Patent ID: 8628721
Filing Date: 2014-01-14
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A system for measuring an analyte concentration in a body fluid sample, comprising consumables having a plurality of test fields with detection reagents that effect a detection reaction when exposed to the body fluid sample, at least one cartridge that contains consumables of this type for multiple measurements, a data carrier which is affixed to the cartridge and contains calibration information for the consumables contained in the cartridge, said calibration information specifying sensitivity of a test field, and a hand-held device that comprises a display facility and a cartridge reception compartment including a reading facility for receiving a cartridge of this type and for reading its data carrier, a measuring facility for measuring the result of a detection reaction, a transport facility for moving consumables of the cartridge that is inserted in the cartridge reception compartment, for reception of a sample and measurement of the analyte concentration in the received body fluid sample, a processor that is connected to the measuring facility and the reading facility for controlling the measuring facility, said processor being adapted for determining a concentration value by analyzing the measuring signal, and a memory that is connected to the processor and contains software for the processor, the system further comprising at least one replaceable data storage unit in which supplementary data is stored that functions in combination with the calibration information that is stored on the data carrier of the cartridge that is inserted in the device during the analysis of a measuring signal, the hand-held device comprising an interface for transmission of supplementary data from the replaceable data storage unit to the device, and a consumables identification being stored on the data carrier and configured to be used by the processor after insertion of the cartridge to check whether the calibration information of the data carrier affixed to the inserted cartridge matches the available supplementary data and thereby to enable the system to determine whether the consumables of the inserted cartridge combined with the supplementary data that is available to the processor renders a reliable measurement of an analyte concentration in the body fluid sample feasible, or if determined no feasible then to generate a signal in order to indicate to a user that the available supplementary data and the consumables of the inserted cartridge do not allow a valid measurement of an analyte concentration in the body fluid sample to be carried out.