Analyte sensor with insertion monitor, and methods

Abstract

A sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector.

1 .- 19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . An electrochemical test sensor being adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample, the electrochemical test sensor comprising:
 a base including a first base end and an opposing second base end;   a plurality of electrodes being formed on the base at or near the first end, the plurality of electrodes including a working electrode and a counter electrode; and   at least one reagent being positioned at or near the first end so as to contact the fluid sample,   wherein the electrochemical test sensor includes a first end and an opposing second end, the test sensor having an auto-calibration area, the auto-calibration area having markings in a form of a pattern corresponding to auto-calibration information.   
   
   
       21 . The test sensor of  claim 20 , wherein the auto-calibration area is formed on the base at the opposing second base end. 
   
   
       22 . The test sensor of  claim 20 , further including a lid, the lid covering at least a portion of the base, the lid having a first lid end and an opposing second lid end. 
   
   
       23 . The test sensor of  claim 20 , wherein the markings including constant markings and variable markings. 
   
   
       24 . A test sensor being adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample, the optical test sensor comprising:
 a base including a first base end and an opposing second base end;   a fluid-receiving area being adapted to receive a fluid sample, the fluid-receiving area being located near or at the first base end;   at least one reagent being positioned to contact the fluid sample in the fluid-receiving area, the at least one reagent assisting in optically determining the analyte concentration of the fluid sample;   wherein the test sensor includes a first end and an opposing second end, the test sensor having an auto-calibration area, the auto-calibration area having markings in a form of a pattern corresponding to auto-calibration information.   
   
   
       25 . The test sensor of  claim 24 , wherein the auto-calibration area is formed on the base at the opposing second base end. 
   
   
       26 . The test sensor of  claim 24 , further including a lid, the lid covering at least a portion of the base, the lid having a first lid end and an opposing second lid end. 
   
   
       27 . The test sensor of  claim 26 , wherein the auto-calibration area is formed on the lid. 
   
   
       28 . The test sensor of  claim 24 , wherein the markings including constant markings and variable markings.