Service-Detectable Analyte Sensors and Methods of Using and Making Same

Abstract

Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to analyte determining devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that include an indicator element that provides information relating to service history of the analyte determining devices, including, for example, previous use of the analyte determining devices. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte determining devices in analyte monitoring.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for determining reuse of an analyte sensor using sensor electronics coupled to the sensor, comprising:
 generating a data stream indicative of an analyte concentration of a host by applying a bias voltage to a first analyte sensor at least partially positioned within tissue of a host;   applying a stimulus signal to the analyte sensor;   measuring a response of the stimulus signal;   comparing the measured response to one or more predetermined criteria; and   initiating a sensor reuse routine if it is determined that the measured response satisfies the one or more predetermined criteria.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the sensor reuse routine includes triggering an audible and/or visual alarm notifying the user of improper sensor reuse. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising calculating an impedance based on the measured response, wherein the comparing comprises comparing the impedance to the one or more predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         5 . An analyte monitoring system configured to determine reuse of an analyte sensor; the system comprising:
 an analyte sensor configured for transcutaneous implantation into a host; and   sensor electronics coupled to the analyte sensor, the sensor electronics configured to:
 generate a data stream indicative of an analyte concentration of a host by applying a bias voltage to a first analyte sensor at least partially positioned within tissue of a host, 
 apply a stimulus signal to the analyte sensor, 
 measure a response of the stimulus signal, 
 compare the measured response to one or more predetermined criteria, and 
 initiate a sensor reuse routine if it is determined that the measured response satisfies the one or more predetermined criteria. 
   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor reuse routine includes triggering an audible and/or visual alarm notifying the user of improper sensor reuse. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor electronics are further configured to calculate an impedance based on the measured response, wherein the comparing comprises comparing the impedance to the one or more predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor electronics comprise one or more processors and computer-readable instructions stored in computer memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors of the sensor system, cause the sensor electronics to generate, apply, measure, compare and initiate. 
     
     
         9 . A method for determining reuse of an analyte sensor, comprising,
 generating a data stream indicative of an analyte concentration of a host by applying a bias voltage to a first analyte sensor at least partially positioned within tissue of a host;   applying a stimulus signal to an analyte sensor;   measuring a response of the stimulus signal;   using a data association function to determine a correlation of the response to one or more recorded responses; and   initiating a sensor reuse routine if it is determined that the correlation is above a predetermined threshold.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the sensor reuse routine includes triggering an audible and/or visual alarm notifying the user of improper sensor reuse. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising processing the data stream and displaying glucose concentration values indicative of the host's analyte concentration on a display device based on the processed data stream. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising comparing the data stream to one or more alarm thresholds and triggering an audible and/or visual alert on a display device notifying the user of the user's glucose concentration exceeding a predefined limit.