Electrochemical-sensor design

A method of determining whether a sufficient quantity of a fluid test sample has been introduced to an electrochemical test sensor, the method comprising the acts of:

• providing the electrochemical test sensor adapted to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test sample, the sensor comprising a base that assists in forming an opening for introducing the fluid test sample, a working electrode with an exposed portion not insulated from sample by dielectric material being coupled to the base, a counter electrode being coupled to the base, and a sub-element being coupled to the base, a major portion of the counter electrode being located downstream relative to the opening and at least a the exposed portion of the working electrode, the sub-element being located upstream relative to the working electrode;
• introducing the fluid test sample to the test sensor;
• and
• determining whether a sufficient quantity of the fluid test sample has been introduced to the electrochemical test sensor and, if not, notifying a user that an insufficient quantity of the fluid test sample has been introduced.

An electrochemical test sensor adapted to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test sample, the sensor comprising:

• a base that assists in forming an opening for introducing the fluid test sample;
• a working electrode with an exposed portion not insulated from sample by dielectric material being coupled to the base;
• a counter electrode being coupled to the base, the counter electrode and the working electrode being adapted to be in electrical communication with a detector of electrical current;
• and
• a sub-element being coupled to the base, a portion of the counter electrode being located downstream relative to the opening and the exposed portion of the working electrode, the sub-element being located upstream relative to the working electrode such that a first current profile is produced in response to electrical communication between the sub-element and the working electrode, and a second current profile is produced in response to electrical communication between the sub-element, the portion of the counter electrode, and the working electrode, the first current profile being indicative of a short fill.

A method of determining whether a sufficient quantity of a fluid test sample has been introduced to an electrochemical test sensor, the method comprising the acts of:

• providing the electrochemical test sensor adapted to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test sample, the sensor comprising a base that assists in forming an opening for introducing the fluid test sample, a working electrode with an exposed portion not insulated from sample by dielectric material being coupled to the base, a counter electrode being coupled to the base, and a sub-element being coupled to the base, a portion of the counter electrode being located downstream relative to the opening and the exposed portion of the working electrode, the sub-element being located upstream relative to the working electrode;
• introducing the fluid test sample to the test sensor;
• and
• determining whether a sufficient quantity of the fluid test sample has been introduced to the electrochemical test sensor and, if not, notifying a user that an insufficient quantity of the fluid test sample has been introduced.

An electrochemical test sensor adapted to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test sample, the sensor comprising:

• a base that assists in forming an opening for introducing the fluid test sample;
• a working electrode with an exposed portion not insulated from sample by dielectric material being coupled to the base;
• a counter electrode being coupled to the base, the counter electrode and the working electrode being adapted to be in electrical communication with a detector of electrical current;
• a sub-element being coupled to the base, a portion of the counter electrode being located downstream relative to the opening and the exposed portion of the working electrode, the sub-element being located upstream relative to the working electrode;
• and
• a reaction layer including an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte to produce electrons, the electrons being adapted to be transferred to the working electrode, the reaction layer being in contact with at least a portion of the working electrode, the reaction layer being removed from contact with the sub-element such that when electrical communication occurs between only the sub-element and the working electrode there is insufficient flow of electrical current through the detector to determine the concentration of the analyte in the fluid test sample.