The test strip has two electrodes disposed within a sample space and the information is encoded on the test strip prior to introduction of liquid sample. The method includes the step of introducing sample to the sample space so that the sample is in contact with the two electrodes within the sample space. In another step a value is determined that is representative of the double layer capacitance of the test strip and/or the equivalent capacitance of the test strip. The determined value is then translated into information reflecting a characteristic of the test strip prior to introduction of sample.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrochemical test strip having only two electrodes and exhibiting a double layer capacitance (DLC) when sample covers the electrodes in a sample space. Characteristic information is encoded on the test strip by controlling or altering a variable within the sample space that impacts the DLC, such that the DLC falls within a predetermined range of values.
The controlling or altering step is performed during manufacture of the test strip and prior to introduction of sample to the sample space. The variable impacting the DLC is controlled by controlling or altering the surface of either or both of the electrodes and/or controlling or altering the material of construction of either or both of the electrodes within the sample space.
The characteristic information encoded on the test strip is selected from calibration information, regional or country coding, product identification, customer identification, assay type, and date of manufacture. An electrochemical meter introduces sample, measures a capacitance-representative value when the electrodes are fully wetted, translates the measured value via a capacitance lookup table and/or reconciliation into strip characteristics, and optionally uses the decoded information to correct or adjust analyte detection results.
Claims Coverage
The disclosed independent claim includes a manufacture-time control of a DLC-impacting variable so that the DLC falls within a predetermined range, thereby encoding characteristic information selected from calibration and multiple identification/coding fields. Dependent claims narrow how the DLC-impacting variable is controlled and clarify that the encoded characteristic information reflects test-strip characteristics at the time of manufacture.
Encode characteristic information using two-electrode DLC in a predetermined range
Performing a step during manufacture of a test strip having only two electrodes, where sample covering the electrodes provides a double layer capacitance (DLC), and controlling or altering a variable within the sample space that impacts the DLC so that the DLC falls within a predetermined range of values, thereby encoding characteristic information on the test strip.
Encode calibration and identification/coding/date information as characteristic information
Encoding characteristic information selected from calibration information, regional or country coding, product identification, customer identification, assay type, and date of manufacture.
Control the DLC-impacting variable by electrode surface control
Controlling or altering the surface of either or both of the electrodes within the sample space of the test strip as the step selected for impacting the DLC.
Control the DLC-impacting variable by electrode construction material
Controlling or altering the material of construction of either or both of the electrodes within the sample space of the test strip as the step selected for impacting the DLC.
Overall, the claim set centers on encoding characteristic information by forcing the two-electrode DLC into a predetermined range via manufacture-time control of a DLC-impacting variable, with inventive focus on electrode surface and electrode material of construction, and on the defined set of calibration, coding, ID, assay type, and date information.
Stated Advantages
Forcing the DLC to fall within a predetermined range of values to encode characteristic information on the test strip.
Providing characteristic information selected from calibration information, regional or country coding, product identification, customer identification, assay type, and date of manufacture.
Optionally enabling decoded information to correct or adjust analyte detection results.
Documented Applications
Using an electrochemical meter that introduces sample, measures a capacitance-representative value, translates the measured value into strip characteristics via a capacitance lookup table and/or reconciliation, and optionally uses the decoded information to correct or adjust analyte detection results.
Examples demonstrating decoding based on different effective electrode areas (DLC) and different ionic salts (EC).
Interested in licensing this patent?