Analyte concentration determination meters and methods of using the same

Abstract

Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices are meters characterized by having an internal structure that includes a test strip selecting element having a continuously reduced cross-sectional area configured to select a single test strip at a time and means for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample applied to the selected test strip. In the subject methods for containing at least one test strip and dispensing a single test strip at a time, a meter having at least one test strip contained therein is provided. The meter is positioned with respect to the ground to cause the single test strip to move from a contained position to a dispensed position. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The field of this invention is analyte concentration meters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Analyte concentration determination in physiological samples is of ever increasing importance to today's society. Such assays find use in a variety of application settings, including clinical laboratory testing, home testing, etc., where the results of such testing play a prominent role in the diagnosis and management of a variety of disease conditions. Analytes of interest include glucose for diabetes management, cholesterol for monitoring cardiovascular conditions, and the like. In response to this growing importance of analyte concentration determination, a variety of analyte concentration determination protocols and devices for both clinical and home testing have been developed. Many such protocols employ test strips to perform the testing. [0003] Before testing can begin, an individual seeking to determine the presence and / or concentration of an analyte ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0105] It is evident from the above description and discussion that the above described invention provides a simple, quick and convenient way to dispense test strips. The above described invention provides a number of advantages, including, but not limited to, ease and low cost manufacture, minimal components, portability, ease of use, particularly for visually and dextrally impaired individuals, and minimal test strip damage from contaminants from an individual's hands. As such, the subject invention represents a significant contribution to the art.

Problems solved by technology

However, this multi-step process is not without difficulty, especially for individuals who suffer from diminished hand-eye coordination and / or diminished finger sensation.

For example, persons with diabetes typically have either or both impaired vision and diminished finger sensation or other dexterity problems.

The ability to easily obtain a test strip, particularly a single test strip from amongst a plurality of test strips housed in a test strip container, may be difficult, for instance for those persons with diminished hand-eye coordination or finger sensation, as mentioned above.

The typical test strip is only several millimeters in width and length and, thus, difficult to grasp and manipulate.

However, it is often difficult to easily extract a test strip from these containers.

This, as is apparent, has significant disadvantages as one or all of the test strips stored inside the container may quickly spill out and become contaminated or damaged.

However, such a method is difficult for individuals who have either or both impaired vision and diminished finger sensation and oftentimes results in an individual inadvertently contacting portions of the test strip that should not be touched, such as testing or reaction areas (i.e., areas on the strip having testing reagents, etc.) and the like, where such contact can impart contaminants and cause erroneous testing results.

Similarly, other test strips may be inadvertently contacted resulting in erroneous testing results of those test strips as well.

For example, these devices often require a degree of physical dexterity and visual acuity that may be lacking in certain individuals who use the containers.

Also, due to the complexity of the devices, i.e., the numbers of components forming the containers, the cost of manufacture increases and thus the cost to the user increases.

This too adds steps to the manufacturing process and thus increases costs.

As is apparent, this increases complexity to the analyte concentration process and may be difficult for many individuals such as the above-described diabetic who might have diminished visual and / or finger sensation.

Furthermore, while trying to manipulate the test strip into the appropriate position within the meter, an individual may inadvertently contact portions of the test strip that should not be touched thereby imparting contaminants thereto.

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