| abstract |
A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as, for example, ALT, in a sample of biological fluid, such as, for example, whole blood, comprising: (a) a base layer; (b) a detecting layer comprising a reference electrode and a working electrode, the surface of the electrically conductive portion of the working electrode being sufficiently smooth so that determination of the concentration of an analyte present in a low concentration, e.g. less than 1 mM, can be made; (c) a layer overlying said electrodes, said layer comprising dried reagents; and (d) an anticoagulant disposed in such a location that it will prevent the sample from coagulating during the determination. The biosensor preferably further includes a fluid-transporting layer to aid in delivering the sample from a sample application zone to the electrodes. The biosensor preferably further includes a covering layer overlying the electrode area to reduce evaporation of the sample during the assay and to help define the fluid transport path and the volume of fluid over the detecting layer. |