Abstract:
A test apparatus having a base which performs a plurality of tests for different analytes in body fluids. A portable tester, such as a glucose meter, is detachably mounted to the base and provides a convenient and ergonomic hand-held instrument which a diabetic may carry to frequently monitor blood glucose levels. When mounted or docked to the base, the portable tester is data linked to the base. The invention provides a communications network among the base, the portable tester and another device such as a PC. The portable tester can therefore be kept small and inexpensive since advanced computing and data storage capabilities are provided in the base or a PC.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/291,890, filed May 18, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to devices used for the testing of body fluids such as blood and urine and more specifically to portable patient-operated devices for the testing of body fluids.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    It is estimated that 16 million Americans have diabetes. Those people who have “type 1 diabetes,” also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), do not produce insulin and need regular shots of it to maintain their blood glucose at a normal level. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes must test their blood sugar regularly, often several times a day, to determine the amount of insulin to be injected. Devices for testing glucose levels in blood are known in the art, a representative example of which being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,532, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Many other electrochemical and colorimetric test devices are known in the art.  
           [0004]    People suffering from diabetes are often at a higher risk for other diseases. For example, cardiovascular disease is by far the leading cause of death in the United States, and people with diabetes are at much higher risk. Diabetes also contributes to kidney disease, or “nephropathy,” which occurs when the kidneys do not filter properly and protein leaks into urine in excessive amounts, which eventually can cause kidney failure. Diabetes is a leading cause of damage to the retina at the back of the eye and also increases risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Nerve damage caused by diabetes, especially in the legs and feet, may interfere with the ability to sense pain and contributes to serious infections.  
           [0005]    Because of their higher risk of other complications caused by diabetes, people having the disease must periodically monitor blood or urine for substances other than glucose to ensure good health. For example, the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides provide an indicator of the risk for cardiovascular disease, and can be measured by sampling blood. Test strips and methods for using same are well-known in the art. Similarly, ketone monitoring is also important to detect diabetic ketoacidosis, which results from consistently high glucose levels and stressful events. Unlike glucose monitoring, however, testing for these other “analytes” need be conducted less frequently, perhaps once or twice per month.  
           [0006]    What is needed is a testing apparatus that addresses a diabetic&#39;s need to monitor blood glucose levels frequently and to monitor other body fluids on a less frequent basis.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention provides a test apparatus having a base which performs a plurality of tests for different analytes in body fluids. A portable, hand-held glucose meter is detachably mounted to the base and provides a convenient instrument which a diabetic may carry to frequently monitor blood glucose levels. When mounted or docked to the base station, the portable glucose meter is data linked to the base.  
           [0008]    In one form thereof, the present invention provides an apparatus for testing body fluids. The apparatus includes a base having a slot adapted for receipt of a test strip and a first display that displays concentration of an analyte in the sample contained in the test strip. A portable tester is detachably mounted to the base, and includes a port that receives a test strip and a second display. The portable tester is operable when detached from the base.  
           [0009]    In a preferred form, the portable tester is data linked to the base when mounted thereto. Although the portable tester could be configured to measure and display any of a variety of analytes, portable testers embodying the present invention will typically measure and display glucose concentration. Preferably, the base can measure and display several analytes by means of calorimetric and/or electrochemical tests.  
           [0010]    In another preferred form, the base includes a communication connection such that data stored in the base can be downloaded to a computer. Further, the data link between the portable tester and the base allows data stored in the portable tester to be downloaded to the base and in turn to the computer.  
           [0011]    One advantage of the present invention is that it addresses the diabetic&#39;s frequent need to monitor blood glucose and less frequent need to monitor the levels of other substances, such as cholesterol and ketones. With the apparatus of the present invention, the diabetic can carry the hand-held, portable tester with her at all times and monitor glucose levels several times per day as needed. On the other hand, the diabetic may employ the base station to conduct the full panoply of tests on a less frequent basis. The present invention thus provides a convenient approach for the diabetic, allowing her to carry only the test apparatus she is going to use but not sacrificing the ability to perform more extensive tests as needed.  
           [0012]    As a related advantage, it is believed that the present invention actually encourages the diabetic to monitor her glucose levels as needed. That is, by enhancing the ergonomics, simplicity and portability of the hand-held glucose tester, the diabetic is most inclined to use it.  
           [0013]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows the diabetic to initially purchase only the portable glucose tester, which can be marketed and operated as a “stand-alone” device. The diabetic can later “upgrade” by purchasing a compatible base unit.  
           [0014]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides modular capabilities. For example, a portable glucose tester that becomes lost or malfunctions can be cost-effectively replaced without replacing the entire unit. Some diabetics may even prefer to own two or more portable testers, e.g., one for the office and the other for use at home, both of which would be compatible with a single base. By the same token, some patients may desire more than one base unit compatible with a single portable glucose tester, for example, a patient having two residences. This modular capability also allows design and marketing of two or more different base models that are compatible with the same glucose tester. For example, one base unit may provide four tests, whereas a “deluxe” model may offer six or more tests. Such a modular approach provides more choices to the patient and her physician. All of these and other modular capabilities are made possible by the present invention.  
           [0015]    Still another advantage of the present invention is that communications and functional capabilities of the hand-held glucose meter are not compromised by its portability. By means of the data link provided between the hand-held glucose meter and the base when the two are “docked,” data collected by the hand-held meter can be downloaded to the base unit. In turn, data stored in the base unit can be downloaded to a computer, which may then be transmitted electronically to the patient&#39;s physician. Further, by incorporating more extensive testing, computing and memory storage capabilities in the base unit or a PC, a smaller, more ergonomic and more cost effective design of the portable tester is possible. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The above-mentioned and other advantages of the present invention, and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for testing body fluids illustrating the multi-test base unit having the portable glucose tester detachably mounted thereto;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the portable tester detached from the base and flipped over;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the docking station provided on the base, the coupling on the portable tester and the mating relationship therebetween;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, taken from the rear of the unit and illustrating the PC connector and the external power connector;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a block diagram representing the communications network formed among the microprocessors of the base and portable testers, their interchangeable Memory chips, and the external PC connection; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a display suitable for both the portable tester and base unit in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
       [0023]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]    The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.  
         [0025]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 3 , apparatus  10  includes base or base station  12  and portable glucose meter  14  detachably mounted thereto. Base  12  can be configured to perform a battery of tests such as glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood urea to name just a few. One device essentially suitable for base  12 , the modifications thereto being noted below, is the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,532, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A commercially available device manufactured in accordance with the &#39;532 patent is available from Polymer Technology Systems, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., under the trademark BioScanner 2000™.  
         [0026]    Base  12  includes slot  16  which receives and retains test strip  18  as shown. Test strips such as the general type disclosed in the &#39;532 patent can be used with base  12 , for example. A liquid crystal display  20  displays the concentration of an analyte in the sample contained in test strip  18 . An LCD display suitable for use with the base station (or portable tester  14 ) is shown in FIG. 6. Display  80  indicates time  82 , date  84 , and concentration of analyte in mg/dL  86 . Other parameters can be displayed. For example (FIG. 1), by operating interface keypad  22  having operator keys  24 , the user may display other data, such as history of results for a specific test.  
         [0027]    With reference to FIG. 4, base  12  includes external power connector  26 , which is adapted for a 12 volt DC adapter (not shown). A battery supply (not shown), such as three AA batteries, for example, may also be provided for base  12 . Base  12  also includes PC connector  28  which, in the present embodiment, is configured as a standard RS-232 connector. Depending upon the specific tests performed by base  12  and communications capabilities desired, software to support the connection can be readily written by one of ordinary skill in the art. A removable EEPROM or “Memory chip”  30  is provided as shown and works similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,532. The reader is referred to the &#39;532 patent and the attached appendix for a more detailed discussion of the Memory chip.  
         [0028]    Portable tester  14  in the illustrated embodiment measures the level of an analyte in a body fluid. Portable testers embodying the present invention will typically test glucose levels in blood samples, although it is envisioned that portable tester  14  could be configured to test other fluid samples, or be configured to conduct a plurality of tests. It is envisioned that portable testers  14  embodying the present invention will preferably conduct electrochemical tests, as opposed to colorimetric tests, because electrochemical tests are less light sensitive and the portable tester is likely to be used under conditions of widely varying lighting. Electrochemical glucose tests are well-known in the art and examples of same can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,366,609 and 5,266,179. Alternatively, portable tester  14  may be configured to perform calorimetric tests.  
         [0029]    Portable tester  14  includes case  32 , the inside of which contains the circuitry and microprocessor for portable tester  14 . With reference to FIG. 1, portable tester  14  includes user input keys  34  and LCD display  36 , which may be the same or similar to display  20  of base  12 . A representative sample of an LCD suitable for display  36  is illustrated in FIG. 6. Port  38  is configured to receive a glucose test strip  40  as shown. Portable tester  14  also includes a Memory chip  42  which functions in the same manner as Memory chip  30 , described above. Portable tester  14  includes its own power supply such that it is operable independently of base  12 . As shown in FIG. 2, portable tester  14  includes round recesses  39  that house lithium batteries (not shown). In use, a removable cover (not shown) covers recesses  39  that house the batteries.  
         [0030]    Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the docking mechanism of the present invention can be appreciated. The primary difference between base  12  and the tester shown and described in the &#39;532 patent (or any body fluid tester for that matter) is that base  12  includes docking station  44  which mates with coupling  45  on the underside of portable tester  14 . It can also be appreciated that portable tester  14  differs from known testers by the inclusion of coupling  45 . Docking station  44  includes a tapered hub  46  having outwardly flared sidewalls  48  (See FIG. 4). Hub  46  slides into corresponding tapered recess  50  formed in the bottom side of tester  14 . Coupling  45  includes an elongate protuberance  52  that slides into channel  54  of docking station  44 . A cross bar  56  formed in channel  54  fits into groove  58  formed in protuberance  52 . When sliding or “docking” portable tester  14  into base  12 , the engagement of cross bar  56  and groove  58  provides the user with a tactile sensation that the portable tester is properly mounted to base  12 . Portable tester  14  is removed from base  12  by sliding it upwardly and toward the rear of the base.  
         [0031]    With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, docking station  44  includes male connector  60  which mates and communicates with female connector  62  of coupling  45 . Connectors  60  and  62  are “Bourns” connectors commercially available from Rathsburg Association in Novi, Mich., sold under part numbers 70AAJ-4-MIG and 70AAJ-4-FIG, respectively. Connectors  60  and  62  form a data link between tester  14  and base  12  when docked. That is, when docked, the microprocessors of portable tester  14  and base  12  can exchange data in accordance with data communication methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art. (See FIG. 5). Connectors  60  and  62 , or similar connectors could be used to conduct electricity to the portable glucose tester to, for example, recharge a rechargeable battery (not shown) housed in portable tester  14 .  
         [0032]    It is envisioned that the data exchange between portable tester  14  and base  12  will include data stored in portable tester  14  being downloaded to base  12  at regular intervals and the memory in portable tester  14  then being erased so that memory space is made available for storage of new data in portable tester  14 . Further, it is envisioned that portable tester  14  could be reprogrammed by base  12  when docked thereto. Many other uses for the data link between base  12  and portable tester  14  would be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art and such uses are contemplated by this disclosure.  
         [0033]    Turning now to FIG. 5, microprocessor  70  of base  12  includes digital integrated circuitry and is used to time selected tests, read signals, and together with associated programs and data memory, calculates and stores values of analytes tested in base  12 . Additional information may be stored in interchangeable Memory chip  30  as discussed above and in more detail in the &#39;532 patent incorporated herein by reference. Microprocessor  70  is programmed to receive, analyze and store data from microprocessor  72  of portable tester  14  and communicates with same through Bourns connectors  60 ,  62  discussed above. Microprocessor  70  communicates via RS 232 connectors to PC  74  or similar device.  
         [0034]    Microprocessor  72  of portable tester  14  and interchangeable Memory chip  42  operate in much the same manner as do microprocessor  70  and chip  30 , respectively. However, for most applications, it is envisioned that microprocessor  72  need not have as extensive a computing and memory capacity as does microprocessor  70 , since portable tester  14  will typically only conduct a single test, viz., glucose level, and store data for a period of only 14-30 days before downloading to processor  70 . Through the communications network shown, both microprocessors  70  and  72  can be programmed by or through PC  74 . Further, microprocessor  72  can be reprogrammed by microprocessor  70 .  
         [0035]    Because of the communications link among the components of the disclosed apparatus, modular capabilities are achieved. For example, a portable tester that is lost or malfunctions can be economically replaced without replacing the base unit. Further, the communications capabilities disclosed herein allow a smaller, more ergonomic and more cost-effective design of portable tester  14  because much of the advanced system capabilities are contained within the more comprehensive base unit  12  and/or PC  74  to which portable tester  14  can be linked.  
         [0036]    While a preferred embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention has been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.