Patent ID: 8620398

Claim:
A method of replenishing a level of AgCl on a reference electrode of a electrochemical sensor, the method comprising: inserting a electrochemical sensor into skin of a patient, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a flexible substrate comprising (i) at least one working electrode comprising a sensing layer and a membrane disposed over the sensing layer, wherein the sensing layer comprises a mediator and an analyte responsive enzyme, (ii) at least one reference electrode comprising a layer of Ag/AgCl, (iii) at least one contact pad coupled to each of the working and reference electrodes, wherein the electrochemical sensor is adapted for implantation of a portion of the electrochemical sensor comprising the working and reference electrodes through skin; determining that AgCl on the reference electrode has become depleted while inserted in the patient; and applying an electrical potential across the reference electrode and another electrode of the sensor for a period of time sufficient to convert Ag to AgCl in order to replenish the level of AgCl present on the reference electrode, wherein the electrical potential to replenish AgCl present on the reference electrode is different from the oxidation potential of the mediator.