Test strip dispenser

Abstract

Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing made of a cover and a base configured to retain a plurality of test strips. In certain embodiments, the height of the base is less than the height of each of the test strips, such that a portion of each of the test strips extends beyond the distal or top edge of the base. The subject devices may further be characterized as having a substantially air and moisture tight seal. In using the subject devices, a plurality of test strips stored in a subject device are provided. A single test strip is removed from the subject device by moving the test strip distal to the remaining test strips. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The field of this invention is test strip dispensers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Analyte concentration determination in physiological samples is of ever increasing importance to today's society. Such assays find use in a variety of application settings, including clinical laboratory testing, home testing, etc., where the results of such testing play a prominent role in the diagnosis and management of a variety of disease conditions. Analytes of interest include glucose for diabetes management, cholesterol for monitoring cardiovascular conditions, and the like. In response to this growing importance of analyte concentration determination, a variety of analyte concentration determination protocols and devices for both clinical and home testing have been developed. [0003] Before testing can begin, an individual seeking to determine the presence and / or concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample must first obtain a test strip, apply a samp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes devices and methods for dispensing test strips. The devices have a housing with a cover and base that can hold multiple test strips. The base is shorter than the test strips, so some part of each test strip sticks out. The devices are designed to be tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in. The invention also includes kits for practicing the methods. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a convenient and efficient way to use and store test strips."

Problems solved by technology

However, obtaining a test strip to begin the procedure is not without difficulty.

For example, diabetics typically have visual and / or dexterity problems, thus making the selection of a single test strip, which usually has a length of about 50 mm and a width of about 7 mm, from a plurality of such test strips difficult.

This, as is apparent, has significant disadvantages as the test strips stored inside the vessel may quickly spill onto out and becomes contaminated.

However, such a method oftentimes results in the user inadvertently contacting portions of the test strip that should not be touched, such as testing or reaction areas (i.e., areas on the strip having testing reagents, etc.) and the like, where such contact can impart contaminants and cause erroneous testing results.

Similarly, other test strips may be inadvertently contacted resulting in erroneous testing results of those test strips as well.

As is apparent, such size and shape creates a great amount of unused space inside the vessel and minimizes the ortability of the vessel.

In other words, the vessels are larger than necessary to simply hold the test strips, thus increasing costs and decreasing portability.

However, the device disclosed in the '344 patent suffers from certain disadvantages.

First and foremost, the strip dispenser of the '344 patent fails to maintain a completely moisture free environment.

It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that such an assembly of two contacting polyethylene plastic surfaces cannot provide an adequate barrier to moisture.

It will similarly be apparent to one of skill in the art that such a seal cannot provide a barrier to moisture.

With respect to the first area which fails to provide a moisture free seal, the seal between the slide bar surface and the mating surface of the opening through which it extends is not efficient because attempts to form a perfect seal or increase the sealing ability by making the surfaces flatter or more resilient will increase the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces, making it more difficult to slide or move the bar in relation to the body of the device, as needed to dispense a test strip.

This load could buckle or damage the test strip and would also increase the load on the slide bar by the user.

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