Back-to-Back Electrode Sensor for Low Blood Volume Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical test sensors require a larger volume of blood to determine analyte concentration due to their capillary channel size, making them less convenient for users and potentially less accurate.
Innovation Solution
The design of an electrochemical test sensor with a smaller capillary channel and a back-to-back configuration of working and counter electrodes, which reduces the required blood volume while maintaining accuracy by enhancing capillary action and fluid communication within the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capillary channel size is reduced to require less blood, then user convenience is improved, but sufficient blood coverage of electrodes may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional back-to-back configuration where working and counter electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of a substrate, extending into the capillary channel. This spatial reconfiguration allows electrodes to be covered by a smaller blood volume while maintaining sufficient contact area for reliable electrochemical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed to extend dynamically into the capillary channel space, with electrodes positioned to maximize contact with the blood sample as it flows through the reduced-size channel. This dynamic spatial arrangement ensures adequate electrode coverage even with minimal blood volume.
2Quantity of substance
If the capillary channel size is reduced, then the blood sample volume is reduced, but the accuracy of analyte concentration determination may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electrode structure in a specific three-dimensional region within the capillary channel. The back-to-back electrode configuration creates a localized measurement zone with optimized electrochemical properties, ensuring accurate analyte concentration determination even when the overall blood sample volume is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly uses composite construction with conductive materials on a substrate, creating a structured configuration that maximizes electrochemical activity within the limited space of the reduced-size capillary channel, thereby maintaining measurement precision with smaller sample volumes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination of analyte concentration with a significantly smaller sample volume, improving user convenience and reducing the discomfort associated with blood sampling.
Implementation Method 1
The test sensor typically includes a capillary channel to receive the blood sample
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor includes a housing that has a first end and a second opposing end. The housing includes an opening at the first end to receive a fluid test sample. An electrode assembly includes a substrate, a working electrode, a counter electrode and a reagent. The substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The working electrode is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and the counter electrode is disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The electrode assembly is positioned within the housing to define a reaction channel. The electrochemical test sensor may be used with a removable lancet mechanism or integrated within a lancet mechanism to form one integral unit.