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 . An analyte monitoring system, the system comprising:
 an electrochemical sensor configured to measure a level of an analyte in a biological sample from a patient, wherein the biological sample is a tear, wherein the sensor is configured to be fastened to a portion of a patient's body, wherein the sensor is configured to be powered by inductive coupling, wherein the sensor comprises:
 a first wire comprising a working electrode configured to generate a signal indicative of an analyte concentration; 
 a second wire comprising a reference electrode; and 
 a third wire comprising a counter electrode; and 
   sensor electronics configured to operatively connect to the sensor, wherein the sensor electronics are configured to process data obtained from the sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first wire, second wire, and third wire are formed of metal. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first wire comprises platinum. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second wire comprises silver/silver chloride. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the third wire comprises platinum. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first wire, second wire, or third wire is in a coiled configuration during sensor use. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor further comprises a membrane comprising an enzyme configured to react with the analyte, wherein at least a portion of the working electrode is covered by the membrane. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the enzyme is configured to react with glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the working electrode is configured to oxidize hydrogen peroxide to generate the signal indicative of the analyte concentration. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the membrane is disposed coaxially with the working electrode. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the analyte is glucose. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to monitor the analyte continuously.