US6721586B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Percutaneous biological fluid sampling and analyte measurement devices and methods
Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
•
Filing: 2001-06-12
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Granted: 2004-04-13
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Expires: 2021-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A device for sampling a biological fluid and measuring at least one target constituent within the biological fluid. The device has at least one electrochemical cell having an inner electrode and an outer electrode in a concentrically-spaced relationship. In a preferred embodiment, the outer electrode has a cylindrical configuration having an open distal end and the inner electrode has an elongated configuration positioned coaxially within the outer electrode and a distal end configured to penetrate the skin. The spacing between the electrodes exerts a capillary force on biological fluid present at the open distal end of the outer electrode. A system is also provided which includes a control unit in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell for controlling the selection and measurement of the target constituent. Methods of sampling of biological fluids within the skin and measuring the sampled fluids are also provided, as well as kits comprising one or more of the inventive devices and/or systems.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest Kiser
- 👤 Koon-Wah Leong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 06:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/28; G01N27/30; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/145; A61B5/1468; A61B5/1486; A61B5/14532
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A device for sampling a biological fluid and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, comprising: an outer electrode having a length; an inner electrode having a length and positioned within and spaced apart from the outer electrode; an open chamber between said inner and outer electrodes, the open chamber extending substantially the length of the outer electrode and of the inner electrode and having a volume sufficient to provide a capillary force on biological fluid in contact with the open chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
A device for sampling a biological fluid and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, comprising: an outer electrode having a length; an inner electrode having a length and positioned within and spaced apart from the outer electrode; an open chamber between said inner and outer electrodes, the open chamber extending substantially the length of the outer electrode and of the inner electrode and having a volume sufficient to provide a capillary force on biological fluid in contact with the open chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
An electrochemical cell for use in sampling biological fluid and measuring an analyte therein, the cell comprising: a first electrode; and a second electrode positioned concentrically within and spaced-apart from the first electrode and comprising a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface, wherein the first and second electrodes have the same length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
An electrochemical cell for use in sampling biological fluid and measuring an analyte therein, the cell comprising: a first electrode; and a second electrode positioned concentrically within and spaced-apart from the first electrode and comprising a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface, wherein the first and second electrodes have the same length.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
136 words
A system for sampling biological fluid from the skin of a patient and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, the system comprising: (a) an array of electrochemical cells wherein each cell comprises a first electrode and a second electrode spaced-apart from each other, wherein the first electrode is positioned concentrically about the second electrode and the second electrode comprises a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface; and (b) a control unit in electrical communication with the array, comprising: (1) means for sending an electrical reference signal to each of the first electrodes and for receiving an electrical output signal from each of the second electrodes, and (2) a software algorithm which automatically calculates and determines the concentration of the target constituent in the biological sample upon receipt of the electrical output signal.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
136 words
A system for sampling biological fluid from the skin of a patient and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, the system comprising: (a) an array of electrochemical cells wherein each cell comprises a first electrode and a second electrode spaced-apart from each other, wherein the first electrode is positioned concentrically about the second electrode and the second electrode comprises a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface; and (b) a control unit in electrical communication with the array, comprising: (1) means for sending an electrical reference signal to each of the first electrodes and for receiving an electrical output signal from each of the second electrodes, and (2) a software algorithm which automatically calculates and determines the concentration of the target constituent in the biological sample upon receipt of the electrical output signal.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
80 words
A device for sampling a biological fluid and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, comprising: an inner electrode having a proximal end; an outer electrode having a cylindrical configuration comprising a proximal end, and an open distal end; an annular vacant space between said inner and outer electrodes; an insulating material positioned between a portion of the proximal ends of the inner and outer electrodes; and a skin-lancing member extending from the distal end of the inner electrode.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
80 words
A device for sampling a biological fluid and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, comprising: an inner electrode having a proximal end; an outer electrode having a cylindrical configuration comprising a proximal end, and an open distal end; an annular vacant space between said inner and outer electrodes; an insulating material positioned between a portion of the proximal ends of the inner and outer electrodes; and a skin-lancing member extending from the distal end of the inner electrode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the facing surfaces of the inner and outer electrodes and the insulating material defines a reaction chamber having dimensions sufficient to exert a capillary force on fluid present at the distal ends of the electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 4 further comprising a base from which the electrodes extend.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 4 further comprising a signal producing and receiving means in electrical communication with the electrodes.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
141 words
A system for sampling biological fluid from the skin of a patient and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, the system comprising: (a) an electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode and a second electrode spaced-apart from each other, wherein the first electrode is positioned concentrically about the second electrode and the second electrode comprises a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface, wherein at least a portion of the space between the electrodes is vacant; and (b) a control unit in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell, comprising: (1) means for sending an electrical reference signal to the first electrode and for receiving an electrical output signal from the second electrode, and (2) a software algorithm which automatically calculates and determines the concentration of the target constituent in the biological sample upon receipt of the electrical output signal.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
141 words
A system for sampling biological fluid from the skin of a patient and measuring a target constituent within the biological fluid, the system comprising: (a) an electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode and a second electrode spaced-apart from each other, wherein the first electrode is positioned concentrically about the second electrode and the second electrode comprises a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface, wherein at least a portion of the space between the electrodes is vacant; and (b) a control unit in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell, comprising: (1) means for sending an electrical reference signal to the first electrode and for receiving an electrical output signal from the second electrode, and (2) a software algorithm which automatically calculates and determines the concentration of the target constituent in the biological sample upon receipt of the electrical output signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system according to claim 8 further comprising a display unit in electrical communication with the control unit for displaying information in the form of electrical signals received from the control unit related to the sampling of the biological fluid and the measuring of the target constituent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system according to claim 8 further comprising a housing and a support means wherein the control unit is housed within the housing and the at least one electrochemical cell is mounted to the support means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 8 comprising an array of electrochemical cells.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for testing a biological fluid within the skin of a patient and for determining the concentration of a target constituent contained therein, the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrochemical cell comprising a concentrically spaced-apart inner and outer electrodes and a reaction chamber therebetween and extending along a substantial portion thereof; wherein the inner electrode comprises a lancing member; inserting the lancing member into the skin to a selected depth wherein biological fluid exits from the skin; transferring a sample of biological fluid into the reaction chamber; providing a first electrical signal to the electrochemical cell; and receiving a second electrical signal generated by the electrochemical cell, wherein the second electrical signal is representative of the concentration the constituent in the sample.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for testing a biological fluid within the skin of a patient and for determining the concentration of a target constituent contained therein, the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrochemical cell comprising a concentrically spaced-apart inner and outer electrodes and a reaction chamber therebetween and extending along a substantial portion thereof; wherein the inner electrode comprises a lancing member; inserting the lancing member into the skin to a selected depth wherein biological fluid exits from the skin; transferring a sample of biological fluid into the reaction chamber; providing a first electrical signal to the electrochemical cell; and receiving a second electrical signal generated by the electrochemical cell, wherein the second electrical signal is representative of the concentration the constituent in the sample.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein the step of transferring comprises exerting a capillary force on the sampled biological fluid.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein the steps of providing a first electrical signal and receiving a second electrical signal is performed by a control unit in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein the selected depth is no greater than the dermis.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 15 wherein the selected depth is no greater than the viable epidermis.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 16 wherein the selected depth is no greater than the stratum corneum.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 16 further comprising the step of deriving the concentration of the constituent in the patient's biological fluid from the second electrical signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 18 further comprising the step of displaying a numerical value representative of the concentration of the constituent in the patient's biological fluid.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 18 wherein the step of deriving comprises using a software algorithm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
63 words
An electrochemical cell for use in sampling biological fluid and measuring an analyte therein, the cell comprising: a first electrode having a length; and a second electrode having a length and a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface, the second electrode positioned concentrically within and spaced apart form the first electrode wherein at least a portion of the space is vacant.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
63 words
An electrochemical cell for use in sampling biological fluid and measuring an analyte therein, the cell comprising: a first electrode having a length; and a second electrode having a length and a distal end configured to pierce a skin surface, the second electrode positioned concentrically within and spaced apart form the first electrode wherein at least a portion of the space is vacant.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the second electrode has an elongated configuration having a length that is co-axial with the first electrode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 further comprising an insulator positioned within at least a portion of the space between the first and second electrodes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the first and second electrodes have the same length.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the biological fluid is interstitial fluid or blood and the analyte is glucose.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electrochemical cell according to claim 21 further comprising a reagent material in contact on a surface of at least one of the electrodes wherein said surface is facing the other electrode.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the vacant space defines a volume sufficient to provide a capillary force on biological fluid in contact with the vacant space.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the vacant space defines a volume in the range from about 0.1 μl to about 2 μl.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein a substantial portion of the space between the electrodes is vacant.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the second electrode has a diameter about 500 μm or less.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the second electrode has a penetration length extending no deeper than the dermis layer when fully penetrated into the skin.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the first and second electrodes have different lengths.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 32 wherein the first electrode is shorter than the second electrode.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 32 wherein the first electrode is longer than the second electrode.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrochemical cell according to claim 21 wherein the second electrode has a penetration length no deeper than the dermis.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrochemical cell according to claim 35 wherein the second electrode has a penetration length no deeper than the epidermis.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electrochemical cell according to claim 21 wherein the first electrode comprises a skin-contacting surface at a distal end for exerting pressure on the skin surface adjacent the distal end of the second electrode.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrochemical cell according to claim 37 wherein the skin-contacting surface has a ring configuration.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
39 words
A kit for sampling a biological fluid from the skin of a patient and for measuring the concentration of a constituent within the sampled biological fluid, the kit comprising: at least one electrochemical cell according to claim 1 .
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The kit according to claim 39 further comprising one or more reagents for facilitating the measurement of one or more constituents within the sampled biological fluid.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The kit according to claim 39 comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a support member wherein the plurality of electrochemical cells are arranged in an array on the support member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
The kit according to claim 41 wherein the inner electrodes of the plurality of electrochemical cells have varying penetration lengths.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 21 wherein the first electrode comprises a continuous wall configuration having an open distal end and a distal edge.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 43 wherein the continuous wall comprises a cylindrical configuration and the distal edge define a skin-contacting surface.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 43 wherein the space between the electrodes has a thickness sufficient to exert a capillary force on fluid present at the open distal end of the first electrode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrochemical cell of claim 45 wherein the thickness is in the range from about 250 to 1500 μm.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-04-13 | 2007-10-13 | 2008-04-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-04-13 | 2011-10-13 | 2012-04-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-04-13 | 2015-10-13 | 2016-04-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |