Abstract:
A test strip container with an expandable insert, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The container includes a housing defining a cavity, a lid, and a compressible insert removably mounted in the cavity. The compressible insert is expandable to retain a plurality of test strips in the cavity and to protect the test strips from environmental degradation.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/627,358 filed Nov. 30, 2009. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to containers for test strips, and especially to a test strip container with expandable insert, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Apparatuses and methods for testing compositions of biological fluids, as well as test strips for use in such devices are well known. Typically, test strips are stored in a separate disposable vial, distinct from the test apparatus that analyzes the fluid sample. A test strip is first removed from the vial container, a sample of biological fluid is deposited onto the strip, and the strip is inserted into a test strip meter for analysis of the desired component. After the analysis is complete, the test strip is ejected from the meter, and disposed of. 
         [0004]    A problem with test strips is that they are sensitive to environmental degradation due to air and water exposure. Prior art attempts to slow environmental degradation have proven only marginally effective. For example, in one conventional vial a lip seal is provided, in which the displacement of test strips can push them through the seal, and out of the container. In such an arrangement the vial remains sealed except when a strip is removed through the seal. This is ineffective to prevent environmental degradation due to the large amount of air and water ingress during strip removal. 
         [0005]    Attempts have been made to protect the strips in a container by adding a desiccant to the chamber to absorb any moisture that enters the chamber during strip removal. However, these attempts have been ineffective because of the large amount of air ingress that occurs through repeated opening and closing of the container. 
         [0006]    Test strips may also be packaged individually in tear-away packages, which ensures that the individual strips do not suffer environmental degradation. For instance, blister-type packaging methods may be used. In this configuration, the packages could include desiccant material to maintain the proper humidity in the package. In order for a person to use a single test strip, the package must be opened by tearing the seal. Opening of these packages can be difficult, especially for one with impaired circulation. Furthermore, carrying enough blister packs for a proper testing routine may be inconvenient, and cumbersome. 
         [0007]    Test devices are known in which a plurality of test strips are provided on a cartridge disc, with each strip housed in a separate slot. A means is then provided to eject a test strip from its slot when required. U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,344 to Kahler discloses a strip dispenser box capable of dispensing a single test strip from a stack of test strips that does not require the user to insert a finger inside a vessel to retrieve a test strip. Rather, the &#39;344 patent discloses a cap assembly with a strip feeder mechanism mounted to a housing having a magazine capable of holding a stack of test strips. The cap has a slot therein and a slide bar assembly slideably mounted in the slot for moving a test strip out of the dispenser, more particularly out of a gasket-sealed opening positioned on the cap assembly. However, the device disclosed in the &#39;344 patent suffers from certain disadvantages. First and foremost, the strip dispenser of the &#39;344 patent fails to maintain a completely moisture free environment. Specifically, at least two areas of the dispenser permit moisture to enter the housing and thus contact the test strips therein. 
         [0008]    The first area which fails to provide a moisture free seal is the slot/slide bar assembly area. The slide bar is made of a cross shaped base member slideably positioned on the inner surface of the cap body and a finger grip which extends upward through the slot of the cap assembly. In operation, the finger grip is driven forward by the action of the thumb of the user and it carries a test strip out an opening of the cap assembly. As described in the patent, the preferred material of the dispenser is polyethylene plastic. In other words, both the cap assembly (the slot area) and the slide bar are made of polyethylene plastic. It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that such an assembly of two contacting polyethylene plastic surfaces cannot provide an adequate barrier to moisture. 
         [0009]    The second area which fails to provide a moisture free seal is the opening through which a test strip is removed from the dispenser, even though a seal strip or gasket extends into the dispenser and covers the opening thereto. In other words, a gasket or the like is attached on a first side to the cap assembly and unattached on its other sides to allow a test strip to be pushed therethrough. It will similarly be apparent to one of skill in the art that such a seal cannot provide a barrier to moisture. 
         [0010]    A problem with these test strip dispensers is the large size, and lack of portability which makes regular testing inconvenient. Furthermore, it is inconvenient for test strip users to carry around several distinct devices in order to perform routine testing. 
         [0011]    Conventional storage vials are small, cylindrical containers that make it difficult to extract a single strip without spilling the entire contents of the vial. A user must invert the storage vial to extract a strip. Unfortunately, during inversion, multiple strips exit the vial, and a user must retrieve those strips from the ground. Additionally, the storage vial does not provide an adequate environmental barrier to prevent the degradation of the test strips. 
         [0012]    There exists a need for a small portable container that provides test strips to users. The container must be easily used by the user. Furthermore, the container must provide improved environmental protection to the test strips stored therein. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    It is against the above background that embodiments of the present disclosure provide a test strip container with an expandable insert, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof. The container includes a housing defining a cavity, a lid, and a compressible insert removably mounted in the cavity. The compressible insert is expandable to retain a plurality of test strips in the cavity and to protect the test strips from environmental degradation. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips with each test strip having a reagent portion and a handling portion. The container comprises a housing defining a cavity, a lid hingedly connected to the housing to close the cavity, and a compressible insert removably mounted in the cavity. The compressible insert is expandable to retain the plurality of test strips. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips, each test strip having a reagent portion and a handling portion, is disclosed. The container comprises a housing defining a cavity, a lid hingedly connected to the housing to close the cavity, and a compressible insert removably mounted in the cavity. The compressible insert is expandable to retain the plurality of test strips in the cavity. The compressible insert is folded to encompass a reagent portion of the plurality of test strips. The compressible insert further comprises a plurality of cooperating ridges. The compressible insert further comprises a coating. 
         [0016]    In still another embodiment, a method for storing a plurality of test strips is disclosed. The method comprises providing a container for storing a plurality of test strips. Each test strip has a reagent portion and a handling portion. The container comprises a housing defining a cavity, a lid hingedly connected to the housing to close the cavity, and a compressible insert removably mounted in the cavity. The compressible insert is expandable to retain the plurality of test strips in the cavity. The method further includes providing a plurality of test strips in the cavity, and storing the plurality of test strips in the cavity. The compressible insert expands to releasably retain the plurality of test strips and protect the plurality of test strips from environmental degradation. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a container for storing a plurality of test strips is disclosed. The method comprises providing a housing with a defined cavity and a lid hingedly connected to the housing for closing the cavity. A compressible insert is folded and inserted into the cavity. The compressible insert is expandable to retain the plurality of test strips in the cavity. 
         [0018]    In still yet another embodiment, a method of protecting test strips from environmental degradation is disclosed which comprises utilizing a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0019]    These and other features and advantageous of these and other various embodiments according to the present disclosure will become more apparent in view the drawings, detailed description, and claims provided that follow hereafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a test strip container with a housing, a lid, and a cavity within the housing in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of test strip with a handling portion and a reagent portion in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of a test strip container with a housing, and a lid in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 3B-D  show a cross sectional view of a test strip container with a housing and a lid in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a compressible insert in combination with the test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a compressible insert in a housing storing a test strip with a series of ridges in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a compressible insert with a slot in combination with the storage container in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a compressible insert with a series of slots in combination with the storage container in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a partially folded insert with a series of cooperating ridges encompassing a plurality of test strips in combination with a test strip container in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a folded insert placed within a cavity of a test strip container in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a test strip container in combination with a plurality of test strips in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a test strip container in combination with a test strip meter in accordance with another embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0033]    Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, as well as conventional parts removed, to help to improve understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, a test strip container  5  is disclosed for storing and dispensing test strips  16 , and particularly for easily dispensing a single test strip  16  from a plurality of test strips  16 , i.e., dispensing one test strip  16  at a time. Additionally, the container  5  protects retained test strips  16  from adverse contaminants and conditions such as air, light, humidity, dust, dirt, and oils, or other contaminants. The container  5  also allows for easy re-loading of additional test strips  16 , as will be apparent from the descriptions below. 
         [0035]    The container  5  includes a housing  10  with a cavity  12  and a lid  14 . The container  5  is suitable for dispensing any type of test strip  16 , for example, electrochemical and colorimetric or photometric type test strips  16  as are known in the art, where such test strips  16  find use in the determination of a wide variety of different analyte concentrations, where representative analytes include, but are not limited to, glucose, cholesterol, lactate, alcohol, and the like. In many embodiments, the subject test strips  16  are used to determine the glucose concentration in a physiological sample, e.g., interstitial fluid, blood, blood fractions, constituents thereof, and the like. In further describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a conventional test strip  16  is described with reference made to  FIG. 2  by way of example and not limitation. 
         [0036]    The illustrated test strip  16  shown by  FIG. 2  is generally made up of at least the following components: a support element  18 , and a reagent portion  20  for receiving a sample. The reagent portion  20 , in one embodiment, can comprise a reagent composition that typically includes one or more members of an analyte oxidation signal producing system and a support element. The test strip  16  is typically configured and adapted to be received in an automated test strip reader/meter  34 , as described below in reference to  FIG. 11 , for automatically determining the concentration of an analyte. 
         [0037]    As shown, the reagent portion  20  is attached to the support element  18 , in which the support element may be of a material (or material layers) that is sufficiently rigid to be inserted into the meter  34  without undue bending or kinking. In one embodiment, the support element  18  can be made of material(s) such as polyolefins, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene or polyesters, and combinations thereof where in embodiments having a support element  18  formed from layers, such materials in support element  18  may be the same or different. Consequently, the length of the support element  18  typically dictates or corresponds to the length of the test strip  16 . 
         [0038]    Regardless of whether or not the length of the support elements  18  dictates or corresponds to the length of the test strip  16 , the length of the test strip  16  generally ranges from about 3 mm to about 1000 mm, usually from about 10 mm to about 100 mm and more usually from about 20 mm to about 60 mm. 
         [0039]    As described above, the support element  18  is usually configured to enable the test strip  16  to be inserted into a test strip meter  34  ( FIG. 11 ). As such, the support element  18 , and thus the test strip  16 , are typically in the form of a substantially rectangular or square-like strip, where the dimensions of the support element vary according to a variety of factors, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art, and may be the same or different. 
         [0040]    Examples of such test strips suitable for use with the present disclosure include those described in copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/333,793; 09/497,304; 09/497,269; 09/736,788 and 09/746,116, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0041]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the housing  10  and lid  14  may be formed of one integrated assembly. However, the housing  10  may be made up of two separate and separable assemblies: a lid  14  and a housing  10 . In other words, the lid  14  and the housing  10  are not attached together. Either configuration advantageously enables substantially air and moisture tight seals to be created and maintained between the lid  14  and the housing  10 . 
         [0042]    In one exemplary embodiment, the container  5  has a housing  10  and lid  14  comprising a rigid material that will retain its shape and form without cracking or breaking. The housing  10  and lid  14  may be manufactured from a variety of materials. In addition, where the housing  10  and lid  14  may be manufactured from the same or different materials. However, such materials will not interfere with the reagent portion  20  of the test strip  16  retained therein. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and blends thereof. Materials may also include metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and alloys thereof, siliceous materials, and the like. 
         [0043]    The housing  10  and lid  14  are alignable in a close configuration, such that the housing  10  and lid  14  form a substantially air and moisture tight seal when in a closed configuration. By substantially air and moisture tight seal is meant that the housing  10  and lid  14  are capable of preventing substantial air and moisture from entering the cavity  12  when the housing  10  and lid  14  are in a closed configuration. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIGS. 3A-D , in order to accomplish the substantially moisture and air free environment, the housing  10  includes an attachment means  15 , where such attachment means aligns and mates, i.e., attaches, the housing  10  and lid  14  together to form a seal that is substantially air and moisture tight. Representative attachment means  15  include, but are not limited to, at least one of: a snap fit mechanism, a frictional engagement, a lid seating mechanism, an O-ring gasket, with each of those will now be described in more detail. See  FIGS. 3B-D . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , in order to effect and maintain the substantially air and moisture tight seal, the lid  14  (or optionally the housing  10 ) may include a sealing bead  25  configured such that a corresponding groove  29  of the housing  10  (or the lid  14  if the bead is positioned on the housing  10 ) is configured to receive and mate with the bead  25  of the lid  14  when the lid  14  and the housing  10  are in a closed position. The bead  25  is typically tapered to enable the edges of the housing  10  (or the lid  14  if the bead  25  is positioned on the base) to fit snuggly between the bead  25  and the lid  14 . 
         [0046]    Referring again to  FIG. 3C , an O-ring gasket  17  may be employed to form an intimate contact between the housing  10  and lid  14 . For example, an O-ring  17  may be positioned on the housing  10  or the lid  14  to form an intimate contact when the lid  14  and housing  10  are in a closed position. 
         [0047]    Referring again to  FIG. 3D , a snap fit mechanism  27  may also be employed. By snap fit mechanism  27  is meant any suitable “built in” or integral latching mechanism for attaching one part to another. A snap fit mechanism  27  is different from loose or chemical attachment methods in that it requires no additional pieces, materials or tools to carry out the attaching function. 
         [0048]    As noted above, one or more, sometimes two or three or more of the above described attachment means  15  may be used to create a seal between the lid  14  and the housing  10 , where such a closure enables a substantially air and moisture tight seal. 
         [0049]    The subject device may further include moisture absorbent reagents or components such as desiccant material, silica gel and the like, where such material is capable of absorbing moisture from the environment surrounding the stored test strips. Such absorbent reagents or components may be retained in one or more compartments positioned inside the housing  10  and/or lid  14 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the size and shape of the housing  10  will necessarily vary depending on a variety of factors, where such factors include, but are not limited to, the type and number of test strips  16  retained therein, and the like. Accordingly, the shape of the housing  10  may take any of a variety of shapes. For example, the housing  10  may be substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially cylindrical, substantially round, substantially circular, substantially elliptical or substantially oval shape. Alternatively, the shape may be more complex such as a substantially irregular shape or the like. The four corners of the container of the housing  10  are typically rounded or beveled to avoid any snagging or injury by the user. 
         [0051]    Reference now is made to  FIG. 4 , in which a container  5  is provided with a compressible insert  22  according to the present disclosure. The compressible insert  22  may comprise a compressible material that expands upon release of external pressure. In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  comprises an open-cell foam. In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  comprises a gel-filled pillow. The compressible insert  22  may also comprise any material that may be easily compressed and then expand upon release of external pressure such as rubber, foam, synthetic rubber, and compressible plastic. 
         [0052]    The compressible insert  22  is used to protect and retain the test strips  16  within the cavity  12  of the housing  10 . In one embodiment, ridges  28  are perpendicularly disposed along the longitudinal axis X of the compressible insert  22 . In one embodiment, the ridges  28  are spaced no more than about 10 mm apart from one another. In yet another embodiment, the ridges  28  are spaced no more than about 5 mm apart from one another. In another embodiment, the ridges  28  may be spaced any distance from one another so long as the test strips  16  are suitably retained when held thereby, as described below. 
         [0053]    It is to be appreciated that the compressible insert  22  can be manually placed and removed to and from the cavity  12 . Such a feature permits the easy loading of additional test strips as desired. When placed in the cavity, the compressible insert  22  is frictionally retained therein due to its expansion and conform to the cavity  12 . The compressible insert  22  may be inserted into the cavity  12  before insertion of a plurality of test strips  16 . The test strips  16  may be inserted in the front of the compressible insert  22  by manual insertion. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the test strips  16  may be placed within the cavity  12 , and then the compressible insert  22  may be insert behind the test strips  16 . Upon insertion the compressible insert  22  as mentioned will expand to releasably retain the test strips  16  in the front of the cavity  12 . In other embodiments, the compressible insert  22  may be attached to the inside of the cavity  12  by adhesive, or mechanical mounting. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the compressible insert  22  inserted in the housing  10  for storing a test strip  16  with a series of the ridges  28  in accordance with one embodiment. In this illustrated embodiment, the ridges  28  operate to form a barrier against air and water ingress into the cavity  12 . The compressible insert  22  expands inside the cavity  12  which presses the ridges  28  against the interior surfaces or inner walls  23  of the housing  10 . The ridges  28  deform to accommodate the test strips within the cavity  12 , and form a seal against air and water ingress. The ridges  28  comprise a raised portion of the compressible insert  22 . In one embodiment, each ridge  28  is typically about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm tall, relative to the compressible insert  22 , and each ridge  28  is typically about 30 to about 50 mm long, spanning the entire length of the compressible insert  22 . In one embodiment, the ridges  28  comprise half-moon extruded along perpendicular line. In another embodiment, the ridges  28  comprise a triangular shape extruded along perpendicular line. 
         [0055]    Another embodiment of the compressible insert  22  useable in the container  5  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  contains at least one slot  32  longitudinally disposed along the compressible insert  22 . In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  comprises only one slot  32  sized to hold one to ten test strips  16 . In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  comprises only one slot  32  sized to hold approximately five to twenty test strips  16 . In still other embodiment, an additional slot(s)  32 ′ may be provided adjacent to slot  32  in a similar manner and for a similar purpose. 
         [0056]    Still another embodiment of the compressible insert  22  useable with the container  5  is shown in  FIG. 7 . In this illustrated embodiment, the compressible insert  22  comprises approximately one to six slots  32  substantially parallel to one another, each sized to retain approximately one to five test strips  16 . In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  comprises approximately five to ten slots  32 , each sized to retain one test strip  16 . 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  is shaped to resemble the housing  10 . In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  may comprise the shape of substantially a cube, rectangular prism, elliptical shape. Alternatively, it may be shaped in an irregular fashion other than that which has been disclosed. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the compressible insert  22  may be oriented in the cavity  12  in any fashion that would provide substantial contact between the compressible insert  22  and the inner wall  23  of the housing  10 . In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  aligns substantially with the inner walls  23  of the housing  10 , thereby filling the cavity  12 . In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  aligns with the inner walls  23  of the housing  10  only below the opening  21  ( FIG. 1 ). In such an embodiment, upon insertion of the compressible insert  22  in different orientations, the compressible insert  22  will expand to substantially conform to the shape of the cavity  12 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the size of the housing  10  may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as the type and number of test strips  16  retained therein. In certain embodiments, the housing  10  is configured such that the plurality of test strips is retained in the cavity  12  of housing  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  10  and lid  14  are sized and arranged such that a handling portion  19  of the support element  18  of each test strips  16  retained in the housing  10 . The lid  14  is used to close this opening  21 . In this manner, when the lid  14  is opened, the handling portion  19  of each retained test strip  16  that extends beyond the housing  10  enables an individual to easily grasp a single test strip  16  from the opening  21 , while avoiding many of the problems associated with prior art devices. For example, height L of the housing  10  is typically about two thirds the length of each test strip  16  (i.e., about one-third of each test strip protrudes above the distal edge of the housing  10 , where the height of the housing  10  may be as little as one half or less the length of each test strip  16 . 
         [0060]    The size of the compressible insert  22  may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as the type and number of test strips  16  retained therein, or the size of the cavity  12  into which the insert is placed. In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  has an about 40% larger volume than the cavity  12 . In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  has an about 25% larger volume than the cavity  12 . The compressible insert  22  is compressible to fit within a smaller volume than originally provided. In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  may be compressed to about 50% of its original volume. In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  may be compressed to about 70% of its original volume. However, the compressible insert  22  may have a wide range of volumes in relation to the size of the cavity  12 . 
         [0061]    The dimensions of the compressible insert  22  may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as the type and number of test strips retained in the housing  10 , or the size of the cavity  12  placed into. In one embodiment, the length of the compressible insert  22  is more then twice the length of the test strip  16 , where the compressible insert  22  is folded to form a folded insert  24  ( FIG. 8 ) so the handling portion  19  ( FIG. 10 ) extends beyond the distal or unfolded distal edges  31  of the folded insert  24 , so to enable an individual to easily grasp a single test strip  16  while avoiding many of the problems associated with prior art devices. For example, the length of the folded insert  24  may be less than about twice of the length of a test strip (i.e., about one-third of each test strip protrudes above the distal edges  31  of the folded insert  24 ). 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , as mentioned above, the compressible insert  22  may be folded to form the folded insert  24 . The compressible insert  22  may be folded in any method to define a storage chamber  26  between the two folded halves of the folded insert  24 . In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  is longitudinally folded (i.e., along its longest length) to define the storage chamber  26 . Alternatively, the compressible insert  22  can be latitudinally folded (i.e., along its shorter length) to also define the storage chamber  26 . In one embodiment, the compressible insert  22  may be folded along its midpoint along its longer length to form the folded insert  24 , such as depicted by  FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, the compressible insert  22  may be folded at a point different than the midpoint of the compressible insert  22 . In another embodiment, the folded insert  24  may comprise a series of folds that define at least one storage chamber  26 . 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, storage chamber  26  of the folded insert  24  is configured to retain from about 1 to about 25 test strips at one time, usually about 1 to about 10, however the storage chamber  26  may be configured to retain more or fewer test strips as desired. In one embodiment, the storage chamber  26  may hold less than about ten test strips  16 . In another embodiment, the storage chamber  26  holds more than about ten test strips  16 , but not more than about twenty test strips  16 . In another embodiment, the storage chamber  26  may hold from about ten to fifty test strips  16 . 
         [0064]    In another embodiment, the reagent portion  20  of the test strips  16  are enclosed in the storage chamber  26  of the folded insert  24  as depicted by  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, the folded insert  24  completely surrounds the reagent portion  20  of the test strips  16  to protect them from environmental degradation. In another embodiment, as best shown by  FIG. 10 , cooperating ridges  30  of the compressible insert  22  cooperate to form a series of successive barriers upon folding of the compressible insert  22 . The cooperating ridges  30  align upon folding of the compressible insert  22  to form a seal operable to prevent environmental degradation. The cooperating ridges  30  comprise a raised portion of the compressible insert  22 . In one embodiment, each cooperating ridge  30  is typically about 0.5 mm to 2 mm tall, relative to the compressible insert  22 , and each cooperating ridge  30  is typically about 30 to about 50 mm long, spanning the entire length of the compressible insert  22 . In one embodiment, the cooperating ridges  30  comprise half-moon extruded substantially parallel line to the distal edge  31 . In another embodiment, the cooperating ridges  30  comprise a substantially triangular shape extruded substantially parallel line to the distill edge  31 . In alternative embodiments, the cooperating ridges  30  may form any shape operable to form a seal around the test strips  16 . 
         [0065]    The compressible insert  22  has a coating to repel dirt, water, and lint from the compressible insert  22 . The coating may comprise any material that repels dirt, water, and lint. In another embodiment, the coating may comprise a finish texture that repels dirt, water, and lint. In another embodiment, the coating is integral with the compressible insert  22 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a container  5  in combination with a test strip meter  34  in accordance with another embodiment. In one embodiment, the housing  10  may be connected to a test strip meter  34  configured to analyze test strips  16 , and display results to the user. The housing  10  may be integrated into the main body of a test strip meter  34  ( FIG. 11 ). Such test strip meters  34  are well known in the art, and operable to analyze and process sample contained within the plurality of test strips. 
         [0067]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. For example, the container may have other shapes, such as circular, oval, trapezoidal; the compressible insert may take other forms and materials; and the test strips may be oriented in a different fashion. 
         [0068]    Thus the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.