Patent ID: 6428684
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
Method for testing an amperometric electrochemical sensor including a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode and an electrolyte disposed in a sensor body, a potential difference being maintained between the working electrode and the reference electrode, comprising the steps of:a) at a first time, increasing or decreasing the potential difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode by a predetermined amount and determining background current of the sensor after a time necessary to achieve steady state conditions; b) determining, at the first time, a value of potential difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode at which background current from the sensor is zero; c) repeating said steps a) and b) at a later time and comparing the value of potential difference at which zero current is obtained at the later time with the value of potential difference at which zero current is obtained at the first time, and d) determining by any change in the value of said potential difference if a change in condition of said sensor has occurred.