Patent ID: 7807043

Claim:
A microfluidic device for determining an amount of an analyte in a sample, comprising: a base plate comprising a proximal and a distal end and having at least three electrodes printed thereon, wherein the at least three electrodes comprise a counter electrode, positioned at the proximal end of the base plate, a reference electrode, positioned furthest from the proximal end of the base plate, and a working electrode, positioned in between the counter and reference electrodes; a reaction layer on at least one of the electrodes comprising reagents for producing a detectable signal in response to a quantity of analyte in the sample; an insulating layer positioned between the base plate and a hydrophilic layer, wherein the insulating layer comprises a groove, a hydrophilic layer comprising a porous material and configured for holding a liquid sample in contact with the base plate; a hydrophobic mesh protective layer disposed directly on the hydrophilic porous material, wherein the hydrophobic protective layer is configured for retaining the sample in contact with the reaction layer and at least covers said proximal end where said at least three electrodes are positioned; a cover made of a dielectric material and having a proximal end and a distal end comprised on the hydrophobic protective layer and containing a groove providing for communication between the electrodes and the exterior of the device, which groove aligns with the corresponding groove in the insulating layer.