Transcutaneous analyte sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . 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.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the motion provided the user includes a continuous motion. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the motion provided the user includes a single motion. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the motion provided the user includes a single continuous motion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pushing step comprises pushing on a plunger. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pulling step comprises pulling on a body portion of the second component of the applicator. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured to insert the sensor and retract the introducer by a force provided by a user's hand. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured to insert the sensor and retract the introducer solely by a force provided by a user's hand. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , 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. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , 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. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the introducer responsive to a downward force provided by the user. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the introducer responsive to a continuous downward force provided by the user. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the user is the host. 
     
     
         14 . 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.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein inserting the sensor into the host includes inserting the sensor into the host by applying a force to a component of the applicator. 
     
     
         16 . 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.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a contact disposed on the mounting unit is coupled with the plurality of conductive contacts disposed on the electronics unit body. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the contact includes a plurality of conductive contacts.