Systems and methods for an e-gating feature in an electrochemical test strip

Abstract

A system for testing for an analyte includes a test strip. The test strip includes a first flow path. The test strip further includes a heating element in communication with a heating area of the first flow path, for heating a sample in the first flow path. The test strip further includes an e-gate, the e-gate in the first flow path, the e-gate separating the heating area from a detection area of the first flow path.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
         1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of holding a sample in a time dependent area of a test strip, the method comprising:
 providing a test strip including
 a first flow path; 
 a time dependent area in the first flow path; 
 an e-gate, the e-gate in the first flow path, the e-gate separating the time dependent area from a detection area of the first flow path; wherein the e-gate is selected from a group consisting of a hydrophobic glass bead dielectric and a Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM); 
   applying a sample to the test strip;   flowing the sample along the first flow path;   holding the sample in the time dependent area with the e-gate;   electrically releasing the e-gate;   flowing the sample past the time dependent area.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the time dependent area is a heating area and includes a heating element in communication with the heating area of the first flow path, the method further comprising heating the sample with the heating element. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the time dependent area is a reaction holding area. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the reaction holding area includes reagents for causing a reaction. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the time dependent area is a heating area and includes a heating element in communication with the heating area of the first flow path, for heating a sample in the first flow path. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the time dependent area is a temperature change area and includes a temperature change element in communication with the temperature change area of the first flow path, for changing the temperature a sample in the first flow path. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the analyte is Hb A1C. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the e-gate is a hydrophobic glass bead dielectric. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the e-gate is an ablated trough that is cut into a body of a base of a polymer film that the test strip is made from. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the e-gate a Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM). 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein an electric current opens the e-gate. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the detection area includes an interdigitated electrode for detecting A1C. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the test strip further includes a second flow path, the second flow path including an interdigitated electrode for detecting hemoglobin. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a meter, the meter engaging the test strip, the meter configured to open the e-gate with an electric current. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the meter is configured to open the e-gate when the sample has reached a necessary temperature. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the meter is configured to open the e-gate when the sample has reached a necessary temperature. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the meter is configured to open the e-gate after the sample has undergone necessary digestion. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the meter is configured to open the e-gate after a preset period of time.