Test strip container with integrated meter having strip coding capability

A system for diagnostic testing, the system comprising:

• a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to test media, the meter having a housing, the meter comprising;
• an interface for accepting test media in order to perform the diagnostic test;
• and
• a controller configured to perform the diagnostic test;
• a container operatively associated with the meter and configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having an opening;
• test media initially stored in the container, the test media comprising at least one diagnostic test strip comprising:
• at least one electrically insulating layer;
• a conductive pattern formed on the at least one insulating layer including at least one electrode disposed on the at least one insulating layer at a proximal region of the strip, electrical strip contacts disposed on at least one insulating layer at a distal region of the strip, and conductive traces electrically connecting the electrodes to at least some of the electrical strip contacts;
• a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of at least one electrode;
• and
• wherein each of the electrical strip contacts is selectively coverable with a discrete portion of electrical insulating material to at least partially form a distinct pattern readable by the controller to identify data particular to the test strip.

A system for diagnostic testing, the system comprising:

• a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to test media, the meter comprising;
• a housing;
• an interface for accepting test media in order to perform the diagnostic test;
• and
• a controller configured to perform the diagnostic test;
• a container operatively associated with the meter and configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having an opening;
• test media initially stored in the container, the test media comprising at least one diagnostic test strip comprising:
• at least one electrically insulating layer;
• a conductive pattern formed on the at least one insulating layer including at least one electrode disposed on the at least one insulating layer at a proximal region of the strip, electrical strip contacts disposed on at least one insulating layer at a distal region of the strip, and conductive traces electrically connecting the electrodes to at least some of the electrical strip contacts;
• a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of at least one electrode;
• a first plurality of electrical strip contacts comprised of contacts individually connected to an electrode;
• a second plurality of electrical strip contacts comprised of the conductive pattern at the distal region of the strip;
• and
• wherein an electrically insulating material separates the first and second plurality of electrical strip contacts.

A system for diagnostic testing, the system comprising:

• a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to test media the meter comprising;
• a housing;
• an interface for accepting test media in order to perform the diagnostic test;
• and
• a controller configured to perform the diagnostic test;
• a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having an opening;
• test media initially stored in the container and comprising at least one test strip embedded with a code readable by the controller to identify data particular to the test strip;
• and
• wherein the meter housing is configured to close the opening.

A method of determining a constituent level within a fluid comprising:

• providing a diagnostic test system comprising:
• a meter for performing a diagnostic test, the meter comprising:
• a housing;
• an interface for accepting test media in order to perform the diagnostic test;
• and
• a controller configured to perform the diagnostic test;
• a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter,
• the container having an opening;
• test media initially stored in the container and comprising at least one test strip embedded with a code readable by the controller;
• and
• wherein the meter housing is configured to close the opening;
• removing a test strip from the container;
• inserting a first end of the strip into the meter interface;
• applying a fluid sample at a second end of the strip;
• reading the code embedded on the test strip with the controller;
• identifying data particular to the test strip based on the code;
• and
• calculating the fluid constituent concentration of the fluid sample with the controller.