NFC-enabled test sensor, system, and method using the same

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical test sensor, a system, and a method for determining analyte concentrations in the absence of an analyte meter.SOLUTION: An electrochemical test sensor 10 is adapted to receive a fluid sample including an analyte. The electrochemical test sensor includes a base. The base includes an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte. The electrochemical test sensor includes a plurality of electrodes, a near field communication (NFC) tag chip 50, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 102,815, filed on November 24, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an electrochemical test sensor for determining analyte concentration. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to an electrochemical test sensor, system, and method for determining analyte concentration in the absence of an analyte meter.

Background Art

[0003] The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is very important in the diagnosis and maintenance of certain medical conditions. For example, lactate, cholesterol, and bilirubin should be monitored in a particular individual. In particular, diabetic patients need to frequently check the glucose level in their body fluids in order to regulate their dietary glucose intake. The results of such tests can, if available, be used to determine whether any insulin or other medications need to be administered. In one type of blood glucose test system, a test sensor is used to test a fluid sample of blood.

[0004] In a typical scenario, to determine analyte concentration, a user would carry multiple test sensors (e.g., electrochemical test sensors) and an analyte meter (e.g., a blood glucose meter). An analyte meter typically includes an opening for receiving a test sensor, memory, a processor, a display for presenting test results, and a plurality of buttons or other mechanisms for navigating the display. An analyte meter may require some user settings and an associated learning curve. Some analyte meters may require pairing with a smartphone using a wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark).

[0005] While providing the desired functions of a typical specimen determination system, it is desirable to rationalize such an approach in order to provide maximum user convenience.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electrochemical test sensor is adapted to receive a fluid sample containing a specimen. The electrochemical test sensor includes a base. The base includes an enzyme adapted to react with the specimen. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a plurality of electrodes, a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a system is adapted to determine specimen information of a fluid sample. The system includes an electrochemical test sensor and an NFC-compatible reader. The electrochemical test sensor is adapted to receive a fluid sample of the specimen. The electrochemical test sensor includes a base. The base includes an enzyme adapted to react with the specimen. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a plurality of electrodes, a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller. The NFC-compatible reader is configured to wirelessly receive data from the electrochemical test sensor to assist in determining the specimen information of the fluid sample.

[0008] According to one method, the analyte information of a fluid sample is determined. This method includes providing an electrochemical test sensor adapted to receive a fluid sample of the analyte. The electrochemical test sensor includes a base. The base includes an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a plurality of electrodes, a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller. The fluid sample is brought into contact with the electrochemical test sensor. The electrochemical test sensor is brought very close to an NFC-compatible reader. After bringing the electrochemical test sensor very close to the NFC-compatible reader, the near-field communication (NFC) tag chip and the analog front end (AFE) are powered. The analog front end assists in initiating an electrochemical reaction with the analyte of the fluid sample. Data is wirelessly transmitted from the electrochemical reaction to the NFC-compatible reader via the NFC tag chip of the electrochemical test sensor. The analyte information of the fluid sample is determined on the NFC-compatible reader using the data received from the electrochemical test sensor.

[0009] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or all aspects of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and referring to the following drawings.

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 1D

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

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Figure 5

[0011] Although the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The electrochemical test sensor is adapted to receive a fluid sample. The test sensor assists in determining information related to a sample, such as the concentration of the analyte. As used within this application, the term "concentration" refers to the analyte concentration, activity (e.g., enzymes and electrolytes), titer (e.g., antibodies), or any other measured concentration used to measure the desired analyte. Analytes that can be measured include glucose, lipid profiles (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL), microalbumin, hemoglobin A1C, urea, creatinine, fructose, lactate, or bilirubin. It is contemplated that other analyte concentrations can be determined. The sample can be in, for example, whole blood samples, serum samples, plasma samples, other body fluids such as ISF (interstitial fluid) and urine, and non-body fluids.

[0013] In one embodiment, an electrochemical test sensor is adapted to receive a fluid sample containing an analyte. The electrochemical test sensor comprises a base. The base contains an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte. The electrochemical test sensor further comprises a plurality of electrodes, a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller.

[0014] The present invention is advantageous in that the electrochemical test sensor functions in the absence of an analyte meter (e.g., a glucose meter). Thus, the analyte meter is not used with the electrochemical test sensor of the present invention. Here, the user conveniently avoids the need to carry an analyte meter to determine the analyte concentration. Further, unlike when using a conventional analyte meter, there is little or no setup and learning curve involved in the method of the present invention.

[0015] The present invention is also advantageous in the ability to more easily modify an algorithm for calculating the analyte concentration. In the present invention, the algorithm can be part of an NFC-enabled reader (e.g., a smartphone) in an application or can reside, for example, in a server farm in the cloud. Updating the algorithm in the present invention for the user is convenient, significantly easier, and thus can be more frequent if desired. This is in contrast to modifying an algorithm stored in the firmware of an analyte meter that needs to be supported, for example, by an over-an-air update or replacement of the entire analyte meter. This is also not only much more difficult to update but also costly, especially when an analyte meter needs to be replaced.

[0016] The electrochemical test sensor of the present invention may have other advantages. For example, the situation can occur in an emergency care environment (e.g., a hospital) or with an emergency medical technician (EMT) where the present invention can assist in making a more easy and rapid determination. For example, the electrochemical test sensor of the present invention can be used in many places in combination with an NFC-compatible reader without the need to place a conventional specimen meter nearby, leading to potential speed and convenience.

[0017] The test sensor described herein is an electrochemical test sensor. One non-limiting example of an electrochemical test sensor is shown in FIGS. 1A - 1D. FIGS. 1A - 1D show an electrochemical test sensor 10 including a base 12, a lid 14, a fluid receiving region or channel 16, and a plurality of electrodes 18, 20, 22, and 24. The fluid receiving region 16 in one embodiment is a capillary channel. The plurality of electrodes includes a counter electrode 18, a working (measurement) electrode 20, a detection filling electrode 22, and a hematocrit electrode 24. The fluid receiving region 16 provides a flow path for introducing a fluid sample into the electrochemical test sensor 10. The electrodes 18, 20, 22, and 24 are each coupled to one of a plurality of conductive leads 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d that communicate with a near field communication (NFC) tag chip 50. The plurality of electrodes can be made of various conductive materials including, but not limited to, gold, platinum, rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, carbon, or combinations thereof.

[0018] In other embodiments, it is contemplated that fewer than four electrodes may be used. For example, in one embodiment, the electrochemical test sensor may include two electrodes (a working electrode and a counter electrode). In another embodiment, the electrochemical test sensor may include three electrodes (a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a detection filling electrode). It is contemplated that other electrodes may be used in the electrochemical test sensor.

[0019] The reagent area 28 includes at least one reagent for converting a target analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid sample (e.g., blood) into a species that can be electrochemically measured by a component of the electrode pattern in terms of the current it generates. The reagent typically includes an analyte-specific enzyme that reacts with the analyte and an electron acceptor to produce an electrochemically measurable species that can be detected by the electrode. When the analyte is glucose, the reagent includes an enzyme such as glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase.

[0020] The reagent typically includes a mediator that aids in transferring electrons between the analyte and the electrode. Non-limiting examples of mediators include phenoxazine, phenothiazine, ferricyanide, or tetrazolium salts among others familiar to those skilled in the art. The reagent may include a binder, buffer, cellulose polymer, surfactant, other inert components, or combinations thereof that hold the enzyme and mediator together.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fluid sample (e.g., blood) is applied to the reagent area 28 via the fluid receiving area 16. The fluid sample reacts with at least one reagent. After reacting with the reagent, in conjunction with the plurality of electrodes, the fluid sample generates an electrical signal that aids in determining the analyte concentration. Conductive leads 26a - 26d carry the electrical signal back towards the analog front end (AFE) 52 of the NFC tag chip 50 as discussed below.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1B, a front view of the electrochemical test sensor 10 of FIG. 1A is shown. As shown in FIG. 1B, the electrochemical test sensor 10 includes a lid 14, a spacer 30, and a base 12. The combination of the lid 14, the spacer 30, and the base 12 forms a fluid receiving region 16. The base 12, the lid 14, and the spacer 30 can be made from various materials such as polymeric materials. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials that can be used to form the base 12, the lid 14, and the spacer 30 include polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide, and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that the base, the spacer, and the lid can be made independently from other materials. Other materials are contemplated to be able to be used in forming the base 12, the lid 14, and / or the spacer 30.

[0023] To form the electrochemical test sensor 10 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the base 12, the spacer 30, and the lid 14 are attached, for example, by an adhesive or a heat seal. When the base 12, the lid 14, and the spacer 30 are attached, the fluid receiving region 16 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fluid receiving region 16 is formed at the first end or test end 32 of the electrochemical test sensor 10.

[0024] It is also contemplated that the electrochemical test sensor can be formed in the absence of a spacer. For example, the electrochemical test sensor can include a base and a lid such that a fluid receiving region (e.g., a capillary channel) is formed when the base and the lid are attached to each other. It is contemplated that the electrochemical test sensor can be formed using only the base.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2A, the electrochemical test sensor includes a near field communication (NFC) tag chip 50. The NFC tag chip 50 can be fixed to the electrochemical test sensor 10 by a mechanical coupling mechanism such as, for example, a suitable adhesive and / or a prong. Other methods are contemplated to be able to be used when fixing the NFC tag chip to the electrochemical test sensor.

[0026] Near Field Communication (NFC) includes a small antenna and hardware for communicating via the NFC standard. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a well-known worldwide standard that provides a wireless data connection at very close proximity. NFC is currently used at communication distances of about 20 cm or less, probably about 10 cm or less. In other embodiments, NFC is typically used at communication distances of less than about 8 cm or less than 6 cm. In another embodiment, NFC is more generally used at communication distances of less than about 5 cm or approximately less than about 4 cm. The NFC tag chip of the electrochemical test sensor communicates wirelessly with an NFC-compatible reader when in very close proximity.

[0027] Near Field Communication (NFC) enables simple transactions, data exchange, and touch-based connections. The Near Field Communication Forum (NFC Forum), established in 2004, facilitates sharing, pairing, and transactions between NFC-compatible readers or devices and develops and certifies devices compliant with the NFC standard. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz on the ISO / IEC 18000-3 air interface and at rates of 106 kbit / sec to 848 kbit / sec. The short distance of NFC helps keep encrypted information private. Thus, for example, an NFC-compatible reader such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, or kiosk can receive information from an electrochemical test sensor to assist in determining analyte concentration.

[0028] Specifically, referring to FIG. 2A, the near-field communication (NFC) tag chip 50 includes an analog front end (AFE) 52, a power management module 54, a memory 56, a serial peripheral interface (SPI slave) 58, a microcontroller 60, an on-chip temperature sensor 62, an analog / digital (A / D) converter 64, a real-time clock 66, and an antenna 68. The microcontroller 60 also includes a control or processing logic module 70, a memory interface 72, an encryption module 74, an authentication module 76, and an anti-collision module 78. Note that not all NFC tag chips include all of these modules or functions. For example, some NFC tag chips do not include a temperature sensor.

[0029] In this embodiment, the NFC tag chip 50 does not include a battery. In this embodiment, the near-field communication (NFC) tag chip 50 has the ability to receive power from an NFC-compatible reader. Thus, the NFC tag chip is completely passive. The NFC tag chip in this embodiment includes an initiator (NFC-compatible reader) and a target (electrochemical test sensor with an NFC tag chip). The initiator actively generates an RF field that supplies power to the passive target. This enables the NFC target to take a very simple form factor, such as a tag or sticker that does not require a battery.

[0030] In another embodiment, the NFC-compatible dongle may include a battery for powering an AFE module for near-field communication (NFC) and / or signal sampling. Referring to FIG. 3B, the NFC tag chip 150 includes a battery 84. The NFC tag chip 150 includes all of the modules as described for the NFC tag chip 50, except for a power management module 54 that is not required when the battery 84 is included. The NFC tag chip 150 is used in an electrochemical test sensor according to another embodiment. In one embodiment, the battery 84 is a 1.5 or 3V battery used to power the NFC tag chip 150. NFC peer-to-peer communication is, of course, possible when both devices are powered. For example, an electrochemical test sensor 110 having a battery 84 in the NFC tag chip 150 may be configured to implement peer-to-peer communication with an NFC-compatible reader.

[0031] A non-limiting commercial example of a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip including a microcontroller and an analog front end (AFE) that can be used in the present invention is the SL13A-AQFM manufactured / sold by Ams.

[0032] A non-limiting commercial example of a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip that can be used in the present invention is the NTAG210μ family of tags manufactured / sold by NXP Semiconductors of the Netherlands. Another non-limiting commercial example of a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip including a microcontroller that can be used in the present invention is the ST25T family of tags manufactured / sold by ST Microelectronics of Switzerland. Another non-limiting commercial example of a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip including an analog front end (AFE) that can be used in the present invention is the ST25R3916 / 7 manufactured / sold by ST Microelectronics of Switzerland.

[0033] The analog front end (AFE) 52 is used to drive electrochemistry and sample the results. In one embodiment, the analog front end 52 applies a voltage to a reagent region 28 that initiates an electrochemical reaction between a reagent and an analyte in a fluid sample. The current resulting from the electrochemical reaction in this embodiment is sampled by the analog front end 52. This measured value of the current is wirelessly transmitted to an NFC-enabled reader for further processing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the analog front end is powered via an NFC-enabled reader as shown in the NFC tag chip 50 in FIG. 2A. In another embodiment, the AFE is powered by a battery located on the NFC tag chip 150 as shown in FIG. 2B. A non-limiting commercial example of an analog front end (AFE) that can be used in the present invention is the AFE4400 manufactured / sold by Texas Instruments of the United States.

[0035] The memory 56 of the NFC tag chip 50 is typically in the form of an EEPROM. One non-limiting example of a memory that can be used is an 8 kbit EEPROM. It is contemplated that other forms of EEPROM or other types of memory can be used. For example, flash memory can be used in an NFC tag chip.

[0036] The microcontroller 60 in the electrochemical test sensor 10 performs operations related to receiving and transmitting signals to an NFC-enabled reader through the antenna 68. The microcontroller 60 controls the analog front end (AFE) 52 and assists in converting electrical signals into readable data. The microcontroller 60 instructs the analog front end (AFE) 52 to start sampling. A non-limiting commercial example of a microcontroller that can be used in the present invention is the LPC800 series manufactured / sold by NXP Semiconductors of the Netherlands.

[0037] The analog front end (AFE), microcontroller, and near field communication (NFC) can be separate chips or components. The NFC tag chip in these embodiments would be considered a lower-end tag chip. It is contemplated that two or more of these components can be integrated together. In one non-limiting example, the analog front end (AFE) and near field communication (NFC) are integrated together. In another example, the microcontroller and near field communication (NFC) are integrated together. In a further example, the analog front end (AFE) and microcontroller are integrated together. It is contemplated that the analog front end (AFE), microcontroller, and near field communication (NFC) can all be integrated together as shown with the NFC chip tag 50 in FIG. 2A.

[0038] In one embodiment, a system for determining sample information (e.g., sample concentration) includes an electrochemical test sensor and an NFC-compatible reader. The NFC-compatible reader is configured to wirelessly receive data from the electrochemical test sensor to assist in determining the sample concentration of a fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor is adapted to receive a fluid sample containing the sample. The electrochemical test sensor includes a base. The base includes an enzyme adapted to react with the sample. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a plurality of electrodes, a near field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller. One non-limiting example of an electrochemical test sensor that can be used is the electrochemical test sensor 10.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, system 200 includes an electrochemical test sensor 10 and an NFC-compatible reader 290. The NFC-compatible reader can read an NFC chip tag on the electrochemical test sensor to obtain information therefrom. The NFC-compatible reader can typically be a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer. It is also contemplated that other NFC-compatible readers can be used. For example, the NFC-compatible reader can be a kiosk. The kiosk can be a kiosk specifically designed for use in determining the analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The kiosk can be useful in a medical setting such as a hospital.

[0040] NFC-compatible reader 290 includes a display 292 and one or more buttons 294 or other mechanisms for navigating the display 292. The display 292 is typically used to show analyte information or other information about the fluid sample. The display 292 can be analog or digital. The display 292 can be an LCD, an LED, an OLED, a vacuum fluorescent display, or other display adapted to show numerical readout values such as analyte information. It is contemplated that analyte information (e.g., analyte concentration) can be communicated via voice communication from the NFC-compatible reader.

[0041] To assist in determining analyte information (e.g., analyte concentration), in one embodiment, one or more algorithms are downloaded to the NFC-compatible reader 290. Here, the NFC-compatible reader is shown as a smartphone. As discussed above, the NFC-compatible reader can be a tablet, a computer, or a kiosk. The NFC-compatible reader using one or more algorithms captures raw data from the wirelessly transmitted electrochemical test sensor and calculates the analyte information. The one or more algorithms can be downloaded and stored in the NFC-compatible reader.

[0042] In another embodiment, the near-field communication (NFC) tag chip can contain and transmit read-only data. This read-only data identifies the electrochemical test sensor to an NFC-compatible reader. The reader recognizes the read-only data and executes one or more appropriate algorithms to determine sample information (e.g., sample concentration).

[0043] In a further embodiment, the NFC-compatible reader can include login information about the user before using an algorithm to assist in collecting and classifying data. The data can be stored locally on the NFC-compatible reader or transmitted externally to another storage location such as a cloud-based storage location. It is contemplated that the data can be sent to other places.

[0044] One method is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and includes steps for determining sample information and conveying it to the user. Referring to FIG. 5, step 500 provides an electrochemical test sensor. In step 502, the fluid sample contacts the electrochemical test sensor. Step 504 brings the electrochemical test sensor very close to an NFC-compatible reader. Step 506 powers the analog front end (AFE) and initiates the electrochemical reaction with the sample. In step 508, data is transmitted from the electrochemical reaction to the NFC-compatible reader. In step 510, sample information (e.g., sample concentration) is determined from the fluid sample. In step 512, the sample information is communicated to the user.

[0045] In one method, sample information of a fluid sample is determined. An electrochemical test sensor is provided. For example, an electrochemical test sensor that can be used is the electrochemical test sensor 10. The fluid sample contacts the reagent region 28 through the fluid receiving region 16. In one method, the fluid sample is obtained by finger pricking. In this case, the fluid sample is blood. The fluid sample can be obtained by other methods. It is contemplated that other fluids can be used.

[0046] The electrochemical test sensor is brought very close to or placed in an NFC-compatible reader. After bringing the electrochemical test sensor very close to the NFC-compatible reader, the near-field communication (NFC) tag chip 50 including the analog front end (AFE) 52 is powered. In one non-limiting example, the tap of the NFC-compatible device to the electrochemical test sensor can be used to immediately share the specimen information of the electrochemical test sensor. Tapping the NFC-compatible reader or device to the electrochemical test sensor can be used to establish a wireless connection between the two devices.

[0047] In another example, the electrochemical test sensor can be brought very close as the distance discussed above. NFC is currently used at a communication distance of about 20 cm or less, probably about 10 cm or less. In other embodiments, NFC is typically used at a communication distance of less than about 8 cm or less than 6 cm. In another embodiment, NFC is more generally used at a communication distance of less than about 5 cm or approximately less than about 4 cm. The NFC of the electrochemical test sensor communicates wirelessly with the NFC-compatible reader when very close.

[0048] After receiving an instruction from the microprocessor 60, the analog front end 52 assists in starting an electrochemical reaction with the specimen. After the reaction is started, the data from the electrochemical reaction is wirelessly transmitted to the NFC-compatible reader via the NFC tag chip of the electrochemical test sensor. The specimen information of the fluid sample is determined on the NFC-compatible reader using the data received from the electrochemical test sensor and at least one algorithm. The algorithm can be stored in the NFC-compatible reader or in a server farm in the cloud.

[0049] In one method, an analog front end (AFE) initiates an electrochemical reaction with a specimen and helps generate a current formed from the electrochemical reaction by providing at least one voltage to a fluid sample. The analog front end may provide an excitation signal to initiate the electrochemical reaction. During the electrochemical analysis, the excitation signal is applied to a sample of the biological fluid. The excitation signal can be a potential or a current and can be constant, variable, or a combination thereof. The excitation signal can be applied as a single pulse or as multiple pulses, sequences, or cycles. Various electrochemical processes such as amperometry, coulometry, voltammetry, gated amperometry, gated voltammetry, etc. can be used.

[0050] In one method, a near-field communication (NFC) tag chip 50 is powered by an NFC-compatible reader. The NFC-compatible reader can be the NFC-compatible reader discussed above, including the NFC-compatible reader 290. In another method, as discussed with respect to FIG. 2B, a battery 84 powers the NFC tag chip 150 and / or the AFE module 52 for signal sampling.

[0051] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, but specific embodiments and methods thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrochemical test sensor for receiving a fluid sample containing a specimen, comprising a base, the base containing an enzyme adapted to react with the specimen, the electrochemical test sensor further comprising a plurality of electrodes, a near field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller.

2. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a lid, the lid cooperating with the base to form a channel for receiving the fluid sample with the specimen.

3. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 2, wherein the channel is a capillary channel.

4. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, wherein the enzyme is glucose dehydrogenase or glucose oxidase.

5. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, wherein the analog front end (AFE) is integrated with a near field communication (NFC) tag chip.

6. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is integrated with a near field communication (NFC) tag chip.

7. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, wherein the analog front end (AFE) and the microcontroller are integrated with a near field communication (NFC) tag chip.

8. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a mediator.

9. The electrochemical test sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes include a working electrode and a counter electrode.

10. A system for determining specimen information of a fluid sample, an electrochemical test sensor adapted to receive the fluid sample of the specimen, comprising a base, the base containing an enzyme adapted to react with the specimen, the electrochemical test sensor further comprising a plurality of electrodes, a near field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller, and an NFC-compatible reader configured to wirelessly receive data from the electrochemical test sensor to assist in determining the specimen information of the fluid sample.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the NFC-compatible reader is a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the NFC-compatible reader is a kiosk.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the NFC-compatible reader displays the analyte information of the fluid sample.

14. The NFC tag chip includes and is adapted to transmit read-only data, and the read-only data is used to identify the electrochemical test sensor to the NFC-compatible reader in order to assist in determining the analyte information of the fluid sample. The system according to claim 10.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein the NFC-compatible reader includes login information.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein the analog front end (AFE) and the microcontroller are integrated into a near field communication (NFC) tag chip.

17. The system according to claim 10, wherein the electrochemical test sensor further includes a mediator.

18. A method for determining analyte information of a fluid sample, comprising: providing an electrochemical test sensor adapted to receive the fluid sample of the analyte, the electrochemical test sensor including a base, the base including an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte, the electrochemical test sensor further including a plurality of electrodes, a near field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller; contacting the fluid sample with the electrochemical test sensor; bringing the electrochemical test sensor very close to an NFC-compatible reader; after bringing the electrochemical test sensor very close to the NFC-compatible reader, powering the near field communication (NFC) tag chip and the analog front end (AFE), wherein the analog front end assists in initiating an electrochemical reaction of the fluid sample with the analyte; wirelessly transmitting data from the electrochemical reaction to the NFC-compatible reader via the NFC tag chip of the electrochemical test sensor. A method comprising: determining analyte information of the fluid sample on the NFC-compatible reader using the data received from the electrochemical test sensor.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the fluid is blood.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the NFC-compatible reader is a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the NFC-compatible reader is a kiosk.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the distance between the electrochemical test sensor and the NFC-compatible reader is less than 10 cm.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the distance between the electrochemical test sensor and the NFC-compatible reader is less than 6 cm.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein the analyte information of the fluid sample is analyte concentration.

25. The analog front end starts the electrochemical reaction with the analyte by providing at least one voltage to the fluid sample and assists in generating a current formed from the electrochemical reaction with the analyte, according to the method of claim 18.

26. The method according to claim 18, wherein the NFC-compatible reader uses a stored algorithm and the data received from the electrochemical test sensor to determine the analyte information of the fluid sample.

27. The method according to claim 18, wherein the NFC-compatible reader uses an algorithm from a server farm in the cloud and the data received from the electrochemical test sensor to determine the analyte information of the fluid sample.

28. The method according to claim 18, wherein the analyte information of the fluid sample is transmitted to the user via a display or in voice communication.

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