Patent ID: 7022217
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring a rate of a chemical reaction between a component of a liquid sample and a reagent, the reaction producing an electroactive species, comprising: providing an electrochemical cell having a working electrode, a counter electrode, and at least one wall, wherein the working electrode and the counter electrode are positioned on substantially the same plane; substantially immobilizing the reagent in the electrochemical cell at a site at a minimum distance from the working electrode, wherein the distance is such that transfer of the electroactive species from the site to the working electrode is diffusion controlled; placing the liquid sample in the electrochemical cell such that the liquid sample is in contact with the reagent, the working electrode, and the counter electrode; reacting the component with the reagent to produce the electroactive species; applying a potential between the working electrode and the counter electrode, wherein the potential is sufficient to electrochemically react the electroactive species at the working electrode; and measuring the current produced by the electrochemical reaction at the working electrode to obtain a measure of the rate of the chemical reaction.