Patent ID: 8591815
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for use of a test equipment apparatus having an electrochemical cell disposed to receive a fluid sample, said electrochemical cell comprising first and second electrodes and a reagent reactive with an analyte in the fluid sample to yield a electrical signal in response to an applied current or potential, wherein the magnitude of the electrical signal is dependent on the presence of analyte, the apparatus further comprising electronic circuitry, the method comprising the steps of: under automatic control of the electronic circuitry, applying current or potential to the electrochemical cell for a period of time sufficient generate a chemical potential between the first and second electrodes; measuring the electrical signal; thereafter, under automatic control of the electronic circuitry, ceasing the application of the current or potential to the cell; thereafter, under automatic control of the electronic circuitry, measuring a decay in the chemical potential at the cell; and evaluating the measured electrical signal and the measured decay of chemical potential to evaluate a measure of the analyte in the fluid sample.