Method and system for providing an integrated analyte sensor insertion device and data processing unit

Abstract

Method and apparatus for providing an integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly is provided.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an introducer including a lower portion having a sharp distal end configured for piercing through a skin layer;   an analyte sensor; and   a guard segment for the analyte sensor and the introducer.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the guard segment is configured to substantially cover the lower portion of the introducer and a lower portion of the analyte sensor. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the lower portion of the analyte sensor is disposed within the lower portion of the introducer. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the guard segment is configured to maintain the lower portion of the introducer and the analyte sensor in a substantially sterile environment. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the guard segment is configured to be removed from the lower portion of the introducer prior to placement of the sharp distal end and a portion of the analyte sensor through the skin layer. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , further comprising a data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit includes an aperture through which the introducer and the analyte sensor pass. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , wherein the aperture comprises a self-sealing aperture. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , wherein the guard segment comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the guard segment is adjacent to a bottom surface of the data processing unit. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the distal end of the guard segment covers the sharp distal end of the introducer. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further comprising an adhesive patch, wherein the adhesive patch includes an opening through which the introducer and the analyte sensor pass. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the opening of the adhesive patch and the aperture of the data processing unit are substantially aligned. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the proximal end of the guard segment is adjacent to the aperture of the data processing unit and the opening of the adhesive patch. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , wherein the analyte sensor comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion of the analyte sensor is disposed within the lower portion of the introducer, and wherein the guard segment is configured to substantially cover the lower portion of the introducer. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein the upper portion of the analyte sensor is disposed in the data processing unit. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein the upper portion of the analyte sensor includes an upper segment that is perpendicular to the lower portion of the analyte sensor. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the upper segment of the analyte sensor is not covered by the guard segment. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the guard segment comprises a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the proximal end of the guard segment includes a top portion having a first diameter, wherein the distal end of the guard segment comprises a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , further comprising a data processing unit, and wherein the analyte sensor, the introducer, and the data processing unit form an integrated assembly in which at least the analyte sensor and the introducer are maintained in a substantially sterile environment. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the top portion of the guard segment comprises a flange configured to interface with the bottom surface of the data processing unit.