Device and method for in vitro determination of analyte concentration within body fluids

A method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample from a patient, the method comprising:

• [a] providing an analyte detection system configured to determine the concentration of at least one analyte in the biological fluid sample;
• [b] withdrawing the biological fluid sample via a sample extractor through the skin of the patient;
• [c] passing the biological fluid sample through a sample supply passage of a disposable sample element holder, said sample element holder comprising a sample cell;
• [d] separating the biological fluid sample into at least a first component and a second component;
• [e] causing at least a portion of said first component of the biological fluid sample to flow into a sample cell;
• [f] holding the portion of said first component of the biological fluid sample between a first sample cell wall and a second sample cell wall of the sample cell;
• [g] analyzing the portion of said first component of the biological fluid sample in the sample cell such by the analyte detection system to determine the concentration of the analyte in the biological fluid sample;
• and
• [h] repeating at least steps [b]-[g] prior to removing and replacing the disposable sample element holder.