Analyte monitoring systems and methods

An apparatus comprising:

• a multi-use disposable sample element for use with a system configured to perform multiple analyses on biological fluid samples from a patient, wherein the multi-use disposable sample element comprises:
• a sample cell configured to receive at least a portion of a biological fluid sample and to hold that portion while an analyte detector analyzes the portion of the biological fluid sample;
• a sample supply passage in fluid communication with the sample cell and configured to facilitate entry of the at least a portion into the sample cell;
• and
• a container configured to receive and store discarded biological material after each of the multiple analyses.

A method of using a multi-use disposable sample element comprising a sample cell and a container for discarded biological material with an analyte detection system configured to perform multiple analyses on biological fluid samples from a patient, the method comprising:

• a. extracting a sample of biological fluid from the patient;
• b. directing at least a portion of the sample of biological fluid through a sample supply passage that is in fluid communication with the sample cell and that is configured to facilitate entry of the at least a portion of the sample into a sample cell;
• c. directing the at least a portion of the sample into the sample cell;
• d. holding the at least a portion of the sample in the sample cell while an analyte detector analyzes the at least a portion of the sample;
• e. after the at least a portion of the sample is analyzed, directing the at least a portion of the sample into the container, wherein the container is configured to receive and store discarded biological material;
• and
• repeating at least a-e multiple times before disposing of the multi-use disposable sample element.