Sensor Inserter Assembly

Abstract

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. 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, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host using an applicator, the method comprising the steps of:
 pushing on a first component of an applicator for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host, so as to insert an introducer and the sensor into the skin of the host; and   pulling on a second component of the applicator so as to retract the introducer from the skin of the host, while leaving the sensor in the host;   wherein the first component and the second component of the applicator are configured to interact so as to enable insertion of the sensor and retraction of the introducer using a motion provided by a user.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the motion provided the user includes a continuous motion. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the motion provided the user includes a single motion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the motion provided the user includes a single continuous motion. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pushing step comprises pushing on a plunger. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pulling step comprises pulling on a body portion of the second component of the applicator. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator is configured to insert the sensor and retract the introducer by a force provided by a user's hand. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the applicator is configured to insert the sensor and retract the introducer solely by a force provided by a user's hand. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator is configured to insert the sensor and retract the introducer responsive to a squeezing motion between a user's thumb and fingers. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the introducer responsive to a squeezing motion between a user's thumb and fingers. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the introducer responsive to a downward force provided by the user. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the introducer responsive to a continuous downward force provided by the user. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the user is the host. 
     
     
         15 . A method for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host using an applicator, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing an applicator system against a skin of a host, the applicator system comprising a housing configured for placement against the skin of the host, a sensor configured for transcutaneous placement through the skin of a host, and an applicator configured for inserting the sensor through the housing and into the skin of the host; and   inserting the sensor into the host.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein inserting the sensor into the host includes inserting the sensor into the host by applying a force to a component of the applicator. 
     
     
         17 . A method of using an electrochemical sensor, the method comprising:
 adhering a mounting unit to a skin of a patient, wherein the mounting unit comprises an applicator coupled thereto, the applicator having an electrochemical sensor disposed therein;   inserting an electrochemical sensor into the skin of the patient using the applicator;   releasing the applicator; and   coupling an electronics unit body to the mounting unit, whereby the mounting unit is coupled with a plurality of conductive contacts disposed on the electronics unit body.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein a contact disposed on the mounting unit is coupled with the plurality of conductive contacts disposed on the electronics unit body. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the contact includes a plurality of conductive contacts. 
     
     
         20 . A method, comprising the step of:
 retaining an analyte sensor within an introducer during the sensor insertion into a patient such that the sensor is positioned at a relatively fixed position with respect to the introducer.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further including the step of: positioning the sensor to be in fluid contact with a biological fluid of a patient.