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 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor in a host, the method comprising:
 providing an assembly for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host, wherein the assembly comprises an applicator releasably connected with a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be placed adjacent to the host's skin, and wherein the assembly further comprises a sensor configured to be inserted into the host;   inserting the sensor into the host; and   connecting an electronics unit with the housing, wherein the applicator is configured to release from the housing in response to connection of the electronics unit with the housing.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising transferring information from the housing to the electronics unit in response to connection of the electronics unit with the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein inserting the electronics unit comprises sliding the electronics unit into the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the electronics unit is tapered to guide the sliding of the electronics unit into the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the electronics unit has an architecture configured to self-align the electronics unit with the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the electronic unit comprises at least one contact configured to mutually engage with at least one contact on the housing, and wherein inserting the electronics unit further comprises releasably attaching the electronics unit to the housing, thereby sealing the mutually engaging contacts from moisture. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator further comprises a safety latch mechanism configured to lock the sensor within the applicator prior to release of the safety latch mechanism, the method further comprising releasing the safety latch mechanism prior to inserting the sensor into the host. 
     
     
         9 . A method for measuring an analyte in a host, the method comprising:
 providing an assembly for inserting an analyte sensor into a host, wherein the assembly comprises an applicator releasably connected with a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be placed adjacent to the host's skin, and wherein the assembly further comprises a sensor configured to be inserted into the host;   inserting the sensor into the host;   connecting an electronics unit with the housing; and   transferring information from the assembly to the electronics unit.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein transferring information is triggered in response to connection of the electronics unit with the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the electronics unit and housing each comprise at least one mutually engaging contact, and wherein the information is transferred through the mutually engaging contacts. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the information is transferred from the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the information is transferred from the sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the information is transferred from the applicator. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the assembly comprises a communication chip, and wherein the information is transferred via radio frequency. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the assembly comprises a radio frequency chip, and wherein the information is transferred via radio frequency. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the information is transferred via radio frequency. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of sensitivity information, sensor identification information, and calibration information, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising wirelessly transferring the information from the electronics unit to a receiver. 
     
     
         20 . A method for measuring an analyte in a host, the method comprising:
 providing an assembly for inserting an analyte sensor into a host, wherein the assembly comprises a housing configured to be placed adjacent to the host's skin, and wherein the assembly further comprises a sensor configured to be inserted into the host;   inserting the sensor into the host;   connecting sensor electronics with the sensor; and   transferring information to the sensor electronics.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein connecting sensor electronics with the sensor comprises physically connecting the sensor electronics with the sensor. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein connecting sensor electronics with the sensor comprises wirelessly connecting the sensor electronics with the sensor. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the information is transferred wirelessly. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of sensitivity information, sensor identification information, and calibration information, or combinations thereof.