Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test sample by applying the fluid test sample to the surface of a working electrode which is electrochemically connected to a reference electrode which surface bears a composition comprising an enzyme specific for the analyte. A mediator is reduced in response to a reaction between the analyte and the enzyme. An oxidizing potential is applied between the electrodes to return at least a portion of the mediator back to its oxidized form before determining the concentration of the analyte to thereby increase the accuracy of the analyte determination. Following this initially applied potential, the circuit is switched to an open circuit or to a potential that substantially reduces the current to minimize the rate of electrochemical potential at the working electrode. A second potential is applied between the electrodes and the current generated in the fluid test sample is measured to determine analyte concentration. Optionally, the accuracy of the analyte determination is further enhanced algorithmically.

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First Claim