Patent ID: 7964146
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for use in a handheld test equipment apparatus having an electrochemical cell disposed to receive a bodily fluid of a human user, said electrochemical cell comprising first and second electrodes and a reagent reactive with an analyte in the bodily fluid to yield a current in response to an applied potential when the analyte is present, the apparatus comprising electronic circuitry, the method comprising the steps of: under automatic control of the electronic circuitry, applying a potential to the electrochemical cell by means of a source of potential external to the cell and measuring said current indicative of the presence of analyte; thereafter, under automatic control of the electronic circuitry, ceasing the application of the potential to the cell; thereafter, under automatic control of the electronic circuitry, measuring a decay in chemical potential at the cell; and evaluating the measured current and the measured decay of chemical potential to evaluate a measure of the analyte in the bodily fluid.