An electrochemical sensing system includes a working electrode and a reference electrode, which can at least partially be disposed in a housing. At least a portion of the working electrode includes rhodium metal. An electrical circuit is disposed in the housing and configured to be electronically coupled to the electrodes. The electrical circuit is operative to: (a) bias the working electrode at a voltage of less than about 0.4 V, and (b) measure a current corresponding to the concentration of the target analyte. A communications module is electrically coupled to the electrical circuit and configured to display a concentration of the target analyte, and/or communicate data between the electrical circuit and an external device. The electrodes are movable between a first configuration in which the electrodes are substantially disposed inside the housing, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the electrodes is disposed outside the housing.

Apparatus and methods pertaining to catheters used for the withdrawal of blood.

A medical puncturing device having a wicking element disposed on a portion of the medical puncturing device is disclosed. The wicking element allows a user to remove a first drop of blood upon puncturing the skin using the medical puncturing device. In this manner, a subsequent drop of blood can be used to test their blood to determine their blood glucose level for proper insulin dosing.

Articles and methods for collecting and/or facilitating transfer of fluids are generally provided. In some embodiments, an article comprises a fluid collection region for introducing a fluid, such as a sample (e.g., blood sample) or a reagent, into a fluidic system. The articles and methods described herein may be useful for facilitating the filling of relatively small channels with a fluid, such as channels of a microfluidic device. The articles and methods may, for example, interface with a patient sample (e.g., a droplet of blood), or with a macroscopic fluid source such as a pipette or syringe. In certain embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the ease of collecting a fluidic sample from a patient, prevent or reduce spillage of the fluidic sample, reduce contamination of a fluidic sample, and/or prevent or reduce air from entering a fluidic sample or device compared to certain existing fluid collection devices.

Articles and methods for collecting and/or facilitating transfer of fluids are generally provided. In some embodiments, an article comprises a fluid collection region for introducing a fluid, such as a sample (e.g., blood sample) or a reagent, into a fluidic system. The articles and methods described herein may be useful for facilitating the filling of relatively small channels with a fluid, such as channels of a microfluidic device. The articles and methods may, for example, interface with a patient sample (e.g., a droplet of blood), or with a macroscopic fluid source such as a pipette or syringe. In certain embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the ease of collecting a fluidic sample from a patient, prevent or reduce spillage of the fluidic sample, reduce contamination of a fluidic sample, and/or prevent or reduce air from entering a fluidic sample or device compared to certain existing fluid collection devices.

A portable medical apparatus including at least a sampling assembly for providing at least one sample of a fluid in an object, a detector for determining at least one parameter of the fluid, an injector for performing at least one injection of an injection medium, and which are operable independent of each other for improved self-treatment of diseases such as diabetes. The portable medical apparatus has a single common housing for these components and a switch for changing between the sampling mode, the determining mode, and the injection mode. The apparatus also includes an actuator means for individually actuating the other components. The apparatus is an all-in-one device that facilitates the medical treatment process for patients, medical professionals or others.

A system for needle-free drawing of blood is disclosed. A device can include an evacuated negative-pressure barrel with a membrane sealing an aperture at a distal end, and a housing affixed to a proximal end. An accelerator barrel can be positioned within the negative-pressure barrel and fixed to the housing, with an open proximal end in a chamber in the housing, and an open distal end aligned with the aperture. The chamber can be filled with pressurized gas, and a trigger valve can hydrostatically separate the chamber from the open proximal end of the accelerator barrel. A micro-particle positioned within the accelerator barrel can be accelerated to high speed by an abrupt surge of gas by releasing the trigger valve. The micro-particle can attain enough momentum to pierce the aperture membrane and penetrate adjacent dermal tissue. A resulting micro-emergence of blood can be drawn into the negative pressure barrel.

The biological test kit is a device for drawing and, optionally, testing biological samples. The biological test kit is an array of lancets set in wells in a rigid base. Each lancet well is covered by a protective cover which when deformed permits the lancet to puncture a user or other patient. In one embodiment the biological test kit employs distinct covers for each lancet and in another the covers are formed from sheet material formed into blisters which cover the lancet.

A packet for a medication delivery pen comprises a pen cap integrally connected to one, some, or all of the devices listed: an unused pen needle dispenser, sharps container for used needles, folding glucose monitor, constant glucose monitor, glucose tablets/candy, lancing device, or glucose test strip holder. The integrated pen cap is configured to replace the pen cap normally supplied with the pen and the attachments and devices featured put all items needed by a diabetic in one device. This device also gives the diabetic freedom in choosing which devices they would like to or would like not to carry with them, and in what manner so as to have the highest convenience to the diabetic.

A packet for a medication delivery pen comprises a pen cap integrally connected to one, some, or all of the devices listed: an unused pen needle dispenser, sharps container for used needles, folding glucose monitor, constant glucose monitor, glucose tablets/candy, lancing device, or glucose test strip holder. The integrated pen cap is configured to replace the pen cap normally supplied with the pen and the attachments and devices featured put all items needed by a diabetic in one device. This device also gives the diabetic freedom in choosing which devices they would like to or would like not to carry with them, and in what manner so as to have the highest convenience to the diabetic.