Analyte Test Sensor And Method Of Manufacturing The Same

Abstract

An analyte test sensor for use in measuring the concentration of a particular analyte in a test sample includes a non-conductive substrate, a reference electrode deposited on the substrate, a working electrode deposited on the substrate and a compensation electrode deposited on the substrate. The compensation electrode is provided with a resistive ladder and is designed to correct for test result inaccuracies which are the result of variances in the manufacturing of the test sensor. Specifically, in one embodiment, the compensation electrode corrects for test result inaccuracies in an analog manner by shunting a portion of the working current away from working electrode. In another embodiment, the compensation electrode corrects for test result inaccuracies in a digital manner by providing a calibration code which is proportional its resistance value. A batch of analyte test sensors are preferably manufactured in the following manner. An initial batch of the test sensors is constructed. Then, a limited sampling of the sensors is tested for accuracy using a control sample. Based on the test results, the resistance value of the compensation electrode for each remaining sensor in the batch is adjusted accordingly.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of making a plurality of calibration-adjusted sensors, the method comprising:
 applying a known voltage to an electrode pair of the first sensor from a first batch of sensors to produce a working current through the electrode pair of the first sensor;   measuring the working current of the first sensor in the presence of a control sample;   comparing the measured working current to a target working current;   modifying the resistance of an electrode pair of a second sensor from the first batch of sensors if the measured working current is not the same as the target working current;   measuring a working current of the second sensor in the presence of a control sample to confirm that when the known voltage is applied to the electrode pair of the second sensor, the second sensor will have a working current that corresponds to the target working current; and   modifying the resistance of an electrode pair of remaining sensors in the first batch of sensors to match the second sensor.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein each sensor of the batch of sensors comprises:
 a first substrate having a working electrode thereon; and   an insulation layer over the first substrate.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein modifying the resistance of the electrode pair of the second sensor comprises modifying an electrode configuration. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein an electrode of the second sensor is a working electrode. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein an electrode of the second sensor is a compensation electrode. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor.