Patent ID: 6341232
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of producing a collection assembly, for use in an iontophoretic sampling device useful to monitor a selected analyte or derivatives thereof present in a biological system, said method comprising:providing (a) first and second collection inserts each insert comprising an ionically conductive material having first and second surfaces; (b) a mask comprising (i) a material that is substantially impermeable to the selected analyte or derivatives thereof, and (ii) inner and outer faces, wherein said mask defines first and second openings and a border; and (c) a retaining layer, comprising inner and outer faces, wherein said retaining layer defines first and second openings and a border; and positioning (a) the inner face of the mask in facing relation with the first surface of each collection insert, such that (i) said first and second openings of the mask are, respectively, aligned with the first and second collection inserts (ii) each opening of the mask exposes at least a portion of the first surface of the collection insert with which it is aligned, and (iii) said border extends beyond the first surface of each of the collection inserts to provide an overhang; and (b) the inner face of the retaining layer in facing relation with the second surface of each collection insert, such that (i) said first and second openings of the retaining layer are, respectively, aligned with the first and second collection inserts, (ii) each opening of the retaining layer exposes at least a portion of the second surface of the collection insert with which it is aligned, and (iii) said border extends beyond the first surface of each of the collection inserts to provide an overhang, thereby resulting in production of said collection assembly.