초록 ▼

A test strip having a small sample-receiving chamber on the order of less than 1 microliter. The inventive test strip includes a reagent layer that extends across the width of the test strip and also extends to the sample-receiving end, such that the edges of the reagent layer are aligned with the s

A test strip having a small sample-receiving chamber on the order of less than 1 microliter. The inventive test strip includes a reagent layer that extends across the width of the test strip and also extends to the sample-receiving end, such that the edges of the reagent layer are aligned with the side and dose receiving edges of the test strip. The hydrophilic reagent extending to the dosing edge of the strip promotes wicking of the sample into the test strip. The end and side edges of the reagent layer are preferably formed as part of a cutting process that forms individual test strips from a larger web, which results in a smooth and thin reagent layer with a uniform thickness, substantially covering the entire floor of the sample-receiving chamber. The inventive mass production process helps improve the reproducibility of the quantity, location, thickness and other properties of the reagent layer, which in turn improves the accuracy of the test result.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of manufacturing a test strip having first and second sides, a sample-receiving end and a meter insertion end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the two ends, the method comprising:(a) providing a web of base substrate material having first and second

What is claimed is: 1. A method of manufacturing a test strip having first and second sides, a sample-receiving end and a meter insertion end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the two ends, the method comprising:(a) providing a web of base substrate material having first and second web edges;(b) forming an electrode set on the web comprising a working electrode and a counter electrode;(c) applying a stripe of reagent material to the web and covering at least one electrode of the electrode set with the stripe, the stripe being oriented substantially parallel to the first web edge; and(d) laminating a web of spacing material on top of the base substrate material and providing a cavity in the spacing material such that the electrode set is received within the cavity and the cavity at least partially defines a sample receiving chamber;(e) aligning and then laminating a web of covering layer material over the web of base substrate and spacing material; and(f) cutting a test strip from the laminated web produced from steps (a)-(e), the cutting defining the first and second sides of the test strip, wherein the test strip comprises a reagent layer extending to the first and second sides of the test strip under the spacing layer.