Importance

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Abstract

A portable, ready-for-use analyte measuring device is provided for the measurement of multiple sequential fluid samples. The device has a disposable cartridge, a calibrating fluid external to the cartridge and an analyzer. The cartridge has a housing, inlet for introduction of fluids into the housing, flow cell in fluid connection with the inlet, a waste collection area or reservoir in fluid connection to receive fluids from the flow cell, and at least one flow control means in fluid connection with the reservoir. The flow cell has a flow-through channel with one or more hydrated sensors arranged along the channel that has fluid therein. Also the flow cell has one or more spaced-apart reference electrode containment spaces in conductive contact with a contained quantity of reference fluid for the number of multiple sequential tests for the cartridge. The reference electrode containment space is spaced apart from but in conductive relation with the one or more sensors. The flow cell also has an electric circuit attached for electrical conduction to the one or more sensors and reference electrode and which is electrically isolated from the fluid in the channel. The multi-test device also has signal conveyor connected to the electric circuit of the flow cell to transmit signals responsive to the fluids contacting the sensors to the analyzer. Both the cartridge and the calibrating fluid are associated with an encoded information carrier for sensor performance parameters and calibrant analyte concentrations for inputting into the encoded information reader of the analyzer.

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First Claim