| abstract |
A system is provided which may be used for collecting and testing fluid samples at a patient point of care location. A disposable cartridge and collection device is provided for collecting a fluid sample directly into a cartridge containing testing mechanisms for immediate evaluation of the collected sample. The cartridge contains an array of electrical contacts, electrochemical sensors and circuitry configured to electrically couple with a hand-held analytical device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a stand-alone computer workstation, which controls the testing of the fluid sample within the cartridge and provides a rapid indication of test results at the point of care. |