Fluid handling devices
Devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid are provided. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.
1. An apparatus adapted to measure analytes in bodily fluids of a user, said apparatus comprising:
(a.) a controller, said controller comprising:
a motor; and
an actuator connected to said motor;
(b) a fluid handling module, said fluid handling module comprising;
a skin piercing element comprising a fluid collection channel;
a pressure disk, a sensor disk and an elastomeric disk between the pressure disk and sensor disk;
the sensor disk comprising an inlet chamber connected to a first end of said fluid collection channel and a pumping chamber;
a membrane connected to said actuator, said membrane forming at least a portion of one wall of said pumping chamber, said membrane being movable in response to movement of said actuator;
a connecting channel connecting said collection channel to an inlet end of said pumping chamber;
the elastomeric disk comprising an inlet channel connecting an outlet end of said pumping chamber to an inlet end of a sensor chamber wherein said sensor chamber includes an electrochemical sensor for detecting said analyte, a waste channel connected to an outlet end of said sensor chamber; and
a vent connected to an outlet end of said waste channel
wherein the apparatus is worn by the user.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said analytes comprise glucose.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further including a pinching body connected to said actuator.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 , further including a pinch pin adapted to work with said pinching body.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrochemical sensor utilizes a redox mediator.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid collection channel is a needle.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the skin piercing element is affixed to a skin-facing surface of the apparatus for continuous in-dwelling of the skin piercing element in a section of the skin of the user.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure and sensor disks are rigid and the elastomeric disk is flexible.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure disk further comprises energy directors.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 9 , wherein the pressure disk further comprises an access slot suitable to allow the actuator to contact the membrane.