Analyte monitoring device and methods of use

Abstract

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.

1 . A sensor control unit, comprising: 
 a housing adapted for placement on skin and adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor extending out of the skin and having at least one contact pad;    at least one conductive contact configured for coupling to the at least one contact pad on the electrochemical sensor; and    an rf transmitter disposed in the housing and coupled to the at least one conductive contact for transmitting data obtained using the electrochemical sensor.    
     
     
         2 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1 , further comprising adhesive for adhering the sensor control unit to skin.  
     
     
         3 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1  wherein the housing is substantially water resistant.  
     
     
         4 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1 , further comprising an alarm to indicate a physiological condition including one of hypoglycemia, impending hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or impending hyperglycemia, and a medication protocol alert.  
     
     
         5 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch for deactivating the alarm.  
     
     
         6 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1 , wherein the alarm produces an audible signal when activated.  
     
     
         7 . The sensor control unit of  claim 6 , wherein a loudness of the alarm increases over time when the alarm is activated.  
     
     
         8 . The sensor control unit of  claim 4 , wherein the alarm produces a vibration when activated.  
     
     
         9 . The sensor control unit of  claim 4  wherein the alarm is configured to indicate at least two of hypoglycemia, impending hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or impending hyperglycemia.  
     
     
         10 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a receiver disposed in the housing.  
     
     
         11 . The sensor control unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a receiver operatively coupled to the rf transmitter in the housing, the receiver configured to receive the transmitted data from the rf transmitter.  
     
     
         12 . A glucose monitoring system, comprising, comprising: 
 a sensor control unit, the sensor control unit including: 
 a housing adapted for placement on skin and adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor extending out of the skin and having at least one contact pad;  
 at least one conductive contact configured for coupling to the at least one contact pad on the electrochemical sensor; and  
 an rf transmitter disposed in the housing and coupled to the at least one conductive contact for transmitting data obtained using the electrochemical sensor;  
   and    a receiver operatively coupled to the rf transmitter in the housing, the receiver configured to receive the transmitted data from the rf transmitter.    
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the rf transmitter is configured to transmit a data signal associated with each data obtained using the electrochemical sensor at a predetermined interval.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the sensor control unit further includes a medication dispensing unit, said medication dispending unit configured to administer a medication protocol in accordance with the data obtained using the electrochemical sensor.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the medication dispensing unit includes an insulin pump.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the medication dispensing unit is disposed substantially within the housing.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the medication dispensing unit is disposable.  
     
     
         18 . A method of providing a sensor control unit, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a housing adapted for placement on skin and adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor extending out of the skin and having at least one contact pad;    configuring at least one conductive contact for coupling to the at least one contact pad on the electrochemical sensor;    disposing an rf transmitter in the housing; and    coupling the rf transmitter to the at least one conductive contact for transmitting data obtained using the electrochemical sensor.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further including the step of adhering the sensor control unit to skin.  
     
     
         20 . The method if  claim 18  further including the step of providing an alarm to indicate a physiological condition including one of hypoglycemia, impending hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or impending hyperglycemia, and a medication protocol alert.