Patent ID: 7985330

Claim:
A method of using a sensor placed within a subcutaneous insertion site, comprising: (a) connecting a sensor having at least two electrodes to sensor electronics; (b) initiating a stabilization procedure for the sensor via the sensor electronics, the stabilization procedure performing a plurality of anodic-cathodic cycles between the plurality of electrodes; (c) verifying if a hydration time threshold has elapsed if the sensor is not operating within specified parameters; (d) initiating a hydration assist procedure, the hydration assist procedure transmitting a signal for the sensor electronics to apply voltage pulses to the sensor; (e) generating sensor signals when the sensor is within the operational window; (f) performing an EIS procedure between the electrodes, the EIS procedure includes using a glucose oxidase enzyme to catalyze a reaction between the electrodes; (g) calculating an impedance value between the electrodes; and (h) comparing the impedance value against a threshold to determine if the sensor has aged beyond the specified sensor life.