Glucose Meter Detecting Reused Dried Test Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusing previously used and dried glucose test strips can lead to erroneous readings due to loss of chemistry from the electrodes, as existing conductivity tests fail to detect dried samples that were used hours or days prior.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that apply an electrical potential between a bare electrode and other electrodes on a test strip to measure current flow, calculating a ratio of current values to determine if the strip has been previously wetted and dried, and correct glucose readings based on hematocrit and ambient temperature, using a processor and memory to execute instructions for detecting reused strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductivity test is performed to detect reused test strips, then detection of wet reused strips is improved, but detection of dried reused strips fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple conductivity measurement to a multi-stage electrical measurement that includes applying a first potential to detect wet strips and applying a second potential to detect dried strips. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different states of the test strip (wet vs. dried) and detect reused strips in both conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic detection process that adapts its measurement approach based on the test strip state. The system first performs a conductivity test, and based on the result, dynamically selects the appropriate detection method (first potential application for wet strips, second potential application for dried strips). This dynamic approach ensures comprehensive detection coverage.
2Ease of operation
If a test strip is reused after drying, then the strip can be used again, but erroneous glucose readings occur due to chemistry loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of reused test strips before glucose measurement by applying electrical potentials and analyzing current responses. This preliminary action identifies dried reused strips before they are used for glucose testing, preventing erroneous readings from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user when a reused test strip is detected through the electrical measurement process. The meter analyzes the current response characteristics and communicates the reused strip status to the user, enabling them to discard the inappropriate strip and use a fresh one for accurate glucose measurement.
3Reliability
If electrical potential is applied between bare electrode and other electrodes, then detection of dried reused strips is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical measurement system multi-functional by using the same electrode configuration and measurement circuitry for both wet strip detection (conductivity test) and dried strip detection (potential application). This universal approach allows a single system to perform multiple detection functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection functions for wet and dried reused strips into a unified measurement process. Both detection methods use the same electrode arrangement and are integrated into a single detection sequence, combining multiple functions into one cohesive system rather than requiring separate independent detection mechanisms.
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
Accurately detects reused and dried test strips, preventing erroneous glucose readings by distinguishing between normal and previously used strips, ensuring reliable glucose measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical components within the meter apply a voltage between the electrodes and measure current flow
Implementation Method 2
an enzyme that is capable of oxidizing the glucose in the sample, such as glucose oxidase
Implementation Method 3
one or more mediators adapted to reoxidize the reduced enzyme resulting from oxidation of the glucose, thereby forming a reduced mediator
Implementation Method 4
a capillary flow channel extending from an inlet opening to the working and counter electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting dried test strips are provided, where a dried test strip may be one that has been re-inoculated with a biological sample after having already been previously inoculated with another sample at an earlier time (e.g., hours or days before). In various aspects, a biosensor such as an amperometric glucose biosensor ("meter")(200) may apply one or more input electrical signals to an inoculated test strip (100) having at least a pair of electrodes (102,104) in contact with the biological sample. The meter (200) may measure output current value(s) resulting in response to the input electrical signals applied to the test strip (100). The meter (200) may determine whether the test strip is a dried test strip by comparing a ratio of the measured output current value(s) with a boundary ratio value.