MXPA01005362A - Multichemistry measuring device and test strips - Google Patents

Abstract

A multichemistry measuring device and diagnostic test strips which, in combination with the multichemistry measuring device, provide a multichemistry testing system are disclosed. The test strips are for chemical analysis of a sample, and are adapted for use in combination with a measuring device having a test port and capable of performing a multiplicity of testing functionalities. Each type of test strip corresponds to at least one of the testing functionalities, and at least some types of test strips have indicators of the testing functionality on them. The test port is adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips and includes a sensor capable of specifically interacting with the indicator(s) on the test strips, thereby selecting at least one of the multiplicity of testing functionalities corresponding to the type of test strip.

Description

DEVICE FOR MEASURING MULTIPLE CHEMISTRY AND TEST STRIPS This application claims priority of the provisional application with serial number 60 / 110,331, filed on November 30, 1998. Cross reference to related applications This request is a joint pending application of an application filed on the same date as this one, which has a file number of 6621. US.01, and entitled ANALYTICAL TEST INSTRUMENT THAT HAS IMPROVED CALIBRATION AND COMMUNICATION PROCESSES, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to measuring devices for performing tests for the precise determination of the presence, concentration or activity of one or more analytes in a sample applied to the test strips adapted for their use. with the device. The measuring devices and test strips of the invention are particularly useful in the fields of clinical chemistry, environmental testing, and chemical process control. 2. Discussion of the technique Electrochemical measuring devices that detect the presence, concentration, or activity of one or more analytes in a solution are well known in the art. In addition, disposable electrochemical test strips adapted for use with these devices are known in the art. For example, test strips are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,890; strip electrodes with screen printing are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,509,410; and additional strip electrodes with screen printing are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,682,884. In these devices, the sample is applied to the test strip, and the test strip is inserted into a port of the measuring device. These measuring devices and test strips are commercially available for home use by diabetics for the measurement of glucose in them. blood (for example, the blood glucose test system PRECISION Q I D manufactured and sold by MEDISENSE, Inc., Waltham, MA). Other devices are commercially available, for use by home or clinical users, for electrochemical measurement or other blood tests and parameters, such as lactate or urea. However, in the prior art, the measurement of multiple analytes or parameters in a sample typically required the use of multiple measuring devices, each adapted for different test functionality, or a single measuring device in which the user must manually Therefore, there is a need in the art for products and methods by which a user can perform a multiplicity of different tests with a single measuring device having a multiplicity of test functionalities. , but without having to reconfigure manually or switch between different device functionalities, and without great need for a complex or expensive port or test strip design. The present invention provides a multiple chemistry measuring device and diagnostic test strips which, in combination with the multiple chemistry measuring device, provide a multiple chemistry diagnostic testing system. The system allows a user to perform a multiplicity of different measurements on a sample by choosing one of a multiplicity of types of test strips, by applying a quantity of the sample to the test strips, inserting the test strip into a port of the test device. measurement, and receive the test results of the device. The test strips and the port are adapted so that each type of test strip carries an indicator which is recognized by the port and which indicates to the measuring device which test functionality is being used. Thus, the user does not need to manually reconfigure or change the device between different functionalities, and a single port and a single measuring device can be used with a multiplicity of different types of test strips. Thus, in one aspect, the invention relates to diagnostic test strips for the analysis of a sample. The diagnostic test strips are adapted for use in combination with a measuring device that has a test port. The measuring device is capable of performing a multiplicity of test functionalities. In this aspect, the test strip comprises a support capable of releasably engaging in the test port; at least one reaction area on the support to receive the sample; and an indicator capable of interacting with the test port to select at least one of a multiplicity of test functionalities of the measuring device. In one embodiment, the indicator comprises one or more electrically conductive contacts capable of engaging at least two electrically conductive pins with the test port. In this mode, the electrical conductive contacts close at least one circuit in at least two electrical conductive pins with the test port. In preferred embodiments, the electrically conductive indicator comprises a material selected from: carbon, gold, silver, platinum, nickel, palladium, titanium, copper, or lead. In preferred embodiments, the electrically conductive contacts comprise an electrically conductive printable ink. In another embodiment, the indicator comprises one or more projections or depressions capable of mechanically engaging one or more pins within the test port. In another embodiment, the mechanical displacement of at least one of the pins results in the opening or lock of at least one circuit. In another embodiment, the indicator comprises an optically detectable pattern capable of signaling or being detected by an optical detector in the test port. In preferred embodiments, the optically detectable indicator comprises a pattern formed by a printable ink. In another aspect, the present invention provides a test port for use in a measuring device that is capable of performing a multiplicity of test functionalities and is adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips. diagnosis. Each type of test strip corresponds to at least one of the test functionalities of the device, and at least some types of test strips have indicators to test the functionality on them. In this aspect, the test port comprises a sensor capable of interacting specifically with the indicator (s) an electrical circuit is closed. In another embodiment, the indicators on the test strips comprise projections or depressions, and the test port sensor | it is a plug that can be physically moved by or inside the indicators, by means of which it opens or closes an electrical circuit. In another embodiment, the indicators comprise an optically detectable pattern, and the sensor of the test port is an optical sensor. In another aspect, the invention provides a measuring device having a multiplicity of test functionalities for chemical analysis. The device is adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips. Each of the types of test strips corresponds to at least one of the test functionalities, and at least some of the types of the test strips i have indicators of the test functionality on them. The device includes: a test port including a sensor capable of interacting with the indicators on the test strips to select at least one of the multiplicity of test functionalities; i and a multiplicity of test circuits to specifically measure reactions on the test strips, the functions corresponding to the multiplicity of test functionalities. In some embodiments, the assay can detect the presence, concentration, or activity of one or more of the following in a multiplicity: L-amino acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, urea, creatinine, xanthines, sarcosine, glucoate, pyruvate, lactate, fructosamine, methylamine, carbon monoxide, cholesterol, hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, microalbumin, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, and glucose. In some embodiments, the reaction area includes one or more reagents adsorbed to the support. The reagents are capable of reacting with an analyte in the sample. In the preferred modalities, the reagent is selected from, but not limited to, one of the following glucose oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, peroxidase, and galactose oxidase. In some embodiments, the test strip also comprises a multiplicity of contacts of test locations. Figure 4 represents a side section view of a test port and a test strip in which the indicators are electrical conductors. Figure 5 represents a side sectional view of a test port and a test strip on which the indicators are mechanical. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides measuring devices for performing tests for the precise determination of the presence, concentration, or activity of one or more analytes in a sample applied to test strips adapted to their use with the devices. The multiple chemistry measurement device and the test strips of the invention have particular utility in fields including, but not limited to, clinical chemistry, chemical process control, and whole, serum, urine), in environmental tests to determine the presence or concentration of contaminants (for example, PCB) or biological risks (for example, bacteria, viruses), or in control of chemical processes to monitor the extent of a process detecting the presence, concentration or activity of various adducts, educts, or other parameters (eg, pH, salinity). In particular, the present invention provides methods and products for use therewith by which a user can perform a multiplicity of different tests with a single measuring device having a multiplicity of test functionalities, but without the need for configure manually or switch between different device features. By elucidating the user's need to manually set the device when changing from one test to another, the present invention provides increased convenience and speed of use, and reduces the likelihood of human error. To achieve these ends, the invention employs a multiple chemical test port which is capable of recognizing several diagnostic test strips having different test functionalities.

Each type of diagnostic test strip comprises a different indicator (or indicators) that allows the test port to distinguish between other types of diagnostic test tia. When the user inserts the test strip into the test port, the test port will identify the corresponding functionality of the device and automatically reconfigure or change the measurement device to the appropriate functionality.

In one embodiment, the overall system comprises an electrochemical measurement device comprising a multiple chemistry test port in electrical communication with a multiplicity of different test functionalities. The test port is capable of releasably attaching several diagnostic test strips having different test functionalities. The diagnostic test strip comprises at least two test electrodes (a reference electrode and a working electrode) and a test electrode. reaction area. When a sample of fluid is added to the reaction area, the sample places the reference electrode in electrical communication with the working electrode. When a diagnostic test strip is releasably engaged in the test port, the working electrode and the reference electrode are put into electrical communication with at least one of a multiplicity of circuits corresponding to the different test functionalities of the device measurement. The indicators on the test strip determine which of the multiplicity of circuits that correspond to the different test functionalities of the measuring device is activated and used. Diagnostic test strips At least, the test strips of the invention comprise a support, which receives the sample and releasably attaches the test port. The support has one or more indicators that correspond to the test functionality of the test strip. The support can be produced from materials including, but not limited to, PVC or other plastics, ceramic materials, or laminates of printed circuit boards. In preferred embodiments, the support is substantially flat and elongated with the indicators at or near a first end, and an area or reaction at or near a second end. In the preferred embodiments, the test to be performed is electrochemical in nature, and the test strip further comprises electrically conductive test contacts in electrical communication with the reaction area extending to the first end. In these embodiments, the test contacts are capable of transferring current between the reaction area and the measuring device. The test contacts can be composed of, but are not limited to conductive materials, such as for example: carbon, gold, silver, platinum, nickel, palladium, titanium, copper, and lead. In general, the reaction area in these embodiments typically comprises a conductive electrode coated with a mixture of catalytically active enzyme and an optional mediator compound, and is preferably coated or further covered by a permeable retention membrane. The enzyme and the optional mediator compound can be coated in separate layers. When this coated electrode is contacted with a sample containing an analyte for which the enzyme exerts a catalytic effect, the analyte of interest passes through the permeable retention membrane and reacts with the enzyme and the mediator compound (when present). present) to produce an activated form of the mediator compound. The activated mediator compound transfers electrons to the electrode to produce a signal, which correlates with the concentration of the analyte. In other embodiments, a mediator compound is not necessary, and the reaction between an analyte and an enzyme produces a product (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) that is capable of transforming the electrons to the electrode. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the analyte can be glucose and the catalytically active enzyme can be glucose oxidase, and the measuring device and the test strips of the invention can be used to assess the concentration of glucose in a sample. of fluid such as blood. In a second particular embodiment, the analyte can be lactate and the catalytically active enzyme can be lactate dehydrogenase, and the measuring device and the test strips of the invention can be used to assess the lactate concentration in blood. However, in these particular modalities, the measuring device must employ different test functionalities or circuits with the different test strips. Therefore, it is vital for the proper functioning of the system that the measuring device perform the correct test functionality when a particular type of test strip is inserted into the multiple chemistry test port. As stated above, the invention provides a multiplicity of test strips capable of performing a multiplicity of diagnostic tests, but which can be used with a single measuring device having a single test port, without the need for manual reconfiguration. or change between the different test functionalities of the device. The invention provides indicators on the test strips, these indicators can be recognized by a sensor, within the multiple chemistry test port in order to assess the test functionality that the measuring device should perform. For the purposes of this invention, the term "indicator" refers to any information pattern capable of being recognized by the test port, including the absence of any discernible pattern (ie, a "null" pattern). The types of indicators employed in the present invention include, but are not limited to, mechanical, electrical, and optical indicators, as well as any combination thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the indicators comprise electrically conductive patterns on a larger surface of the test strip. In this embodiment, when the test strip is releasably engaged to the test port, the indicator is contacted with a plurality of electrically conductive pins in the test port. Depending on the pattern of the indicator, a circuit between one or more pairs of pins can be closed or "cut" by the conductive material of the indicator. The measurement device detects which circuits, if any, are closed by the insertion of the test strip, and selects the appropriate test functionality for that type of test strip. In an alternative embodiment, the indicator comprises a pattern of projections or protuberances on a larger surface of the test strip, and the test port includes a plurality of pins that can be mechanically engaged with the indicator portion of the test strip. When inserted into the test port, the indicator projections can physically displace one or more of these pins. In one embodiment, the cljevija or pins can be displaced so that they are put into electrical communication with one or more conductive elements, thus closing one or more circuits. In another embodiment, the plug or pins may be in electrical communication with one or more conductive elements prior to insertion of the test strip, and may be displaced by the indicator after insertion into the port of | test, thereby opening one or more circuits. The measuring device detects which circuits have been opened or closed by inserting the test strip, and selects the appropriate test functionality for that type of test strip. In a related embodiment, the indicator may comprise a pattern of holes or needles (instead of projections or protuberances) on the test strip. In this embodiment, the test port includes a plurality of pins, these pins mechanically engage the indicator portion of the test strip and move in the absence of a hole or hole. In this way, the pins that are placed in register with the holes or holes fail to move through the insertion of the test strip in the test port and, just as the pattern of displacement of the pins by the projections, transports information, the pattern of non-displacement by holes conveys information and serves to identify the type of test strip and its functionality. In another embodiment, the independently comprises an optically detectable pattern printed on a larger surface of the test strip. Again, for the purposes of this invention, the absence of an impresq pattern can also serve as an indicator. In one modality, the pattern may consist of regions that exhibit greater | or lower reflectivity or absorbance, and the larger surface area of the test strip may be as part of the pattern (e.g., providing background reflectivity or absorbance that differs from that of the pattern printed in ink). Alternatively, the indicator may comprise patterns of different patterns, or may still comprise characters. In all cases, when the test strip is inserted into the test port, optical sensors within the test port recognize the pattern and cause the measuring device to select the appropriate test functionality for that type of test strip. Multiple Chemistry Test Ports In general, the multiple chemistry test port serves as an interface between the test strips and the measuring device. Therefore, for measuring devices that perform electrochemical tests on samples in test strips, the test ports typically comprise two or more test pins, which are in electrical communication with the measuring device. When a test strip is hooked with a test port, the test pins are put in electrical communication with the test electrodes (it is to go, the reference electrode and the working electrode) located on the test strip. The present invention, however, provides additional sensors within the test port, these sensors can recognize different types of test strips and cause the multiple chemistry measuring device to switch between different test functionalities to select test functionality that is suitable to the type of diagnostic test desired. In this way, the test port is able to detect an indicator on a test strip and cause the measuring device to select from a multiplicity of test functionalities the functionality that is suitable for the type of diagnostic test desired. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises a multiplicity of electrically conductive pins, which can be brought into electrical communication with electrically conductive printed patterns on a test strip when the test strip is engaged with the test port. The electrically conductive pattern may close a circuit between one or more pins, or it may be a "null" pattern, which does not electrically bridge any of the pins. Depending on which circuits are closed and which remain open, the measuring device selects the appropriate test functionality to perform on the test strip that has been inserted into the test port. I In another embodiment, the sensor comprises one or more pins that can be mechanically engaged by an indicator when a test strip is engaged with the test port. With this embodiment, the indicator comprises a pattern of one or more projections or protuberances capable of displacing one or more pins after insertion of the test strip into the test port. Alternatively, the indicator comprises a pattern of one or more recesses or holes, which fail to displace one or more pins after insertion of the test strip into the test port. The displacement, or non-displacement of these pins, can cause the opening or lock of one or more circuits. These modes, the measuring device selects the appropriate test functionality according to the pattern of displacement of the pins, and the opening or lock resulting from the circuits. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises one or more optical sensors capable of measuring the absorbance and reflectivity of the light. In such an embodiment, each sensor measures the absorbance, reflectance, or color, or identifies a character, in different portions of the indicator region when the test strip is hooked into the test port. Depending on the readings returned by the sensors, the measuring device selects the appropriate test functionality to perform on the test strip.

Reaction areas and circuits The chemical proteins made by the test strips and the measuring devices of the present invention, together with the reaction areas of the test strips and the circuits of the associated measuring devices, can be adapted or selected among any of those already known to those skilled in the art. In preferred embodiments, chemical assays are electrochemical assays using enzyme electrodes, and the reaction area comprises a working electrode, a reference electrode, and an enzyme that reacts with the analyte to be measured. In these embodiments, the working electrode may further comprise a mediator (e.g., ferrocene) capable of transferring electrons between the enzyme-catalyzed reaction and the working electrode. In some embodiments, the reaction area further comprises a simulated electrode, in which the simulated electrode includes the mediator but not the enzyme. In the preferred embodiments, when the test strip is engaged with the multiple chemistry test port, the work and reference electrodes are placed in electrical communication with the measuring device. When the sample is added to the reaction area (before or after inserting the test strip into the test port), the sample bypasses the two electrodes, putting them into electrical communication with each other, closing a circuit, and placing the sample in electrical communication with the measuring device. In some embodiments, one of the functionalities of the measurement device test measures the current through this circuit or a change in voltage potential. In other modalities, one of the test functionalities of the measuring device applies current to this circuit and measures the resistance. The use of these systems to determine the presence and concentration of the analyte is discussed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,545,382, and U.S. Patent No. 4,711,245. A sensing system that detects current that is representative of a compound in a liquid mixture having a test strip adapted for releasable engagement with the signal reading circuit is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,509,410. In preferred embodiments, the invention is used in clinical chemistry to determine the concentrations of different analytes in the blood of a patient. In particular embodiments, the invention can be used to determine, for example, the blood glucose level of a patient, the level of lactose in the blood, and the level of carbon monoxide in the blood in rapid succession. In these modalities, one or more tests will require one or more different types of test strips, which, in turn, require different test functionalities to be used by the measuring device with the different types of test strips. Of course, more than one test can be carried out with a single test strip. Because each type of test strip of the present invention has an indicator that selects the correct test functionality, no human intervention is required to select the correct test functionality for the various tests. In other embodiments, the invention can be used in control of chemical processes to ensure that the concentrations of various reagents or products, or other chemical reaction parameters such as pH or salinity, are within certain tolerances previously defined in various stages of the process. process. In other embodiments, the invention can be used in environmental tests. In particular embodiments, the invention can be used to test the water quality. In another embodiment, the invention can be used to detect the presence and amount of various contaminants such as sulfuric acid in rainwater. In other modalities, the invention can be used to detect the presence and quantity of various contaminants in oceans, lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. In still other embodiments, the invention can be used to measure the amounts of certain analytes such as chlorine in a pool. EXAMPLES Differentiation of two types of test strips In one embodiment, the multiple chemistry measuring device is capable of performing two separate electrochemical assays to measure two different analytes, eg, glucose and lactate, present in a blood sample. In accordance with the above, the multiple chemistry test port is capable of recognizing two different types of test strips. The first type of test strip is capable of testing glucose and has glucose oxidase incorporated into its working electrode. The second type of test strip is capable of testing lactate and has lactate dehydrogenase incorporated into its working electrode. Each type of test strip requires a single electrochemical protocol that can not be used on another type of test strip. The multiple chemistry test port has two electrical conductive indicator contacts that contact the lower major surface of the test strip when the test strip is releasably engaged in the test port. The test strip is elongated and has a larger upper surface and a larger lower surface. The test strip for testing lactate has an indicator comprising a pattern made of an electrically conductive ink printed on the lower major surface of the test strip. When a test strip for testing lactate is releasably engaged in the multiple chemistry test port, the electrically conductive indicator closes a circuit between two electrically conductive indicator contacts, causing the multiple chemistry measuring device to perform an electrochemical test to lactate Conversely, the test strip for testing glucose does not have an electrically conductive indicator capable of closing the circuit so that, when a test strip for testing glucose is releasably engaged in the multiple chemistry test port, the circuit between the two contacts electrically conductive indicators remains open. When the circuit between the electrically conductive indicating contacts of the multiple chemistry test port remains open, the multiple chemistry measuring device performs an electrochemical test for the glucose. Differentiation of five types of test strips In the previous example, a test port is shown that has two electrically conductive pins enabled for the recognition of two alternative types has three electrically conductive pins that come into contact with the printed pattern of the surface of the test strip when the test strip is releasably attached to the test port. The possible configurations of the printed pattern are illustrated in Figure 1. In configuration A, there is no electrically conductive material present, and the indicator is "null". In this way, none of the circuits between the pins is closed when the test strip is hooked into the test port. In configuration B, the electrically conductive indicator pattern cuts pins 1 and 2, whereby the circuit between these pins is closed. In configuration C, the electrically conductive indicator pattern cuts pins 1 and 3, thereby closing the circuit between these pins. In configuration D the electrically conductive indicator pattern cuts pins 2 and 3, thereby closing the circuit between these pins. Finally, the E configuration, the circuits between the three pins is closed. In general, a test port with N electrically conductive pins can recognize 2N-N different configurations or indicators. Figure 4 represents a cross section of a side view of a test port 400 engaged with a test strip 420 having electrically conductive indicators. The test port 400 includes electrically conductive plugs 440 that are brought into electrical communication with the lower major surface of the test strip 420 when the test strip 420 is releasably engaged in the test port 400. The test port 400 it also includes test electrodes 460 which are brought into electrical communication with the larger upper surface of the test strip 420 when the test strip 420 is releasably engaged in the test port 400. Mechanically detectable indicator patterns In this example, the test strip is elongated and has a larger upper surface and a larger lower surface. The test strip contains an indicator comprising zero or more projections on the lower major surface thereof. The projection (s), if any, are mechanically latched at least with a claw in the test port. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a-2d, the indicator pattern is determined by the presence or absence of projections at two specific locations. After insertion of the test strip into the test port, the projection or projections are mechanically latched with a sensor comprising two pins. In Figure 2a, the indicator comprises two projections, which displace both pins. In Figure 2b, the indicator comprises only a first projection, with the second projection absent, resulting in only the first pin being displaced. In Figure 2c, the indicator comprises only a second projection, with the first projection absent, resulting in only the second pin moving. In Figure 2d, both projections are absent and no pegs move after insertion into the test strip in the test port. In general, a test port that can detect projections or depressions at N points can recognize 2N different indicators. Figure 5 shows a cross section of a side view of a test port 500 engaged with a test strip 520 having electrically conductive indicators. The test port 500 includes flexible plugs 540 which can be biased in electrical communication with relatively static plugs 580 by a pointer 522 on the lower major surface of | the test strip 520 when the test strip 520 is releasably engaged in the test port 500. The test port 500 also includes test electrodes 560 | which are put into electrical communication with the uppermost surface of the test strip 520 when the test strip 520 is releasably engaged in the test port 500. Optically detectable indicator patterns As in the previous examples, the test strip is elongated and has a larger upper surface and a lower larger surface. A printed pattern is on the lower major surface of the test strip. In this example, the test port has two optical sensors capable of detecting the presence or absence of a pattern printed at two different places on the lower major surface of the test strip by measuring the absorbance and / or light reflectivity in these places. As illustrated in Figure 3, this example allows four (4) different configurations: (a) both places "off", (b) the first place "on" and the second place "off", (c) the first place "off" and the second place "on", and (d) both places "on". In general, a test port that can optically detect absorbance and / or reflectivity at N locations can recognize 2N different configurations or indicators. Indicators based on resistance As in the previous examples, the test strip is elongated and has a larger upper surface and a lower larger surface. An indicator is on the lower major surface of the test strip. In this example, the test port has two electrically conductive pins, which are bridged by the lower major surface of the test strip when the test strip is releasably engaged in the test port. The measuring device is able to measure the resistance through the pins. The measured resistance can be used to indicate the type of test strip that is being used. If the support material is not conductive, the lack of an additional indicator material can serve as a "null" indicator. In general, a test port that denies the resistance of arbitrarily recognizing a number large of different indicators. Test port is limited only by its ability to distinguish between degrees in resistance. Equivalents The invention can be presented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or the essential characteristics of the same. The foregoing modalities will therefore be considered in all illustrative aspects rather than limitations on the invention described herein. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated in the appended claims rather than in the above description, and all changes that will come within the meaning and range of equivalences of the claims therefore intends to be encompassed by it.

Claims (28)

1. CLAIMS i 1. A test strip for chemical analysis of a sample, adapted for use in combination with a measuring device that has a test port and capable of performing a multiplicity of functionalities of | test, said test strip comprises: (a) a support capable of releasably engaging with said test port; (b) at least one reaction area on the support for receiving the sample; and (c) an indicator capable of interacting with said test port to select at least one of the multiplicity of test functionalities of the measuring device. The test strip of claim 1, characterized in that the indicator comprises one or more electrically conductive indicator contacts capable of engaging at least two electrically conductive pins within the test port, whereby at least one of the multiplicity of test functionalities of the measuring device. 3. The test strip of claim 1, characterized in that the indicator comprises one or more electrically conductive indicator contacts capable of engaging at least two electrically conductive pins within the test port, thereby closing a circuit between at least two electrically conductive pins, whereby at least one of the multiplicity of test functionalities of the measuring device is selected. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises one or more projections on the support capable of mechanically engaging with one or more pins within the test port, whereby at least one of the multiplicity of the test functionalities of the measuring device. 5. The test strip of claim 4, wherein the projections displace one or more of the pins. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises one or more depressions on the support capable of mechanically hooking one or more pins into the test port, whereby at least one of the multiplicity of functionalities is selected. test of the measuring device. The test strip of claim 6, wherein one or more of the pins can be displaced in said depressions. The test strip of claim 6, wherein the depressions define one or more holes. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises an optically detectable pattern capable of signaling or being detected by an optical detector in the test port, whereby at least one of the multiplicity of functionalities of test of the measuring device. The test strip of claim 2, wherein the indicator contacts comprise a material selected from the group consisting of carbon, gold, | silver, platinum, nickel, palladium, titanium, copper, and lead. 11. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the material is a printed ink. 12. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the sample is a body fluid. The test strip of claim 1, characterized in that the clinical analysis comprises measuring in the sample the concentration of a compound selected from the group consisting of L-amino acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, urea, creatinine, xanthines, sarcosine, glucoate, pyruvate, lactate, fructosamine, methylamine, carbon monoxide, cholesterol, hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, microalbumin, high density lipoproteins, and low density lipoproteins. 14. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the compound is glucose. 15. The test strip of claim 1, wherein the reaction area comprises one or more reagents adsorbed on said support, the reagent being capable of reacting with a compound in the sample. 16. The test strip of the claim. fifteen, wherein the reagent is selected from the group consisting of glucose oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, peroxidase, and galactose oxidase. 17. The test strip of claim 1, further comprising a multiplicity of electrically conductive test contacts capable of transferring current between the reaction area and the measuring device. 18. The test strip of claim 17, wherein the test contacts comprise a material selected from the group consisting of carbon, gold, silver, platinum, nickel, palladium, titanium, copper and lead. 19. The test strip of claim 18, wherein the material is a printable ink. 20. The test strip of claim 17, wherein the test contacts are located on a | first larger surface of the test strip and the indicator contacts are located on a second larger surface of the test strip. 21. The test strip of claim 17, wherein the test contacts and the indicator contacts are located on the same surface of the test strip.] 22. A test port for use in a measuring device capable of performing a multiplicity of test functionalities and adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips, each of the types of test strips corresponding to at least one of the test functionalities, and at least some of the types of test strips that have indicators of the test functionality therein, the port comprising a sensor capable of interacting specifically with the indicators on the test strips, whereby at least one of the multiplicity of test functionalities corresponding to the test strip is selected. 23. The test port of claim 22, wherein the indicators are electrically conductive and the sensor comprises a multiplicity of electrically conductive pins. 24. The test port of claim 23, wherein at least two of the electrically conductive plugs can be bridged with the indicators, whereby an electrical circuit is closed. 25. The test port of claim 22, wherein the indicators comprise projections or depressions on the test strips and the sensor is a mechanical sensor. 26. The test port of claim 25, wherein at least a portion of the mechanical sensor can be physically moved by the indicators, whereby an electrical circuit is closed or an electrical circuit is opened. 27. The test port of claim 22, wherein the indicators are optically detectable and the sensor is an optical sensor. 28. A measuring device that has a multiplicity of test functionalities for chemical analysis, adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips, each of the types of test strips corresponds to. at least one of the test functionalities, and at least some of the types of test strips have indicators of the test functionality therein, the device comprising: (a) a test port comprising a sensor capable of interacting with the indicators on the test strips to select at least one of the multiplicity of test functionalities; and (b) a multiplicity of test circuits to specifically measure the reactions on the test strips corresponding to the multiplicity of test functionalities.