Preparation and maintenance of sensors
View Patent ↗Apparatus and methods are described for preparing, maintaining, and stabilizing sensors. The apparatus and methods for preparing sensors for use are utilized in advance of the sensor being removed from a sealed, sterilized package. The apparatus include packaging materials having electrical circuits capable of stabilizing a sensor to prepare the sensor for use. The methods for preparing a sensor for use includes methods of providing a solution to a sterilized packaging that contains a sensor connected to a sensor activating circuit, activating the circuit, and allowing the sensor to stabilize. These methods can be performed without compromising the packaging. The apparatus for stabilizing a sensor that is in use include a circuit connectable to the sensor that provides a signal to the sensor that prevents the sensor from becoming destabilized when disconnected from a monitoring device.
1. A method of preparing a sensor for use comprising:
providing an electrolyte solution to a sterilized packaging containing
an electrochemical glucose sensor connected to a sensor activating circuit without compromising the sterilized packaging, the electrochemical glucose sensor comprising a working electrode and a glucose oxidase containing reagent layer covered by a glucose selective membrane configured to react with glucose to provide hydrogen peroxide about the electrode;
activating the sensor activating circuit; and
allowing the electrochemical glucose sensor reagent layer to stabilize, with respect to polarization, in the electrolyte solution.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical glucose sensor is prevented from depolarizing.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte solution is provided via a resealable port in the sterilized packaging.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte solution is provided via a rupturable solution container.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the circuit is activated when the electrolyte solution is provided.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
connecting or disconnecting the electrochemical glucose sensor to a monitoring device;
wherein the circuit provides a signal to the electrochemical glucose sensor that prevents the electrochemical glucose sensor from becoming destabilized when connected or disconnected from the monitoring device.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the signal is one of a continuous or a periodic electrical potential or a continuous or a periodic electrical current.