Patent ID: 7118668
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: A61M,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test sample, the test sensor comprising: a non-conductive base that provides a flow path for the fluid test sample, the base including a counter electrode, a working electrode and a sub-element on an upper surface thereof, the counter and working electrodes being adapted to be in electrical communication with a detector of electrical current, the sub-element being physically disconnected from the counter electrode, the sub-element comprising an electroactive material that is adapted to allow oxidation to occur at the surface of the working electrode under an applied potential; a reaction layer on at least the surface of the working electrode, the reaction layer comprising an enzyme; and a cover coupled with the non-conductive base and forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the fluid test sample thereto, the space forming a flow path for the fluid test sample, wherein the sub-element of the counter electrode is located upstream from the working electrode relative to the opening such that when electrochemical communication occurs between only the sub-element and the working electrode there is insufficient flow of electrical current through a detector to constitute a valid determination of the analyte concentration in the fluid test sample.