Dynamic Glucose Measurement Timing via Cottrell Decay Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glucose test systems face challenges in achieving accurate and rapid measurements due to variability in sample characteristics and test device performance, often requiring compromises that lengthen measurement time and may result in inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically determines the optimal time for glucose measurement by identifying the time when the current versus time curve conforms to Cottrell decay or reaches a plateau region, using the tpeak value to establish the measurement time (tmeas) based on empirical constants specific to each test strip configuration, thereby improving reliability and minimizing evaluation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed time measurement is used after sample insertion, then the measurement process is simplified, but accuracy is compromised due to variability in sample characteristics and test device performance
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically determines the optimal measurement time based on the observed current profile characteristics (Cottrell decay or plateau region), adapting to each specific sample and test device combination. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to remain simple in operation while achieving high accuracy through adaptive timing.
2Measurement precision
If measurement time is extended to ensure sufficient time has passed, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but the time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the real-time current profile to determine when the measurement should be taken. By monitoring the current decay characteristics and identifying when Cottrell decay or plateau region is achieved, the system automatically selects the optimal measurement time point. This ensures accurate measurements are obtained as quickly as possible without unnecessary delays.
3Reliability
If duplicate tests are performed to ensure accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but user participation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation by automatically analyzing the current profile characteristics and determining whether the measurement conditions are adequate. The microprocessor evaluates the current decay pattern and decides whether a single measurement is sufficient or if additional measurements are needed, eliminating the need for user-initiated duplicate tests while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If dynamic determination of measurement time is implemented, then measurement reliability and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual timing mechanisms with electronic signal processing and microprocessor-based analysis. The dynamic determination of measurement time is achieved through software algorithms that analyze the current profile characteristics, substituting electronic intelligence for what would otherwise require complex hardware timing mechanisms or manual user judgment.
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
This approach enhances the reliability and speed of glucose measurements, providing more robust results and reducing user participation requirements, while also allowing for error detection by checking if tpeak falls within an empirically determined range.
Implementation Method 1
the enzyme oxidizes glucose to form gluconolactone and a reduced form of the enzyme
Implementation Method 2
Reduced mediator is oxidized at one of the electrodes, and then diffuses back to either be reduced at the other electrode or by the reduced enzyme
Implementation Method 3
Reduced mediator is oxidized at one of the electrodes, and then diffuses back to either be reduced at the other electrode or by the reduced enzyme
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining analyte concentrations, for example glucose concentrations, that utilizes a dynamic determination of the appropriate time for making a glucose measurement, for example when a current versus time curve substantially conforms to a Cottrell decay, or when the current is established in a plateau region. Dynamic determination of the time to take the measurement allows each strip to operate in the shortest appropriate time frame, thereby avoiding using an average measurement time that may be longer than necessary for some strips and too short for others.