Preparation and Maintenance of Sensors

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for preparing, maintaining, and stabilizing sensors. The apparatus and methods for preparing sensors for use are utilized in advance of the sensor being removed from a sealed, sterilized package. The apparatus include packaging materials having electrical circuits capable of stabilizing a sensor to prepare the sensor for use. The methods for preparing a sensor for use includes methods of providing a solution to a sterilized packaging that contains a sensor connected to a sensor activating circuit, activating the circuit, and allowing the sensor to stabilize. These methods can be performed without compromising the packaging. The apparatus for stabilizing a sensor that is in use include a circuit connectable to the sensor that provides a signal to the sensor that prevents the sensor from becoming destabilized when disconnected from a monitoring device.

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . An apparatus comprising:
 a sealable, sterilizable packaging configured with a compartment for receiving an electrochemical glucose sensor within the sealed, sterilizable packaging; and   a sensor stabilizing circuit positioned within the interior of the sterilizable packaging and configured for activation without disrupting the seal of the sterilizable packaging, the circuit capable of stabilizing an electrochemical glucose sensor.   
     
     
         44 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 43 , further comprising a resealable port in fluid communication with the compartment for the addition of an electrolyte solution to the interior of the container. 
     
     
         45 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 43 , further comprising a rupturable solution container located within the sterilizable packaging and adjacent the compartment. 
     
     
         46 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 45 , wherein the rupturable solution container is attached to or integral with an interior portion of the sterilizable packaging. 
     
     
         47 . An apparatus comprising:
 a sealed, sterilizable packaging configured with a compartment to receive an electrochemical glucose sensor;   an electrochemical glucose sensor positioned in the compartment; and   a circuit electrically connectable to the electrochemical glucose sensor, the circuit configured for activation without disrupting a seal of the sealed, sterilizable packaging.   
     
     
         48 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 47 , further comprising a resealable port for the addition of an electrolyte solution to the compartment. 
     
     
         49 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 47 , further comprising a rupturable solution container located adjacent the compartment. 
     
     
         50 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 49 , wherein the rupturable solution container is attached to or integral with an interior portion of the sterilizable packaging. 
     
     
         51 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 47 , wherein the circuit is configured for activation by a force external to the sterilized packaging. 
     
     
         52 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 47 , wherein the circuit is configured to excite the electrochemical glucose sensor so as to achieve run-in. 
     
     
         53 . An apparatus for stabilizing an electrochemical glucose sensor, the apparatus comprising:
 an electrochemical glucose sensor; and   a circuit connectable to the electrochemical glucose sensor, the circuit capable of providing an electrical signal to the sensor that prevents the sensor from becoming destabilized when electrically disconnected from or connected to a power source.   
     
     
         54 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , wherein the circuit prevents the electrochemical glucose sensor from becoming depolarized when electrically disconnected from or connected to a power source. 
     
     
         55 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , wherein the circuit is integral with the electrochemical glucose sensor. 
     
     
         56 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , further comprising an internal power source electrically coupled to the circuit. 
     
     
         57 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , further comprising a timing device electrically coupled to the circuit. 
     
     
         58 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , further comprising a recordable storage medium coupled to the circuit and configured to record data from the electrochemical glucose sensor. 
     
     
         59 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 58 , wherein the data from the electrochemical glucose sensor is transmittable between the circuit and a monitoring unit. 
     
     
         60 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 58 , wherein an internal timing device provides for transmission of the data. 
     
     
         61 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 58 , further comprising a wireless communication device for communicating the data to a monitoring device. 
     
     
         62 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 61 , wherein the wireless communication device is configured for communicating calibration data between the circuit and the monitoring device. 
     
     
         63 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , further comprising a recordable storage medium capable of recording readings from the electrochemical glucose sensor. 
     
     
         64 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 63 , wherein the recordable storage medium contains recorded readings from the electrochemical glucose sensor. 
     
     
         65 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , further comprising packaging material encompassing the electrochemical glucose sensor and the circuit.