Device for wiping a reagent strip

Abstract

The removal of excess fluid from a test strip should be performed in a consistent manner to provide consistent results. To eliminate user variability introduced by manual blotting techniques, the device of the present invention wipes fluid from a test strip as the test strip is passed beneath a blade. The one-piece device is made of plastic so that it may be manufactured inexpensively and disposed of after use. The wiping device can also be integrated with an end cap, so that the wiping device can be attached to the end of an instrument, such as a lancet. To obtain a blood sample, for instance, the user inserts a test strip into the wiping device, where it is held while the blood sample is taken. The user deposits the blood sample onto the test strip and pulls the test strip through the wiping device. The blade removes a portion of the blood sample to provide a consistent wiping action which is not influenced by user variability. Alternative embodiments of the wiping device include apertures for viewing the test strip after wiping and colors adjacent the apertures for comparing the color of a reagent pad on the test strip after interaction with the body fluid.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.