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A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and display disposed on the outer housing for showing items. The sensor dispensing instrument fu

A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and display disposed on the outer housing for showing items. The sensor dispensing instrument further comprises a power button for turning the sensor dispensing instrument on and off, a scroll button for scroll through the items, and a select button for selecting an item.

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The invention claimed is: 1. A sensor dispensing instrument comprising: a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors an electronics assembly including a microprocessor for operating the sensor dispensing instrument and storing data an outer housing having a sensor slot through which one of the p

The invention claimed is: 1. A sensor dispensing instrument comprising: a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors an electronics assembly including a microprocessor for operating the sensor dispensing instrument and storing data an outer housing having a sensor slot through which one of the plurality of sensors is disposed to conduct a test, wherein the outer housing includes a display for displaying a plurality of items; a plurality of buttons connected through the electronics assembly to mechanically control the operation of the sensor dispensing instrument, the buttons including a power button for turning the sensor dispensing instrument on and off; a scroll button for scrolling through the plurality of items shown on the display, the plurality of items including a plurality of functions that are programmed within the sensor dispensing instrument and that are selectable by a user, including setting the time, setting the date, programming numbers for calibration, reviewing memory results and editing memory results; a select button for selecting at least one of the plurality of items; a memory button for displaying test results; and a set-up button for performing tasks related to the operation of the sensor dispensing instrument. 2. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 1 further comprising an outer housing, the outer housing forming a plurality of openings, and wherein the power button, the scroll button, and the select button are mounted through respective ones of the plurality of openings in the outer housing. 3. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 2, wherein the power button, the scroll button, and the select button each have a contact surface for depressing the button, and wherein the distance from the top surface of the outer housing to the contact surface of the power button is greater than the distance from the top surface of the outer housing to the contact surface of the scroll button. 4. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 3, wherein the distance from the top surface of the outer housing to the contact surface of the power button is greater than the distance from the top surface of the outer housing to the contact surface of the select button. 5. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 3, wherein the contact surface of the select button is flush with or recessed below the top surface of the outer housing. 6. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 2, further comprising a button door pivotally connected to the outer housing, wherein the button door is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the button door covers the power button, the scroll button, and the select button when in the closed position, and wherein the button door allows access to the power button, the scroll button, and the select button when in the open position. 7. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 6, wherein the button door forms an opening and wherein the power button extends into the opening when the button door is in the closed position. 8. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the scroll button comprises a scroll up button connected to a scroll down button through a rocker. 9. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the power button, the scroll button, and the select button comprise a first color. 10. The sensor dispensing instrument according to claim 9, wherein the memory button and the set-up button comprise a second color different from the first color. 11. The sensor dispensing instrument of claim 1, further comprising an indexing disk with a plurality of pins, the plurality of pins assisting in properly aligning the sensor pack. 12. A method of operating a testing instrument comprising providing the testing instrument, the testing instrument including a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors, an electronics assembly including a microprocessor for operating the testing instrument and storing data, an outer housing having a sensor slot through which one of the plurality of sensors is disposed to conduct a test and a display for displaying a plurality of items, and a plurality of buttons connected through the electronics assembly to mechanically control the operation of the testing instrument, the buttons including a power button for turning the testing instrument on and off; a scroll button for scrolling through the plurality of items shown on the display, the plurality of items including a plurality of functions that are programmed within the testing instrument and that are selectable by a user, including setting the time, setting the date, programming numbers for calibration, reviewing memory results and editing memory results; a select button for selecting at least one of the plurality of items; a memory button for displaying test results; and a set-up button for performing tasks related to the operation of the testing instrument; pressing the power button to activate the display and turn the testing instrument on; pressing the scroll button to scroll through the items, the scroll button including a scroll up button and a scroll down button for bi-directional scrolling through the items, pressing the select button to select at least one item; pressing the memory button to view test results; and pressing the set-up button to perform tasks related to the operation of the testing instrument. 13. The method of operating a testing instrument according to claim 12, wherein the set-up button allows for adjustment of time, date, and program numbers for reagent calibration. 14. The method of operating a testing instrument according to claim 12, further comprising the acts of: viewing test results generated by the test on the display disposed on the outer housing; and removing the sensor from the sensor slot.