DE102013105598B4 - Analysis hand-held device for examining a sample - Google Patents

Abstract

An analytical hand-held device for examining a biological fluid with regard to a medically significant component, comprising a housing (1) with a magazine (2) having a plurality of compartments (4) for receiving analytical test strips (3), an analysis device having a slit-like receptacle with electrical contacts provided one end of a test tire (3) with a biological fluid analysis zone, a display device for displaying at least one analytical value of the medically significant component, characterized in that the magazine (2) is substantially rectangular as a flat magazine and at least compartments (4) in at least one row parallel extending, in which the test strips (3) inserted flat and optionally from the magazine (2) are removable, the magazine (2) part of the rear wall (6) of the housing (1) of the analysis hand unit or in this is attached or attached or via a loading opening in one of the side walls of the housing (1), immediately below the rear wall (6) lying, in a housing cavity can be inserted.

Description

The invention relates to an analysis hand-held device for examining a sample, in particular a biological fluid, with regard to a medically important constituent, comprising a housing with a magazine with several compartments for holding analytical test strips, an analysis device with a slit-shaped receptacle of the one end provided with electrical contacts a test tire having a biological fluid analysis zone and a display device for displaying at least one analysis value of the medically significant component.

A handheld analyzer of the generic type is in the form of a blood glucose meter DE 10 2009 010 915 A1 known. This blood sugar measuring device comprises a housing with a lancing aid and a measuring unit, to which a blood glucose test strip for determining the blood sugar content can be supplied. The housing further has a magazine for receiving a plurality of blood glucose test strips, which can be evaluated by the measuring device. The magazine is designed as a stacking magazine. The gauges are engaged by springs in the magazine, which press them in the direction of a sliding element which engages each on the top test strip and transported by pushing in the direction of this test strip through a housing opening in the magazine to the outside, so he removed and inserted into the measuring slot of the device can be.

This magazine has the advantage over insulated magazines, such as small doses containing 50 or 100 gauges, that the gauges are included in the gauge itself. The magazine is interchangeable and can be replaced with a new one. The construction of the measuring device is a relatively long gauge given, especially since the lancing device is provided in extension to the measuring body. Furthermore, the magazine is arranged in extension to the actual measuring instrument in the housing. The blood glucose meter of the known type may further comprise a radio interface for data transmission, in particular a Bluetooth interface to the measured values z. B. to a computer to transfer.

From the DE 696 09 445 T2 a blood glucose meter is known in which a drum magazine is used, which can be rotated via a turntable to bring therein contained test strips in position to a slot from which protrudes the test strip for measurement. After testing the glucose level in the blood or other fluid or after determining another parameter through the test strip in a biological fluid, the test strip is ejected with the sensor. This is done by operating an ejector rod which can be actuated via a slide. A drum magazine is very expensive. It takes up a lot of space in the meter itself. Furthermore, the actuating mechanism is also expensive.

From the DE 102 37 602 A1 a glucose measuring device for determining the blood sugar content is known with a reading unit for measuring a test carrier which can be charged with the blood to be examined and with a calibration unit, by means of which the measuring device can be adapted to the quality and / or properties of the test carrier. It is proposed that the calibration unit comprises a transmitting and receiving unit, which cooperates with a signal transmitter on the test carrier to wirelessly transmit a signal that reflects the quality and / or the properties of the test carrier. Alternatively it can be provided that the calibration unit comprises a transmitting and receiving unit, which cooperates with a signal generator on the reservoir of the test carrier. The batch code or the calibration data can be contained in a transponder in the wall of a storage can in which the test strips are stored for the measurement, or even on a test strip itself or can be provided a calibration strip, so that wireless and contactless These transponders can be read by a transmitting and receiving unit in the glucose meter to make a calibration of the device optional or automatic. The local transmission and reception area in the housing can be marked on the housing of the glucose meter, so that, for example, the reservoir only needs to be placed on it or held over it in order to carry out the desired calibration. As a transceiver unit such is specified for a transponder system, preferably for a passive transponder, which holds the corresponding data stored. It is further specified to provide each test strip with characteristics and calibration data, so that when a test strip is inserted into a measuring slot of a measuring device according to the invention, it is automatically evaluated by a transceiver and the device is calibrated.

From the EP 1 130 383 B1 a handheld analyzer of the generic type is known, in which the test strips are arranged radially in a test disk around a center. This floppy disk is inserted in the handheld analyzer and can be adjusted step by step. At the protruding test strip ends there is a tip or edge which facilitates puncturing the seal of the individual test strip as it is pushed out of the seal. An arrangement of the test strips on a round disc requires considerable space in the device housing. In addition, for the round bearing housing must always be designed so that the assembly level must be accessible. Other mechanisms are required to ensure the expulsion of a spent strip.

WO 2012/166258 A1 discloses an integrated blood glucose meter having a meter and a test strip storage device that can be attached to the meter and a test strip feeder. The test strip storage device is designed such that in each case only the uppermost test strip can be removed.

US 2010/0051455 A1 discloses a test strip card having biosensors wherein one plate has a plurality of test strips and each test strip is detachably connected to adjacent test strips via a release agent. At least a portion of an edge of each test strip is detachably connected to a support platform via a release means, the support platform extending at least a portion of a circumference of the plate, wherein the support platform provides a surrounding area defining the overall size.

Starting from the prior art, the present invention has the object to make better use of the space of a handheld analyzer, a simple handle feedable gauges and a storage of the same in the device in a simple way and to allow an overview of how many measuring sticks in the magazine of the device are still present without having to implement a complex administration or display over it. A further object is to find a solution which is also suitable for forming sales units and for ensuring a self-calibration of the device with which such a magazine can be connected.

The object is achieved by the invention by designing the analysis hand-held device with the technical teaching specified in claim 1.

The magazine is substantially rectangular in form of a flat magazine and has at least compartments in at least one row running parallel into which the test strips can be introduced and removed from the magazine via gripping sections, the magazine forming part of or in the rear wall of the housing of the analytical hand-held device. or is attached or via a loading opening in one of the side walls of the housing, lying directly below the rear wall, can be inserted into a housing cavity.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent subclaims in detail.

The magazine according to the invention has a comb-like design of subjects, which are adapted to the dimensions of the measuring strip in width and in height. The length of the compartments should be at least as long that the contacting end portion of a test strip is protected in the magazine, while a rear end portion of the test strip is exposed as a removal portion.

The magazine may be formed in a first embodiment as a fixed part of the rear wall. The rear wall then has compartments on the outside, into which the test strips can be inserted or inserted. The magazine may also consist of a displaceable rear wall or of a separate, in the rear wall relative to the same displaceably arranged plate which is guided laterally, wherein the lateral arrangement is always to be understood in relation to the displacement direction. If this magazine is narrower than the width of the housing of the analyzer handset, the gripping portions of the gauges may protrude from the shelves and overhang the edge of the magazine. Overall, however, the width of the magazine and the length of the supernatant of the test strips are smaller than the width of the housing, so that the magazine can be covered in the inserted state of a cross-cover. To remove the test strips, it is necessary to remove the cover or open on one side and, if it is connected to the other side by a hinge to the housing, unfold. The magazine can also be advanced laterally so that the grip portions of the test strips survive the sidewall and the test strips are easily removable.

But it is also possible to divide the cover into a first and second section. While the first section is latched firmly to the housing after the loading of the magazine, the second section can be opened separately as access section to the individual test strips. For this purpose, both parts are connected to each other, for example via a film hinge. Moreover, when the magazine is slidably mounted beneath the cover, it can be advanced even when it has open compartments, so that the gripping portions of the test strips survive the sidewall and are more easily accessible. The prerequisite for this is that the movable magazine is narrower than the width of the device.

In principle, it is also advisable to displaceably arrange a magazine in closed form in the device, even if it is introduced via a loading opening in the device or arranged on the rear wall. If the width of the Magazine is smaller than the width of the device, it can always be effected by advancing or moving that the protruding handle portions of the test strips are easily accessible. When the magazine is pushed into the device in a slot-shaped opening, a push-push mechanism can be provided which, by pressing on the end face of the magazine, causes the magazine to be advanced by a defined distance by spring force. These push-push mechanisms are known as such and always cause a hidden part to advance by a certain amount to ensure accessibility. Such mechanisms are z. B. used in cameras to insert an SD card and remove.

It is also possible to store the magazine slidably in side guides in which detents are provided in order to lock the magazine in desired sliding positions, wherein the locking mechanism allows a further displacement of the magazine by increased force. Further, it is possible to form a mounted on the back of the housing magazine narrower than the width of the device and to combine with another, subsequent area slide, which covers, for example, introduced into the housing subjects. Also, the magazine can pick up in the inserted state on the surface slider.

A further variant provides that in addition to the subjects for the test strips and compartments for lancets or other utensils are provided in the magazine, so that lancets are available for replacement in the lancing device and can be removed by the user of such a device.

Each measuring strip has a measuring point to which the biological fluid, eg. As blood, is applied to determine the parameters. This receiving area can be located at the free end of the test strip, which is accessible in the magazine or the magazine protrudes laterally. The test strip can also be inserted rotated through 180 °, so that the contact area protrudes or is accessible and this can be detected with your fingers in order to pull the test strip out of a compartment can. Today, the systems are so insensitive that touching the applied printed circuit traces with the hand can not impair a test result, since capillary channels are generally provided, through which the blood flows into the measuring area of the test strip in a protected manner. The pick-up point can also be laid on the long side, by slightly stripping a blood drop, z. B. from a finger to be able to record. In this case, the handle portion of the test strip protrudes the compartment and the edge of the magazine in order to be able to detect the test strip itself with the fingers. In this area neither capillary channels nor tracks are open.

The invention teaches, taking advantage of the back surface of the housing of the analysis handset to lay the test strips lying flat side by side in subjects of the magazine. When loaded, the magazine can be covered by a cover that is placed over it and pressed on. The compartments of the magazine can be embossed juxtaposed in the rear wall of the device, for example, be molded with the injection of the housing, which consists of plastic. Their width is adapted to the width of the test strip or the compartments are separated by bead-shaped partitions, which are shaped so that they hold the test strips by clamping. It must therefore be used to pull out a defined trigger force to pull the test strips from the tray. If the bearing clearance in a compartment is chosen to be large and the intermediate wall between two compartments is higher than the thickness of the test strip, then a downholder on the cover can ensure that the test strips are held in the compartments spring-loaded secured. Such hold-down devices may, for example, consist of cut-free tongue-shaped sections in the cover, which abut against the test strip by introducing a resilient bias by thermal heating and deformation with a defined contact pressure. As a result, the test strip is kept secured in the tray against accidental withdrawal. This solution is particularly recommended if the cover is not removable or pressed after the test strips are inserted into the compartments. In this embodiment can also be provided that the cover with the bottom side forms an exit gap, so that the handle portion protrudes from the side of the magazine. Instead of a large number of resilient hold-downs, continuous molding on the inside of the cover can also do this.

It is also possible to insert the magazine via a loading opening in a side wall, lying below the rear wall. In this case, a magazine which is open at the top and is designed as a drawer or even a magazine which consists of a bottom wall and a cover can be used. Closed magazines have the advantage that they offer a higher protection for the test strips and can also be offered as a closed sales unit without repacking being necessary.

If the magazine as an open magazine on the back of the housing of the analyzer handset z. B. is introduced in a wall lowering, so the user of this device can Take test strips, for example, from a container and insert them into the compartments, eg. For example, the daily requirement or the demand of several days, depending on how many subjects are available. Then he can press the cover so that the required test strips can always be carried. For removal, it is only necessary to lift the cover again so that the gauges are accessible. For this purpose, it is possible to connect the cover on one side via a film hinge or another hinge with the housing so that it is articulated on one side and only needs to be pressed to cover the test strips secured. On the opposite side, the cover can be pressed with a cut edge over a bead-shaped locking lip, which is located on the side wall. For opening, only the edge of the cover is to be grasped with a finger and to generate an impression force in order to be able to press the undercut edge on the cover over the bead on the side wall. The cover and the rest of the housing form a closed unit in the closed state.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the subjects are arranged lying at the same height or laterally offset. Due to the lateral offset, the test strips with the grip sections protrude laterally differently, which makes handling easier.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cover protrudes at least one side wall of the housing and in the supernatant compartments are provided for receiving lancets, which are laterally accessible after removing the cover. The cover of the magazine can also contain subjects at the same time. These need not be provided in a projection, they may also be provided in the cover itself. If the magazine is composed of two shell bodies, in which subjects are provided, these can be inserted after folding or pressing in the Rückwandausnehmung or attached to the back wall. The magazine has a similar structure as a cigarette case, but is much thinner.

The compartments in the magazine may be arranged longitudinally or transversely to the longitudinal axis of the magazine herein. They can be single-row or double-row. Similarly, a lateral offset is possible or even a same depth arrangement.

A further embodiment provides that provided on the cover or on a supernatant of the same subjects for more test strips or lancets or other utensils for the analysis handset.

It is not necessary that the cover extends over the entire width of the housing. In order to allow an easier removal of the test strips and at the same time to ensure a fixation of the test strips in the subjects by a cover is provided in a further embodiment that the cover has a first portion on which a second portion is arranged relatively pivotable, in the closed state the first section on the rear wall is relatively hinged, whereby the underlying grip portions of the test strips are accessible for removal, while the measuring strips remain concealed with the Kontaktierungsanschlüssen. This embodiment has the advantage that with the first section of the cover, the test strips remain covered over an area which is sensitive, for example, while the tangible ends of the measuring strips are accessible when the second section of the cover is opened. By attached to the inside of the cover down device in the form of small projections, the test strips can also be pressed by the first cover and / or the second cover in addition to the lower wall, which may also be the housing wall.

To increase the assembly density can also be provided that the magazine has two rows of parallel compartments, which can be loaded from two sides with removable test strips, the two rows of parallel compartments end at a central partition and the covers in this area with a common Pivot axis or with parallel pivot axes are mounted on the magazine or the rear wall of the housing. As cover the described cover forms can also be used here. However, it is advisable to provide a separate cover for each of the rows, which can be actuated independently of the other to either populate the compartments or to be able to remove the test strips from the compartments.

If the use is to be further simplified, it is advisable to form the magazine as a closed magazine, d. h., That this has a bottom wall and a top wall, which form a cavity with a series of parallel compartments, wherein the bottom wall with the top wall at the back and at the side edges thereof are fixed to each other or at the rear by a hinge and laterally releasably connected to each other and form a slot on the fourth side. After loading by pressing the cover to the bottom wall, the test strips are at least partially obscured.

Such a magazine can be made of plastic in various ways. It can, for. B. be attached via a film hinge, the cover on the bottom wall. It can be provided on one side locking nubs on the side and on the opposite side corresponding recesses, so that upon compression of the two walls they form the cavity by latching together. Ribs may be provided in the cavity for forming the compartments. In this case, if the height allows, the compartments can be introduced on both the top side and the bottom side, so that two test strips, for example lying one above the other, can be inserted, so that an even higher assembly density is made possible. Also, the cover can be divided, so that the magazine can be fitted from two sides, if corresponding compartments are incorporated in the lower wall.

It goes without saying that also sight holes or slots above the individual compartments in the cover can be provided so that it can be determined at a glance, which subjects are occupied with test strips and which are not. Such, relatively thin magazine can be inserted into a corresponding shape-adapted recess in the rear wall of the housing of the analysis handset, for example, U- or V-shaped transverse slots can be provided at the top and bottom, in which the magazine with appropriate Anformung on the sides can be inserted , The magazine can be pushed against an end stop, for example a side wall. But it can also be inserted against an intended stop in the rear wall, wherein a closed surface can be given in the desired manner nevertheless, when the magazine has a smaller width than the width of the housing.

Likewise, however, the magazine can be inserted in the longitudinal direction of the housing with a corresponding bulbous arrangement. For this purpose, appropriate guides are to be mounted on the side walls, which form a recess of the surface, so that from the upper end side of the magazine can be inserted. It is practically the entire back of the device for the attachment of a magazine available when the housing is designed accordingly, so that when relatively rectangular structure of the housing, a relatively large flat magazine can be introduced.

In another embodiment, a flat magazine may also be inserted into a side slot in a side wall and then slid under the back wall. For this purpose, a corresponding guide in the housing provided, but this is not a problem, since the housing is made of plastic and the walls or ribs, which are required for guidance, are introduced in a simple manner. Instead of a transverse plug but can also be provided a slot from the front side. This depends in each case on the overall design of a housing of a hand-held analyzer. In any case, the entire surface of the rear wall is available for the storage of a magazine.

The magazine width can be set so that between the magazine and the outer edge of the side wall of the housing there is a gap which receives the grip portions of the test strips visibly, in order to be able to extract them by means of two fingers. This does not require a great deal of effort, even if the test strips are secured in their compartments by resilient hold-downs.

The magazine can also be designed as a flat magazine with laterally incorporated compartments, so that on these fan slots, the assembly can be done. This is possible by machine, but also by hand, so that the user of such a handheld analyzer can optionally perform a placement, for example, the need for test strips for a day or several days can insert, which depends on the capacity of the magazine. The assembly takes place via the flat end face, if possible on the longest side of the substantially rectangular-shaped surface magazine.

In order to enable withdrawal of a test strip without finger contact, slots can also be introduced into the cover above the test strip in the longitudinal direction of the test strips, into each of which an independently movable slide element can be inserted, which engages with a projection on the underside on the associated test strip and at Pushing with one finger in the direction of the loading opening pushes out the test strip or pulls in with reverse movement. This solution essentially corresponds to the ejection mechanism as used in the DE 10 2009 010 915 A1 is specified. The finger-operated slider is guided in a slot-like guide in the cover of the magazine and engages with a rough or adhesive or rubber-like surface on the test strip, so that when moving the slider, the test strip is pushed in the tray to the outside. Of course, the test strip can also be pushed from the outside into the compartment, at the same time causing the slide to be driven into the end position. For example, if the magazine is designed for 10 test strips, 10 such ejection slides must be provided in this case.

The magazines can also be made relatively narrow with respect to the width of the housing, so that two magazines come from two sides can be inserted into the housing of the analysis handset or inserted into this. The magazine can be held in a recess of the rear wall, for example, by pressing in parallel undercut side walls of the recess or by a sliding connection. In the first connection, the magazine is placed in an undercut on one side of the rear wall and locked with the other side by pressure in an undercut of the parallel wall of the recess. If a lateral sliding connection exists, a simple insertion is possible. It can also be provided locking points, so that unintentional pushing out is not possible. Only by excessive sliding pressure can a magazine be pushed out of the detent again. The designated locking mechanism can be designed differently according to the known constructions. The magazine is guided laterally in undercut or in U-shaped guides.

The use of closed magazines in a rectangular embodiment also has the advantage that each magazine can already be equipped with test strips factory side. Thus, it is possible to pack each single magazine in one unit, for example, to weld in foil and offer as a sales unit. But it is also possible to combine several such individual magazines to a packaging unit and this z. B. in a cardboard box, which can then be sold. Again, the individual magazines can be packaged or sealed with a sealing foil, so that no moisture can penetrate inadvertently. The test strips themselves are known as such and are supplied with multiple contacts and contact strips. However, they can also contain transponders in which the batch number and the calibration parameters for the setting of the analysis hand-held device or for the calibration of the analysis device accommodated therein are stored. As is generally known, the measuring device itself has a display on which the measured values can be displayed, optionally or subsequently after the measurement, as well as function keys for operation. In order to be able to read out a test strip which is provided with a transponder, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that a transceiver is integrated in the housing in order to be able to read out the transponder. The data can then be evaluated by the computer of the analysis hand-held device. But it is also possible to transmit data with a transmitting device, for example via Bluetooth, to a PC. It is also possible to provide a transponder or readable memory in the handheld analyzer itself, in which the measurement data are stored in addition to the batch data and other recording data in order to be able to read them out with the same technology, namely by a transceiver in a personal computer , For this purpose, the handheld analyzer, if it works according to the NFC technology and is very low-transmit, to bring near the transceiver on the personal computer.

In the magazine wall but also a transponder can be integrated, in which the batch data are also stored so that they can be read with a transceiver of the analyzer handset so that the device can be programmed according to the calibration data and no erroneous measurements. The transceiver unit can be an NFC transmitter in the analyzer handset that reads the data from the transponder.

It is also possible to combine a magazine with a switch which is located in the housing of the analyzer handset. Once a magazine is inserted, this switch, z. B. microswitch, operated. The switch is also replaceable by a presence sensor that operates purely electronically. If the sensor or the switch determines that a change has taken place, this is signaled to the processor of the analyzer handset so that it automatically reads out the calibration data from the transponders which are present in or on the magazine. For this category of devices in the analysis handset, a contactless transceiver is introduced, which is an NFC device, namely a near-field communication device and has low transmission power, so that the magazine or the test strip, the batch data and calibration data includes, must be brought to the device for reading. The near field communication is standardized and designed so that the data can be read out over short distances of up to approx. 4 cm from the transmitter. The passive HF RFID tags to be used as transponders are after ISO 14 443 or ISO 15 693 standardized. The NFC technology operates in a frequency range of 13.56 MHz and offers a maximum transfer rate of 424 kBit / s with a very short range. This is desirable so that the contact can already be considered as consent to a transaction of the data. The NFC system is standardized by ETSI TS 102 190.

The use of surface magazines according to the invention also has the advantage that at least one magazine wall can be designed in color. For example, this may consist of green plastic and signal that this is a magazine with test strips for the determination of blood sugar content in the blood. A yellow color can z. B. mean an assignment of test strips for measuring cholesterol. This can of course be further refined by also colored Identification for the measurement of the subtypes of cholesterol can be signaled that can be measured. For example, if the handheld analyzer is designed for these two applications, when inserting a magazine according to the invention, the device will automatically be programmed and calibrated accordingly. The test strips can, of course, also have a removal section which has at least one removal section in the same color, so that an association is likewise made possible and there is no risk of confusion.

If a magazine can be inserted into the rear wall of a housing of an analysis hand-held device, this can also be used simultaneously to cover an exposed battery compartment. The battery is so accessible in a simple manner when the magazine is pulled out.

Of course, a lancing device can also be integrated in the housing of the analysis hand-held device, preferably on one side, so that the skin can be pierced either at the top or at the bottom with the inserted lancet in order to permit a blood sample for the analysis.

To be particularly advantageous, it has also been found to provide a sensor or switch in the housing, which causes the control electronics in the detection of a change of the magazine or when it is equipped with test strips with different calibration or batch data to make a new calibration of the analysis unit automatically. This ensures that, depending on the batch code or the calibration data of a magazine with test strips from other batches, the device is automatically calibrated.

The invention will be explained in the following with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

• 1 ein Analysehandgerät, nämlich ein Glucosemessgerät, in einer isometrischen Darstellung,
• 2 in einer Rückansicht das Analysehandgerät gemäß 1 mit einem Magazin für Teststreifen in einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 3 in einer Rückansicht das Analysehandgerät gemäß 1 mit einem Magazin für Teststreifen in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf das Analysehandgerät nach 3,
• 5 in einer Rückansicht das Analysehandgerät gemäß 1 mit einem Magazin für Teststreifen in einer dritten Ausführungsform,
• 6 in einer Rückansicht das Analysehandgerät gemäß 1 mit einem Magazin für Teststreifen in einer vierten Ausführungsform,
• 7 das Ausführungsbeispiel nach 5 in der Draufsicht,
• 8 das Ausführungsbeispiel nach 6 in der Draufsicht,
• 9 in einer Rückansicht das Analysehandgerät gemäß 1 mit einem Magazin für Teststreifen in einer fünften Ausführungsform,
• 10 ein weiteres Analysehandgerät in einer isometrischen Darstellung mit Führungen an einer abgesetzten Rückwand für die Aufnahme eines Magazins,
• 11 die Rückseite des Analysehandgerätes nach 10 mit eingeschobenem Magazin und
• 12 die Rückseite des Analysehandgerätes nach 10 mit vorgezogenem Magazin und seitlich verschobenem Flächenschieber.

In the drawings show:

• 1 an analysis hand-held device, namely a glucose meter, in an isometric representation,
• 2 in a rear view, the analysis handset according to 1 with a magazine for test strips in a first embodiment,
• 3 in a rear view, the analysis handset according to 1 with a magazine for test strips in a second embodiment,
• 4 a plan view of the analysis handset according to 3 .
• 5 in a rear view, the analysis handset according to 1 with a magazine for test strips in a third embodiment,
• 6 in a rear view, the analysis handset according to 1 with a magazine for test strips in a fourth embodiment,
• 7 the embodiment according to 5 in the plan view,
• 8th the embodiment according to 6 in the plan view,
• 9 in a rear view, the analysis handset according to 1 with a magazine for test strips in a fifth embodiment,
• 10 another handheld analyzer in an isometric view with guides on a remote rear wall for receiving a magazine,
• 11 the back of the analysis handpiece after 10 with inserted magazine and
• 12 the back of the analysis handpiece after 10 with preferred magazine and laterally displaced flat slide.

In the 1 to 9 a handheld analyzer according to the invention is shown in various embodiments of the back. It is assumed that this is a glucose meter. Such a glucose meter is known per se. With him, the glucose levels of the blood are made by capillary suction of a drop of blood from the fingertip of one hand on a test strip with an analysis chamber. The test strips are designed as disposable strips and have electrical traces and connections in order to evaluate the queried measured values from a computer inside the analyzer handset. This is prior art and not the subject of the inventive design.

From the isometric representation after 1 the analyzer handset is visible in plan view. This consists of a housing 1 , which is formed substantially box-shaped with rounded corners and at the top of a display 25 and a control button 26 having. On the visible side wall, behind a lancing device 17 is arranged, there is a slot guide 22 for receiving an actuating slide for tensioning a spring, which acts on a plunger, with the lancet of the lancing device 17 connected is. Extend the lancet by pressing the button 23 triggered. From the 1 It can also be seen that the back wall 6 having a lowered portion according to the invention as a magazine 2 designed at least for test strips.

In 2 the back of the analyzer handset is shown in a first variant. The housing 1 expediently has a substantially rectangular basic shape to all elements and all accessories that are suitable for the measurement z. B. the glucose content of the blood are required to stow. The arrangement of a lancing device 17 in such a housing 1 is also known from the prior art, as has already been shown. In the present embodiment, it is part of the device and integrated into a receiving chamber. The lancing device 17 also has a receptacle into which lancets are interchangeably insertable, with which the channels are pierced into the skin, so that blood can leak out drop by drop, which is needed for the analysis.

According to the invention is now in the rear wall 6 a magazine 2 integrated. This is the back wall 6 lowered relative to an upper and a lower housing part ( 1 visible, noticeable). On the back wall 6 are for taking test strips 3 Partitions formed by partitions 4 defined length, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 1 are arranged. In the example is a number of such subjects 4 provided with test strips 3 can be occupied. But it can also be two parallel rows of subjects 4 be provided as this from the 5 and 6 is apparent. The compartments can be arranged the same length and at the same depth. But they can also be designed differently long. For the purpose of accessibility is the cover 7 from the back wall 6 taken off, leaving the subjects 4 are freely accessible and in this the required test strips 3 , for example, for a daily measurement or a multi-day measurement, can be inserted. The subjects 4 should be formed by the partitions so that the test strips are kept secured under slight clamping. The subjects 4 can also be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis. This is at the discretion of the person skilled in the art and is determined by the maximum desired occupancy of the magazine. Also, other subjects can 4 , For example, for the inclusion of a lancet, be introduced. The subjects 4 are formed by injection molding during the manufacture of the housing with.

So the test strips 3 are protected and can only be removed if necessary, is the cover 7 intended. This cover 7 is in the embodiment as wide as the width of the housing 1 and inserted in guides or clamped by utilizing an inherent elasticity between the two back wall stages. But it is also possible, the cover with hook-shaped lateral end edges on Rastverdickungen on the side walls of the housing 1 press on and open again by grasping the closing edges. But it can also be used folding mechanisms, for. B. on one side a hinge and on the other side a shutter mechanism. It can be seen that when the magazine is closed 2 the test strips contained therein 3 kept secured and protected against moisture and other environmental influences. This has the advantage that the test strips need not additionally be sealed individually by means of a foil.

Of course, the lowered rear wall 6 also displaceable, namely laterally displaceable, formed and in guides in the two head parts of the housing 1 be guided like a rail, to be pushed out of an example central position to one side or pushed out. The magazine 2 has a lower wall, which is narrower than the width of the housing 1 so that the protruding grip sections 5 the test strip 3 by moving the magazine over the edge of the side walls 10 or 14 can be pushed when the cover 7 is removed. This will remove the individual test strips 3 much easier.

In the 3 and 4 is another embodiment of the cover 7 shown. The cover is divided and consists of a first section 8th and from a second section 9 , The second section 9 is about a movie hinge 19 connected to the first part. The first paragraph 8th can for example by latching connection to the upper protruding part of the housing 1 and at the lower part of the housing 1 be attached latching, so that the narrower second section 9 can be folded up as a removal section and thus the inserted test strips 3 accessible without the part of the test strip to be further protected 3 becomes visible. Even in such an arrangement can basically the magazine 2 as a sliding plate or back wall 6 be formed, which is then vorziehbar to the test strips 3 easier to take out. Out 4 it can be seen that the second section 9 through the film hinge 19 can be set up. The plan view further shows that the first section 8th is fixed, z. B. by a releasable catch. This part can also be removed. The illustration also shows that the cover 7 on both sides with overlapping longitudinal ribs on the side walls 10 . 14 of the housing 1 can be fixed.

In the 5 and 7 is another embodiment of the backplane training with a magazine shown. There are compartments in the back wall or in a slidable wall 4 provided, in two parallel rows, which emanate from a central partition. The cover 7 also consists of two sections 8th and 9 that are against each other via a movie hinge 19 are hinged, if the other part on the back wall 6 is fixed, for example via locking elements on the end faces of the section 9 or 8th , which engage in recesses of the lateral walls of the gradation. The cover 7 is otherwise trained as in 3 and 4 represented and engages with hook-shaped closing edges 16 fixing over the side walls 10 . 14 ,

In the 6 and 8th is a further embodiment of a rear wall 6 a handheld analyzer shown. The cover 7 also consists of two sections 8th and 9 that have a movie hinge 19 connected to each other and are mutually pivotable. The section 9 has a supernatant on the side, in which subjects 15 for lancets 24 are incorporated and by the side wall 14 the housing are accessible forth. In the pressed state on the back wall 6 the compartments are closed and only with the section lifted off 9 or with the cover removed altogether. The cover is held 7 on the housing 1 through the hook-shaped end edge 16 and through the supernatant provided on the other side.

In 9 is a variation on the back too 3 shown. In particular, it can be seen from this illustration that the subjects 4 for the test strips 3 also in the longitudinal direction of the housing axis can be arranged in two rows.

In the 10 . 11 and 12 Another handheld analyzer is shown, in which the magazine 2 is designed as a self-sufficient part and in a remote rear wall 6 of the housing 1 , in U-shaped provided lateral guides 20 , is insertable. 10 shows the analysis handset in an isometric view, consisting of a housing 1 with a display 25 and a control button 26 , At the bottom of the top is a label field 27 provided, in the right housing section such a likewise. Further, the elements 17 . 18 . 23 . 22 visible, based on 1 already described.

The back wall 6 of the housing 1 is bounded at the top and bottom of housing parts, while upper sections an extension of the rear wall 6 represent. In the upper section are also caption fields 28 intended. The back wall 6 itself is how out of the 6 and 7 seen, shown lowered against the protruding wall parts, so that by appropriate embossing U-shaped guides 20 are given, in the lateral guide approaches to the magazine 2 can intervene. The magazine 2 is with test strips 3 equipped with their grip sections 5 from the magazine 2 protrude. The magazine 2 itself has such a width, that in the inserted state, what made 11 it can be seen, the handle sections 5 still in the area of the lowered rear wall 6 are located and the side wall 10 not survive. Should now individual test strips 3 are removed, so it is only necessary from the magazine 2 , which consists of two walls, namely a sub-wall and a cover 7 which are connected at three edges, a test strip 3 pull it out. The connection can be made by welding, gluing or latching positive locking connection. The walls can also be bolted together. These parts are made of plastic.

It can be seen that there is a pocket-shaped opening on one side, over which a loading of the magazine 2 with test strips 3 is possible. These test strips 3 Become in subjects 4 pushed in, which are arranged in the cavity to wild storage of the test strip 3 to avoid. The subjects 4 are formed by retracted partitions. The width of the magazine 2 is less than the width of the housing 1 , On the other hand, the case 1 much wider than the length of the test strips 3 , In the exemplary embodiment, a surface slider 11 additionally in the sliding guide 20 used, from the other side of the housing 1 Coming, and at least partially conceals a chamber 12 , which is provided for example for a battery.

So that the magazine 2 not in the guides 20 can be moved unintentionally, not shown locking means of a locking mechanism are provided in the guides that the magazine 2 in the retracted position and in the preferred position. In the retracted position covers the cover 7 also a part of the area slider 11 , This may be desirable for optical reasons. Likewise, however, can also be the area slide 11 be equipped as a functional element with recordings for name badges or short instruction manual.

From the 11 and 12 is also apparent that in the cover 7 cut out springy tongues 21 are provided. These are biased to fit the inserted test strips 3 Press, so that they are held by clamping effect in the subjects. This has the advantage in the assembly that the test strips 3 under slight pressure in the compartments 4 are retractable and that they are also under the action of the spring when pulling out and can not fall out simply by shaking. Furthermore, from the illustrations in 1 and 10 seen that on the sidewall shown 14 a slot guide 22 is provided, in which an actuating slide 18 can be moved, which serves to tension a spring which biases a plunger of the lancing device arranged in the housing. In order for the ram driven by the ram to be extended, there is a button 23 provided, via which the release of the plunger takes place after the tensioning of the spring. The sliding operation of the sliding magazine 2 via the handle strips 29 , that of the area slider 11 also via a protruding handle bar 29 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

magazine

3

test strips

4

subject

5

handle portion

6

rear wall

7

cover

8th

first section

9

second part

10

Side wall

11

surface slide

12

chamber

14

Side wall

15

subject

16

hook-shaped end edge

17

piercer

18

operating slide

19

film hinge

20

guide

21

tongue

22

slot guide

23

button

24

lancet

25

display

26

control key

27

labeling field

28

labeling field

29

handle bar

Claims (30)

An analytical hand-held device for examining a biological fluid with regard to a medically significant component, comprising a housing (1) with a magazine (2) having a plurality of compartments (4) for receiving analytical test strips (3), an analysis device having a slit-like receptacle with electrical contacts provided one end of a test tire (3) with a biological fluid analysis zone, a display device for displaying at least one analytical value of the medically significant component, characterized in that the magazine (2) is substantially rectangular as a flat magazine and at least compartments (4) in at least one row parallel extending, in which the test strips (3) inserted flat and optionally from the magazine (2) are removable, the magazine (2) part of the rear wall (6) of the housing (1) of the analysis hand unit or in this is attached or attached or via a loading opening in one of the side walls of the housing (1), immediately below the rear wall (6) lying, in a housing cavity can be inserted. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the analysis handset on the back of a cover (7), with which in the rear wall (6) of the analysis handset incorporated, one or attached magazine (2) is closable. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the cover (7) on one side of the rear wall (6) or an end wall of the housing is articulated and is releasably secured to the opposite end edge on the opposite side of the rear wall or the opposite side wall. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the cover (7) has a first (8) portion on which a second portion (9) is arranged relatively pivotable, which in the closed state of the first portion (8) on the rear wall (6), however, is relatively hinged whereby the underlying grip sections (5) of the test strips (3) are accessible for removal, while the measuring strips remain concealed with the contacting connections. Analysis hand-held device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magazine (2) has two rows of parallel compartments (4) which can be loaded from two sides with removable test strips (3), that the two rows of parallel compartments (4) a central partition wall and that the covers are fixed in this area with a common pivot axis or with parallel pivot axes on the magazine (2) or the rear wall (6). Analysis handset according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the lower wall of the magazine (2) with the subjects (4) in the rear wall (6) of the housing (1) or at least a part thereof forming in the Housing is mounted laterally displaceable and at least from an inserted position in a preferred can be moved, in which the handle portions (5) the respective side wall (10) protrude. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 6 , characterized in that in the sliding guides for at least the lower wall of the magazine (2) drive over latching means are provided which releasably fix the magazine (2) in the retracted position and in the preferred removal position for the test strips (3). Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 . 6 or 7 , characterized in that the magazine (2) has a lower wall and a cover (7) forming a cavity with at least one row of parallel compartments (4), and that the lower wall with the cover (7) at the back and at the thereof outgoing longitudinal sides fixed to each other or at the back by a hinge and laterally releasably connected to each other and form on the fourth side of a slot with access at least to the compartments (4) for the test strips (3). Handheld analyzer according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the magazine (2) by means of laterally projecting guide lugs or with the lateral edges in U-shaped receptacles is laterally inserted in the parallel walls of a rear wall lowering. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 or 8th , characterized in that the magazine (2) is narrower than the width of the rear side of the housing (1) and that the housing (1) has a sliding stop for the insertable magazine (2) or a surface slide (11) is provided, the the other side is inserted and forms the sliding stop and covers compartments (4) or chambers (12) in the housing (2). Analysis hand tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test strips (3) in each case via one or more, on one of the inner sides of the lower wall and / or the cover (7) integrally formed on elastic or resilient hold-down against the other wall of the magazine (2 ) are pushed in the inserted or inserted state and that the Andruckskraft is adjusted so that the test strips can not accidentally fall out of the magazine. Analysis handset according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that above the test strip (3) in the cover (7) slots (22) in the longitudinal direction of the test strips (3) are introduced, in each of which an independently movable sliding element (18) can be inserted, which engages with an approach on the bottom of the test strip (3) and pushes the test strip with a finger in the direction of the loading opening or pulls in reverse movement, the test strip (3) the side edge of the magazine (2) in the inserted state not survive. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 . 8th or 10 , characterized in that the magazine (2) in a loading opening in one of the side walls (10, 14) and can be inserted covered by the rear wall. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the magazine (2) is held by a push-push mechanism in the loading opening and in the inserted state by pressure on the visible narrow side surface with the slot by an unlocked ejection spring is displaceable. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 or 13 , characterized in that the magazine (2) is held in a recess of the rear wall by a fitting, pressure or sliding connection. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 or 8th , characterized in that the magazines (2) equipped with the test strips (3) form a packaging unit as individual magazines, packed in a respective packaging, or are stacked together to form a packaging unit. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least the surface of a visible magazine wall is executed in color, wherein the color respectively identifies the analysis of a significant medical component. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 Characterized in that the test strip (3) a removal or grip portion (5), be gripped with two fingers, without altering the electrical characteristics or biometric properties of the test strip, and that in the analysis opening or analysis chamber by a magazine wall always protected test strips (3) can be used and is accessible only after pulling out and insertion into the receptacle of the analysis device. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in the rear wall (6), which is covered by an attachable magazine (2), a chamber (12) or a compartment (4) is introduced. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that on a longitudinal side of the analysis handpiece a lancing device (17) for introducing a blood collection channel is introduced into the skin of a patient for the removal of a blood sample. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in addition to the compartments (4) for the test strips (3) at least further compartments (4) for lancets (24) for the lancing device (17) are provided. Analysis handset according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magazine (2) and / or the housing (1) of the analysis handset are made of plastic. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 or 5 , characterized in that the compartments (4) lying at the same height or offset in height are arranged offset from one another. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the cover (7) at least one side wall (10, 14) of the housing (1) protrudes and in the supernatant compartments (15) are provided for receiving lancets, after removing the cover (7) laterally are accessible. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the compartments (4) in the magazine (2) in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the magazine (2) are arranged therein. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 24 , characterized in that on the cover (7) or on a supernatant of the same subjects (15) are provided for further test strips (3) or lancets (24) or other utensils for the analysis handset. Analysis handpiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the magazine (2), in a magazine wall or on a test strip (3) or on an insertable calibration strip, a transponder is present, which contains at least the data for calibrating the analysis hand-held device, and that in the analysis handset at least one contactless transceiver is included, with which the data can be read out. Handheld analyzer according to Claim 27 , characterized in that the contactless transceiver is an NFC device (Near Field Communication). Handheld analyzer according to Claim 27 or 28 , characterized in that in the housing (1), a sensor or switch is provided which causes the control electronics in the detection of a change of the magazine (2) or when it is equipped with test strips with different calibration or batch data, a new calibration of the analysis unit to make automatically. Analysis handpiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a blood sugar or cholesterol value measuring device.

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