Test system for analyzing body fluids
View Patent ↗The invention relates to a test system for analyzing body fluids of the type comprising a test element tape carrying a plurality of test elements, a tape deflector for the test element tape for the selective application of body fluid, and a light source as well as a detector for optically analyzing test elements to which body fluid has been applied. The tape deflector has a rotatable optical element which acts as a deflection roller during transport of the test element tape. The optical element is positioned in the optical path between the light source and the detector.
1. A method of using a test system having a test element tape for analyzing body fluids, comprising:
positioning an optical element adjacent the test element tape;
advancing a test element of the test element tape to a testing position while rotating the optical element;
projecting light through the optical element and onto the test element; and
detecting light that is reflected from the test element and that passes through the optical element.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
applying a body fluid sample to the test element prior to the projecting step; and
analyzing the detected light for presence or concentration of an analyte in the body fluid sample.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the analyte is glucose.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the optical element is cylindrical.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising frictionally engaging the optical element with the test tape while advancing the test element.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising passing one of the projected and the detected light through a second optical element.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of positioning the optical element comprises positioning the optical element adjacent and in contact with the test element tape.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of projecting light comprises using a light source to project light through the optical element.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test element is advanced by the rotating of the optical element.
10. A method of using a test system having a test element tape for analyzing body fluids, comprising:
positioning an optical element adjacent and in contact with the test element tape;
advancing a test element of the test element tape to a testing position while rotating the optical element;
projecting light through the optical element and onto the test element; and
detecting light that is reflected from the test element and that passes through the optical element.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising the steps of:
applying a body fluid sample to the test element prior to the projecting step; and
analyzing the detected light for presence or concentration of an analyte in the body fluid sample.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the analyte is glucose.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the optical element is cylindrical.
14. The method of claim 10 , further comprising frictionally engaging the optical element with the test tape while advancing the test element.
15. The method of claim 10 , further comprising passing one of the projected and the detected light through a second optical element.
16. The method of claim 10 , wherein the step of positioning the optical element comprises positioning the optical element adjacent and in contact with a test element.
17. The method of claim 10 , wherein the step of projecting light comprises using a light source to project light through the optical element.
18. The method of claim 10 , wherein the test element is advanced by the rotating of the optical element.