Patent ID: 8283155

Claim:
A two-way communication system for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid from a subject, comprising: a) a reader assembly comprising a programmable processor that is operably linked to a communication assembly; b) an external device configured to transmit a protocol to the communication assembly; c) a test device configured to be inserted into the reader assembly, said test device comprising: i) a sample collection unit configured for collecting a sample of bodily fluid suspected to contain an analyte; ii) an assay assembly containing reactants that react with said sample of bodily fluid based on the protocol transmitted from said external device to yield a detectable signal indicative of the presence and/or concentration of said analyte; and iii) an identifier that is configured to provide the identity of said test device and is also configured to trigger the transmission of said protocol that is selected based on said identifier; wherein the programmable processor of the reader assembly is configured to receive said protocol from said external device, wherein said protocol in turn effects (1) a reaction in said assay assembly for generating said signal, and (2) selection of a detection method for detecting said signal, and wherein said reader further comprises a detection assembly for detecting said signal which is transmitted via said communication assembly to said external device.