U.S. patent application number 15/014826 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for method for measuring blood components and biosensor and measuring instrument for use therein.
The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Masaki FUJIWARA, Shin IKEDA, Teppei SHINNO.
Application Number | 20160178557 15/014826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35197096 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160178557 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUJIWARA; Masaki ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
METHOD FOR MEASURING BLOOD COMPONENTS AND BIOSENSOR AND MEASURING
INSTRUMENT FOR USE THEREIN
Abstract
The present invention provides a method of measuring a component
in blood, by which the amounts of blood cells and an interfering
substance can be measured with high accuracy and high reliability
and the amount of the component can be corrected accurately based
on the amounts of the blood cells and the interfering substance. In
a sensor for measuring a blood component, a first working electrode
13 measures a current that flows during a redox reaction of a blood
component, a second working electrode 17 measures the amount of
blood cells, and a third working electrode 12 measures the amount
of an interfering substance. Next, based on the measurement
results, the amount of the blood component to be measured is
corrected. Thus, more accurate and precise measurement of the
amount of the blood component can be realized.
Inventors: |
FUJIWARA; Masaki; (Ehime,
JP) ; SHINNO; Teppei; (Ehime, JP) ; IKEDA;
Shin; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
35197096 |
Appl. No.: |
15/014826 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13956910 |
Aug 1, 2013 |
9285335 |
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15014826 |
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13094356 |
Apr 26, 2011 |
8524055 |
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13956910 |
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10598001 |
Aug 15, 2006 |
7955492 |
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PCT/JP2005/007404 |
Apr 18, 2005 |
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13094356 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
205/777.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 27/3272 20130101;
C12Q 1/006 20130101; G01N 33/49 20130101; G01N 27/3277 20130101;
A61B 5/1486 20130101; G01N 27/413 20130101; A61B 5/14546 20130101;
C12Q 1/004 20130101; G01N 27/3274 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 27/327 20060101
G01N027/327; C12Q 1/00 20060101 C12Q001/00; G01N 33/49 20060101
G01N033/49; G01N 27/413 20060101 G01N027/413 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 2004 |
JP |
2004-123220 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A method of determining an amount of a component in blood using
a biosensor comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a
reagent layer comprising a mediator and an oxidoreductase, said
reagent layer being disposed on the second electrode; the method
comprising: applying a first voltage to the first electrode and a
second voltage to the second electrode, wherein the second
electrode has a polarity; detecting a first current value generated
by the application of the first voltage and the second voltage;
changing the polarity of the first electrode to the opposite
polarity; detecting a second current value and a third current
value generated following the changing step; and calculating an
amount of the component using the first current value, the second
current value and the third current value.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first voltage and the
second voltage are respectively applied to the first electrode and
the second electrode such that the first electrode acts as a
working electrode and the second electrode acts as a counter
electrode.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the second electrode has a
negative polarity.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein changing the polarity of the
first electrode comprises applying a third voltage to the first
electrode such that the first electrode acts as a counter
electrode.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first electrode has a
negative polarity.
31. The method of claim 26, wherein the reagent layer is not
disposed on the first electrode.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein the first voltage and the
second voltage are applied for a time of 0.01 to 10 seconds.
33. The method of claim 29, wherein the third voltage is applied
for a time of 0.01 to 10 seconds.
34. The method of claim 26, wherein the amount of the component is
calculated taking into account the amount of hematocrit present in
the blood.
35. A method of determining an amount of a component in blood using
a biosensor comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a
reagent layer comprising a mediator and an oxidoreductase, said
reagent layer being disposed on the second electrode; the method
comprising: applying a first voltage to the first electrode,
wherein the first electrode has a polarity; detecting a first
current value generated by the application of the first voltage;
changing the polarity of the first electrode to the opposite
polarity; detecting a second current value and a third current
value generated following the changing step; and calculating an
amount of the component using the first current value, the second
current value and the third current value.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first electrode acts as a
working electrode when the first voltage is applied to the first
electrode.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the first electrode has a
positive polarity.
38. The method of claim 35, wherein changing the polarity of the
first electrode comprises applying a second voltage to the first
electrode such that the first electrode acts as a counter
electrode.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first electrode has a
negative polarity.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein the first voltage is applied
for a time of 0.01 to 10 seconds.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein the second voltage is applied
for a time of 0.01 to 10 seconds.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of measuring a
blood component and to a biosensor and a measuring device used in
the method.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, sensors for measuring a blood component have
been used for clinical tests, self-measurement of blood glucose
level by diabetics, etc. The configuration of the sensor for
measuring a blood component is such that, for example, a cover is
disposed on an insulating substrate having a working electrode and
a counter electrode on its surface with a spacer intervening
between the cover and the insulating substrate. On the working
electrode and the counter electrode, a reagent containing an
oxidoreductase, a mediator (an electron carrier), and the like is
provided, thereby forming an analysis portion. The analysis portion
communicates with one end of a channel for leading blood to the
analysis portion. The other end of the channel is open toward the
outside of the sensor so as to serve as a blood supply port. Blood
component analysis (e.g., analysis of blood glucose level) using
the sensor configured as above is carried out in the following
manner, for example. First, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). Then, a fingertip or the like is
punctured with a lancet to cause bleeding, and the blood supply
port of the sensor is brought into contact with the blood that has
come out. The blood is drawn into the channel of the sensor by
capillary action and flows through the channel to be led to the
analysis portion where the blood comes into contact with the
reagent. Then, a redox reaction occurs between a component in the
blood and the oxidoreductase so that electrons move to the
electrodes via the mediator. A current caused to flow at this time
is detected, and the measuring device converts the detected current
into the amount of the blood component and displays the value
obtained by the conversion.
[0003] However, the sensor response of an electrochemical blood
glucose sensor as described above may be affected by an interfering
substance such as an easily oxidizable compound (e.g., ascorbic
acid or uric acid) and the amount of blood cells/hematocrit (Hct).
Thus, in order to obtain an accurate measured value, it is
necessary to quantitate the interfering substance, the blood cells,
or both the interfering substance and the blood cells and then
correct the amount of the blood component (e.g., the blood glucose
level) based on the value(s) obtained by the quantitation. For
example, there has been a sensor that corrects the amount of a
blood component by measuring the amount of blood cells by the use
of two working electrodes and one reference electrode (see Patent
Document 1). Other than this, there has been a method in which the
amount of blood cells is measured using a mediator (see Patent
Document 2). Also, there has been a method in which an interfering
substance is quantitated using an interfering substance-detecting
electrode (see Patent Document 3). However, the conventional
techniques have a problem concerning the accuracy and the
reliability of the measured amounts of the blood cells and the
interfering substance so that the amount of the blood component
cannot be corrected sufficiently.
[Patent Document 1] JP 2003-501627 A
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 3369183
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 3267933
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a method of measuring a blood component, by
which the amount of a blood component can be corrected accurately
by measuring the amount of blood cells and the amount of an
interfering substance with high accuracy and high reliability and
also to provide a sensor and a measuring device used in the
method.
Means for Solving Problem
[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
provides a method of measuring a component in blood, including the
steps of: measuring a component in blood by causing a redox
reaction between the component and an oxidoreductase in the
presence of a mediator, detecting a redox current caused by the
redox reaction with a first electrode system including a working
electrode and a counter electrode, and converting a value of the
detected current into an amount of the component; correcting the
amount of the component using an amount of blood cells contained in
the blood; and correcting the amount of the component using an
amount of an interfering substance contained in the blood. The
correction step using the amount of the blood cells includes:
providing a second electrode system including a working electrode
and a counter electrode; providing a mediator on the counter
electrode of the second electrode system but not on the working
electrode of the second electrode system; supplying the blood to
the second electrode system; applying a voltage to the second
electrode system in this state to cause a redox current to flow
through the second electrode system; detecting the redox current;
converting a value of the detected redox current into the amount of
the blood cells; and correcting the amount of the component based
on the amount of the blood cells. The correction step using the
amount of the interfering substance includes: providing a third
electrode system including a working electrode and a counter
electrode; supplying the blood to the third electrode system;
applying a voltage to the third electrode system in this state to
cause a redox current to flow through the third electrode system;
detecting the redox current; converting a value of the detected
redox current into the amount of the interfering substance; and
correcting the amount of the component based on the amount of the
interfering substance.
[0006] Furthermore, the present invention provides a biosensor for
measuring a component in blood by causing a redox reaction of the
component and detecting a redox current caused by the redox
reaction with an electrode. The biosensor includes: a first
analysis portion including a first electrode system on which at
least an oxidoreductase that acts upon the component and a mediator
are provided; a second analysis portion including a second
electrode system that includes a working electrode and a counter
electrode, a mediator being provided on the counter electrode but
not on the working electrode; and a third analysis portion
including a third electrode system that includes a working
electrode and a counter electrode. In the first analysis portion,
the component in the blood is measured by causing a redox reaction
between the component and the oxidoreductase in the presence of the
mediator and detecting with the first electrode system a redox
current caused to flow when a voltage is applied. In the second
analysis portion, an amount of blood cells contained in the blood
is measured by supplying the blood to the second electrode system,
applying a voltage to the second electrode system in this state to
cause a redox current to flow through the second electrode system,
and detecting the redox current. In the third analysis portion, an
amount of an interfering substance contained in the blood is
measured by supplying the blood to the third electrode system,
applying a voltage to the third electrode system in this state to
cause a current to flow through the third electrode system, and
detecting the current.
[0007] Still further, the present invention provides a measuring
device for measuring a component in blood using the above-described
biosensor. The measuring device includes: measurement means for
measuring a component in blood by causing a redox reaction between
the component and the oxidoreductase, detecting a redox current
caused by the redox reaction with the first electrode system, and
converting the detected current into an amount of the component;
correction means for correcting the amount of the component using
an amount of blood cells contained in the blood; and correction
means for correcting the amount of the component using an amount of
an interfering substance contained in the blood. The correction
means using the amount of the blood cells uses the second electrode
system for measuring the amount of the blood cells and carries out
the correction by applying a voltage to the second electrode system
in the presence of the blood to cause a current to flow, detecting
the current, converting a value of the detected current into the
amount of the blood cells, and correcting the amount of the
component based on the amount of the blood cells. The correction
means using the amount of the interfering substance uses the third
electrode system for measuring the amount of the interfering
substance and carries out the correction by applying a voltage to
the third electrode system in the presence of the blood to cause a
current to flow, detecting the current, converting a value of the
detected current into the amount of the interfering substance, and
correcting the amount of the components based on the amount of the
interfering substance.
Effects of the Invention
[0008] As described above, in the measurement of a blood component,
the amount of blood cells and the amount of an interfering
substance can be measured with high accuracy by providing a
plurality of working electrodes and measuring the amount of the
blood component using one of the working electrodes and the amount
of the blood cells and the amount of the interfering substance
using the other working electrodes. As a result, the correction of
the amount of the blood component using the amounts of the blood
cells and the interfering substance can be performed with high
accuracy and high reliability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of
a sensor according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the sensor shown in FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sensor shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another example of
a sensor according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the sensor shown in FIG.
4.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the sensor shown in FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view of still another example of a sensor
according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing still another
example of a sensor according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the sensor shown in FIG.
8.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the sensor shown in FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a plan view of still another example of a sensor
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of the result of
measurement of a response current for determining the amount of an
interfering substance.
[0021] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are graphs showing examples of the
result of measurement of a response current for determining the
amount of blood cells. FIG. 13A is a graph showing changes in
response current (.mu.A) over time during application of a voltage
(V), and FIG. 13B is a graph showing changes in difference in
sensitivity (%) over time during the application of the voltage
(V).
[0022] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are graphs showing additional examples
of the result of measurement of a response current for determining
the amount of blood cells. FIG. 14A is a graph showing changes in
response current (.mu.A) over time during application of a voltage
(V), and FIG. 14B is a graph showing changes in difference in
sensitivity (%) over time during the application of the voltage
(V).
[0023] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are graphs showing additional examples
of the result of measurement of a response current for determining
the amount of blood cells. FIG. 15A is a graph showing changes in
response current (.mu.A) over time during application of a voltage
(V), and FIG. 15B is a graph showing changes in difference in
sensitivity (%) over time during the application of the voltage
(V).
[0024] FIGS. 16A and 16B are graphs showing additional examples of
the result of measurement of a response current for determining the
amount of blood cells. FIG. 16A is a graph showing changes in
response current (.mu.A) over time during application of a voltage
(V), and FIG. 16B is a graph showing changes in difference in
sensitivity (%) over time during the application of the voltage
(V).
[0025] FIGS. 17A and 17B are graphs showing additional examples of
the result of measurement of a response current for determining the
amount of blood cells. FIG. 17A is a graph showing changes in
response current (.mu.A) over time during application of a voltage
(V), and FIG. 17B is a graph showing changes in difference in
sensitivity (%) over time during the application of the voltage
(V).
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0026] 11 second counter electrode [0027] 12, 32, 52 third working
electrode [0028] 13, 33, 53 first working electrode [0029] 14, 34,
54 liquid detecting electrode [0030] 15, 35, 55 first counter
electrode [0031] 16, 36 third counter electrode [0032] 17, 37, 57
second working electrode [0033] 18, 19, 20, 39, 40, 60 round slit
portion [0034] 21 second reagent layer [0035] 22, 42 third reagent
layer [0036] 23, 43, 63 first reagent layer [0037] 24, 44, 64
channel [0038] 25, 45, 65 air hole [0039] 101, 301, 501 insulating
substrate [0040] 102, 302, 502 spacer [0041] 103, 303, 503
cover
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] In the present invention, the correction based on the amount
of the blood cells preferably is carried out using at least one of
a calibration curve and a calibration table that have been prepared
previously for showing the relationship between an amount of the
blood cells and an amount of the blood component. Furthermore, in
the present invention, the correction based on the amount of the
interfering substance preferably is carried out using at least one
of a calibration curve and a calibration table that have been
prepared previously for showing the relationship between an amount
of the interfering substance and an amount of the blood
component.
[0043] In the present invention, it is preferable that, in the
third electrode system, a mediator is provided at least on the
counter electrode.
[0044] In the present invention, at least one electrode selected
from the working electrodes and the counter electrodes of the first
electrode system, the second electrode system, and the third
electrode system may serve also as any of the other electrodes. In
the method of measuring a blood component according to the present
invention, an electrode that is used as a working electrode in a
certain step may be used as a counter electrode in another step,
and vice versa.
[0045] In the present invention, the order of measuring the amount
of the blood component, the amount of the blood cells, and the
amount of the interfering substance is not particularly limited,
but it is preferable that the amount of the blood cells is measured
last. Either of the amount of the blood component or the amount of
the interfering substance may be measured first, or they may be
measured at the same time.
[0046] In the present invention, it is preferable that a voltage
for pretreating the third electrode system is applied to the third
electrode system before measuring the amount of the interfering
substance. By this pretreatment, the surface of the third electrode
system is cleaned, so that the amount of the interfering substance
and the amount of the blood cells can be measured more
accurately.
[0047] In the present invention, the voltage applied to the working
electrode of the third electrode system to perform the pretreatment
preferably is in the range from 0.01 to 1 V relative to the counter
electrode of the third electrode system.
[0048] In the present invention, the voltage applied to the working
electrode of the third electrode system to measure the amount of
the interfering substance preferably is in the range from 0.01 to 1
V and more preferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.5 V relative to
the counter electrode of the third electrode system.
[0049] In the present invention, the voltage applied to the working
electrode of the second electrode system to measure the amount of
the blood cells preferably is at least 1 V, more preferably in the
range from 1 to 10 V, and still more preferably in the range from 1
to 5 V relative to the counter electrode of the second electrode
system.
[0050] In the present invention, the blood component to be measured
is, for example, glucose, lactic acid, uric acid, bilirubin,
cholesterol, or the like. Furthermore, the oxidoreductase is
selected as appropriate depending on the blood component to be
measured. Examples of the oxidoreductase include glucose oxidase,
lactate oxidase, cholesterol oxidase, bilirubin oxidase, glucose
dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase. The amount of the
oxidoreductase is, for example, 0.01 to 100 U, preferably 0.05 to
10 U, and more preferably 0.1 to 5 U per one sensor or one
measurement. When the blood component to be measured is glucose,
the oxidoreductase to be used preferably is glucose oxidase or
glucose dehydrogenase.
[0051] Preferably, the biosensor according to the present invention
is configured so that it further includes a channel for leading
blood to the biosensor, and the working electrode of the second
analysis portion or the third analysis portion is located furthest
upstream and the remaining electrodes are located downstream with
respect to flow of the blood supplied from one end of the
channel.
[0052] In the biosensor according to the present invention, it is
preferable that the first analysis portion is located furthest
downstream in the channel.
[0053] In the biosensor according to the present invention, it is
not always necessary to provide a mediator on the working electrode
of the third electrode system. When the mediator is not provided on
the working electrode of the third electrode system, the second
electrode system and the third electrode system may share the same
working electrode. Also, in this case, either one or a combination
of the electrodes of the first electrode system may be shared with
at least one of the second electrode system and the third electrode
system as the counter electrode.
[0054] In the biosensor according to the present invention, the
second electrode system and the third electrode system may share an
electrode, which is used as the counter electrode in the second
electrode system and as the working electrode in the third
electrode system.
[0055] In the biosensor according to the present invention, the
mediator may be provided on the working electrode of the third
electrode system, and in this case, the second electrode system and
the third electrode system may share an electrode, which is used as
the working electrode in the third electrode system and as the
counter electrode in the second electrode system, and the third
electrode system and the first electrode system may share the same
counter electrode.
[0056] Preferably, the biosensor according to the present invention
is configured so that it further includes a liquid detecting
electrode, and the liquid detecting electrode is located downstream
from at least one of the analysis portions so that whether or not
the blood is supplied to the at least one of the analysis portions
can be detected with the liquid detecting electrode. The liquid
detecting electrode can prevent the occurrence of measurement error
due to the lack of blood supplied to the biosensor, so that more
accurate measurement of the amount of the blood component becomes
possible. Note here that at least one of the working electrodes and
the counter electrodes of the first electrode system, the second
electrode system, and the third electrode system may serve also as
the liquid detecting electrode. Furthermore, it is preferable that
the measuring device according to the present invention further
includes detection means that detects whether or not the blood is
supplied inside the biosensor with the liquid detecting
electrode.
[0057] In the present invention, a mediator may be used. There is
no particular limitation regarding the mediator to be used.
Examples of the mediator include ferricyanides, p-benzoquinone,
p-benzoquinone derivatives, phenazine methosulfate, methylene blue,
ferrocene, and ferrocene derivatives. Among these, ferricyanides
are preferable, and potassium ferricyanide is more preferable. The
amount of the mediator to be blended is not particularly limited,
but is, for example, 0.1 to 1000 mM, preferably 1 to 500 mM, and
more preferably 10 to 200 mM per one measurement or one sensor.
[0058] In the present invention, each of the electrodes preferably
is coated with a polymeric material in order to prevent adhesion of
impurities, oxidation of the electrode, and the like. Examples of
the polymeric material include carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC),
hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose,
ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl
cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyamino acid
such as polylysine, polystyrene sulfonate, gelatin and derivatives
thereof, polyacrylic acid and salts thereof, polymethacrylic acid
and salts thereof, starch and derivatives thereof, maleic anhydride
polymer and salts thereof, and agarose gel and derivatives thereof.
They may be used individually or two or more of them may be used
together. The method of coating the electrode with a polymeric
material is not particularly limited. For example, the coating can
be achieved by providing a polymeric material solution, applying
the solution to the electrode surface, and then removing a solvent
contained in the coating layer of the solution by drying.
[0059] Hereinafter, examples of a sensor for measuring a blood
component and the like according to the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
EXAMPLE 1
[0060] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show one example of a sensor for measuring
a blood component according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an
exploded perspective view of the sensor, FIG. 2 is a sectional view
of the sensor, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sensor. In these
three drawings, the same components are given the same reference
numerals.
[0061] As shown in the drawings, in this sensor, a first electrode
system including a first working electrode 13 and a first counter
electrode 15, a second electrode system including a second working
electrode 17 and a second counter electrode 11, a third electrode
system including a third working electrode 12 and a third counter
electrode 16, and a liquid detecting electrode 14 are formed on an
insulating substrate 101. A first reagent layer 23 is provided on
the first electrode system, a second reagent layer 21 is provided
on the second counter electrode 11, and a third reagent layer 22 is
provided on the third electrode system. The first reagent layer 23
contains an oxidoreductase such as glucose dehydrogenase and a
mediator such as potassium ferricyanide and optionally contains an
enzyme stabilizer, a crystal homogenizing agent, and the like. Each
of the second reagent layer 21 and the third reagent layer 22
contains a mediator such as potassium ferricyanide and optionally
contains an enzyme stabilizer, a crystal homogenizing agent, and
the like. A cover 103 is disposed on the insulating substrate 101
so as to cover an entire area excluding one end portion (the end
portion on the right in the drawings) with a spacer 102 intervening
therebetween. In this sensor, the insulating substrate 101, the
spacer 102, and the cover 103 form a channel 24 for leading blood
to the respective electrodes (11 to 17). The channel 24 extends to
the other end portion (the end portion on the left in the drawings)
of the sensor, and the tip of the channel 24 is open toward the
outside of the sensor so as to serve as a blood supply port. The
seven electrodes (11 to 17) are connected to leads, respectively.
These leads extend to the above-described one end portion (the end
portion on the right in the drawings) of the sensor with the tip of
each lead not being covered with the cover but being exposed. The
cover 103 has an air hole 25 at a portion corresponding to the
right end portion of the channel 24.
[0062] In the present invention, the material of the insulating
substrate is not particularly limited, and may be, for example,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide
(PI), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), monomer-cast
nylon (MC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a methacrylic resin
(PMMA), an ABS resin (ABS), or glass. Among these, polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and polyimide (PI) are
preferable, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is more
preferable. The size of the insulating substrate is not
particularly limited. For example, the insulating substrate may
have an overall length of 5 to 100 mm, a width of 2 to 50 mm, and a
thickness of 0.05 to 2 mm; preferably an overall length of 7 to 50
mm, a width of 3 to 20 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 1 mm; and more
preferably an overall length of 10 to 30 mm, a width of 3 to 10 mm,
and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.6 mm. Note here that the above
description as to the material and the size of the insulating
substrate also applies to Examples 2 to 6 to be described
later.
[0063] The electrodes and the leads on the insulating substrate may
be formed by, for example, forming a conductive layer with gold,
platinum, palladium, or the like by sputtering or vapor deposition
and then processing the conductive layer into a particular
electrode pattern with a laser. Examples of the laser include YAG
lasers, CO.sub.2 lasers, and excimer lasers. Note here that this
also applies to Examples 2 to 6 to be described later.
[0064] The first reagent layer 23 is formed in the following
manner. For example, an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 5
U/sensor of glucose dehydrogenase, 10 to 200 mM of potassium
ferricyanide, 1 to 50 mM of maltitol, and 20 to 200 mM of taurine
is dropped on a round slit portion 20 and then is dried. By
providing this slit portion 20, it becomes possible to suppress the
spreading of the droplet of the aqueous solution, thereby allowing
the first reagent layer 23 to be provided at a desired position
more accurately. In this manner, the first reagent layer 23 is
formed on the first working electrode 13 and the first counter
electrode 15. The drying may be natural drying or forced drying
using warm air, for example. However, if the temperature of the
warm air is too high, there is a possibility that the enzyme
contained in the solution might be deactivated. Thus, the
temperature of the warm air preferably is around 50.degree. C.
[0065] The second reagent layer 21 is formed in the following
manner. For example, an aqueous solution containing 10 to 200 mM of
potassium ferricyanide and 20 to 200 mM of taurine is dropped on a
round slit portion 18 and then is dried. By providing this slit
portion 18, it becomes possible to suppress the spreading of the
droplet of the aqueous solution, thereby allowing the second
reagent layer 21 to be provided at a desired position more
accurately. In this manner, the second reagent layer 21 is formed
on the second counter electrode 11.
[0066] The third reagent layer 22 is formed in the following
manner. For example, an aqueous solution containing 10 to 200 mM of
potassium ferricyanide and 20 to 200 mM of taurine is dropped on a
round slit portion 19 and then is dried. By providing this slit
portion 19, it becomes possible to suppress the spreading of the
droplet of the aqueous solution, thereby allowing the third reagent
layer 22 to be provided at a desired position more accurately. In
this manner, the third reagent layer 22 is formed on the third
working electrode 12 and the third counter electrode 16.
[0067] In the present invention, the material of the spacer is not
particularly limited. For example, the same material as that of the
insulating substrate can be used. The size of the spacer also is
not particularly limited. For example, the spacer may have an
overall length of 5 to 100 mm, a width of 2 to 50 mm, and a
thickness of 0.01 to 1 mm; preferably an overall length of 7 to 50
mm, a width of 3 to 20 mm, and a thickness 0.05 to 0.5 mm; and more
preferably an overall length of 10 to 30 mm, a width of 3 to 10 mm,
and a thickness of 0.05 to 0.25 mm. The spacer has an I-shaped
cut-away portion that serves as the channel for leading blood. The
cut-away portion may have, for example, an overall length of 0.5 to
8 mm and a width of 0.1 to 5 mm; preferably an overall length of 1
to 10 mm and a width of 0.2 to 3 mm; and more preferably an overall
length of 1 to 5 mm and a width of 0.5 to 2 mm. The cut-away
portion may be formed, for instance, by using a laser, a drill, or
the like, or by forming the spacer using a die that can form the
spacer provided with the cut-away portion. Note here that the above
description as to the material and the size of the spacer and the
cut-away portion also applies to Examples 2 to 6 to be described
later.
[0068] In the present invention, the material of the cover is not
particularly limited. For example, the same material as that of the
insulating substrate can be used. It is more preferable that a
portion of the cover corresponding to the ceiling of the channel
for leading blood to the sensor is subjected to a treatment for
imparting hydrophilicity. The treatment for imparting
hydrophilicity may be carried out by, for example, applying a
surfactant or introducing a hydrophilic functional group such as a
hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, or a carboxyl group to the
surface of the cover by plasma processing or the like. Furthermore,
a layer formed of a surfactant such as lecithin may be formed on
the reagent layer. The size of the cover is not particularly
limited. For example, the cover may have an overall length of 5 to
100 mm, a width of 3 to 50 mm, and a thickness of 0.01 to 0.5 mm;
preferably an overall length of 10 to 50 mm, a width of 3 to 20 mm,
and a thickness of 0.05 to 0.25 mm; and more preferably an overall
length of 15 to 30 mm, a width of 5 to 10 mm, and a thickness of
0.05 to 0.1 mm. The cover preferably has an air hole, and the shape
of the air hole may be, for example, circular, oval, polygonal, or
the like, and the maximum diameter thereof may be, for example,
0.01 to 10 mm, preferably 0.05 to 5 mm, and more preferably 0.1 to
2 mm. The air hole may be formed, for instance, by perforating the
cover with a laser, a drill, or the like, or by forming the cover
using a die that can form the cover provided with the air hole.
Note here that the above description as to the material and the
size of the cover and the air hole also applies to Examples 2 to 6
to be described later.
[0069] By laminating the insulating substrate, the spacer, and the
cover in this order and integrating them, the sensor can be
obtained. The integration can be achieved by adhering these three
components with an adhesive or through heat-sealing. As the
adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, a polyurethane
adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive (a hot melt adhesive or the
like), a UV curable adhesive, or the like can be used, for example.
Note here that this also applies to Examples 2 to 6 to be described
later.
[0070] Measurement of a blood glucose level using this sensor can
be carried out in the following manner, for example. First, a
fingertip or the like is punctured with a dedicated lancet to cause
bleeding. On the other hand, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). The blood supply port of the sensor set
in the measuring device is brought into contact with the blood that
has come out, so that the blood is led inside the sensor by
capillary action. Then, the sensor analyzes the blood according to
the following steps.
[0071] (Step 1: Detecting Specimen (Blood))
[0072] The supply of blood to the sensor is detected by applying a
voltage between the first counter electrode 15 and the liquid
detecting electrode 14. It is to be noted here that the combination
of the electrodes used for the blood supply detection is by no
means limited to the above combination. After the supply of the
blood has been confirmed, the subsequent step is started. The
voltage applied in Step 1 is, for example, 0.05 to 1.0 V,
preferably 0.1 to 0.8 V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V.
[0073] (Step 2: Measuring Glucose)
[0074] After allowing glucose in the blood to react with an
oxidoreductase for a certain period of time, a voltage is applied
to the first working electrode 13. In this step, the first working
electrode 13 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 15 is used as a counter electrode. A reduced mediator
generated on the first working electrode 13 through the enzyme
reaction is oxidized, and the oxidation current caused at this time
is detected. The glucose is allowed to react with the
oxidoreductase for, for example, 0 to 60 seconds, preferably 1 to
30 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 10 seconds. In Step 2, the
voltage applied is, for example, 0.05 to 1 V, preferably 0.1 to 0.8
V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application
time is, for example, 0.01 to 30 seconds, preferably 0.1 to 10
seconds, and more preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0075] (Step 3: Measuring Amount of Interfering Substance)
[0076] By applying a voltage to the third working electrode 12, a
current caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the
interfering substance is detected. In this step, the third working
electrode 12 is used as a working electrode and the third counter
electrode 16 is used as a counter electrode. The amount of the
interfering substance is determined based on the result of this
detection. The amount of the interfering substance is used for the
correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this correction,
the amount of the interfering substance determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between a current and an amount of the interfering substance may be
used or alternatively the detected current may be used as it is. In
Step 3, the voltage applied is, for example, 0.01 to 1 V and
preferably 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application time is, for
example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and
more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. In the present example, both the
working electrode and the counter electrode of the third electrode
system are provided with the mediator. Accordingly, a current
caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the interfering
substance is large, so that the amount of the interfering substance
can be measured more accurately.
[0077] (Step 4: Measuring Amount of Blood Cells)
[0078] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 17, an
electrolytic current depending on the amount of the blood cells can
be detected. In this step, the second working electrode 17 is used
as a working electrode and the second counter electrode 11 is used
as a counter electrode. The amount of the blood cells is determined
based on the result of this detection. The amount of the blood
cells is used for the correction in the measurement of the glucose.
In this correction, the amount of the blood cells determined using
a previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between an electrolytic current and an amount of the blood cells
may be used or alternatively the detected electrolytic current may
be used as it is. In Step 4, the voltage applied is, for example, 1
to 10 V, preferably 1 to 5 V, and more preferably 2 to 3 V, and the
voltage application time is, for example, 0.001 to 60 seconds,
preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 5
seconds.
[0079] (Step 5: Correcting Amount of Blood Component)
[0080] The amount of the glucose obtained in Step 2 is corrected
using the amount of the interfering substance measured in Step 3
and the amount of the blood cells measured in Step 4. Preferably,
the correction is carried out based on a calibration curve
(including a calibration table) prepared previously. The corrected
amount of the glucose is displayed on or stored in the measuring
device.
EXAMPLE 2
[0081] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show another example of a sensor for
measuring a blood component according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor, FIG. 5 is a
sectional view of the sensor, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the
sensor. In these three drawings, the same components are given the
same reference numerals. In the sensor according to the present
example, either one or the combination of the electrodes of the
first or third electrode system serves as the counter electrode of
the second electrode system of the sensor according to Example 1.
Through the shared use of the electrode as described above, it is
possible to make the channel for leading blood to the sensor
shorter, thereby allowing the amount of blood required as a
specimen to be reduced. Moreover, through the shared use of the
electrode, the number of the reagent layers can be reduced to
two.
[0082] As shown in the drawings, in this sensor, a first electrode
system including a first working electrode 33 and a first counter
electrode 35, a second working electrode 37, a third electrode
system including a third working electrode 32 and a third counter
electrode 36, and a liquid detecting electrode 34 are formed on an
insulating substrate 301. A first reagent layer 43 is provided on
the first electrode system, and a third reagent layer 42 is
provided on the third electrode system. The first reagent layer 43
contains an oxidoreductase such as glucose dehydrogenase and a
mediator such as potassium ferricyanide and optionally contains an
enzyme stabilizer, a crystal homogenizing agent, and the like. The
third reagent layer 42 contains a mediator such as potassium
ferricyanide and optionally contains an enzyme stabilizer, a
crystal homogenizing agent, and the like. A cover 303 is disposed
on the insulating substrate 301 so as to cover an entire area
excluding one end portion (the end portion on the right in the
drawings) with a spacer 302 intervening therebetween. In this
sensor, the insulating substrate 301, the spacer 302, and the cover
303 form a channel 44 for leading blood to the respective
electrodes (32 to 37). The channel 44 extends to the other end
portion (the end portion on the left in the drawings) of the
sensor, and the tip of the channel 44 is open toward the outside of
the sensor so as to serve as a blood supply port. The six
electrodes (32 to 37) are connected to leads, respectively. These
leads extend to the above-described one end portion (the end
portion on the right in the drawings) of the sensor with the tip of
each lead not being covered with the cover but being exposed. The
cover 303 has an air hole 45 at a portion corresponding to the
right end portion of the channel 44.
[0083] The first reagent layer 43 is formed in the following
manner. For example, an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 5
U/sensor of glucose dehydrogenase, 10 to 200 mM of potassium
ferricyanide, 1 to 50 mM of maltitol, and 20 to 200 mM of taurine
is dropped on a round slit portion 40 and then is dried. By
providing this slit portion 40, it becomes possible to suppress the
spreading of the droplet of the aqueous solution, thereby allowing
the first reagent layer 43 to be provided at a desired position
more accurately. In this manner, the first reagent layer 43 is
formed on the first working electrode 33 and the first counter
electrode 35. The drying may be natural drying or forced drying
using warm air, for example. However, if the temperature of the
warm air is too high, there is a possibility that the enzyme
contained in the solution might be deactivated. Thus, the
temperature of the warm air preferably is around 50.degree. C.
[0084] The third reagent layer 42 is formed in the following
manner. For example, an aqueous solution containing 10 to 200 mM of
potassium ferricyanide and 20 to 200 mM of taurine is dropped on a
round slit portion 39 and then is dried. By providing this slit
portion 39, it becomes possible to suppress the spreading of the
droplet of the aqueous solution, thereby allowing the third reagent
layer 42 to be provided at a desired position more accurately. In
this manner, the third reagent layer 42 is formed on the third
working electrode 32 and the third counter electrode 36.
[0085] Measurement of a blood glucose level using this sensor can
be carried out in the following manner, for example. First, a
fingertip or the like is punctured with a dedicated lancet to cause
bleeding. On the other hand, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). The blood supply port of the sensor set
in the measuring device is brought into contact with the blood that
has come out, so that the blood is led inside the sensor by
capillary action. Then, the sensor analyzes the blood according to
the following steps.
[0086] (Step 1: Detecting Specimen (Blood))
[0087] The supply of blood to the sensor is detected by applying a
voltage between the first counter electrode 35 and the liquid
detecting electrode 34. It is to be noted here that the combination
of the electrodes used for the blood supply detection is by no
means limited to the above combination. After the supply of the
blood has been confirmed, the subsequent step is started. The
voltage applied in Step 1 is, for example, 0.05 to 1.0 V,
preferably 0.1 to 0.8 V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V.
[0088] (Step 2: Measuring Glucose)
[0089] After allowing glucose in the blood to react with an
oxidoreductase for a certain period of time, a voltage is applied
to the first working electrode 33. In this step, the first working
electrode 33 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 35 is used as a counter electrode. A reduced mediator
generated on the first working electrode 33 through the enzyme
reaction is oxidized, and the oxidation current caused at this time
is detected. The glucose is allowed to react with the
oxidoreductase for, for example, 0 to 60 seconds, preferably 1 to
30 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 10 seconds. In Step 2, the
voltage applied is, for example, 0.05 to 1 V, preferably 0.1 to 0.8
V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application
time is, for example, 0.01 to 30 seconds, preferably 0.1 to 10
seconds, and more preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0090] (Step 3: Measuring Amount of Interfering Substance)
[0091] By applying a voltage to the third working electrode 32, a
current caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the
interfering substance is detected. In this step, the third working
electrode 32 is used as a working electrode and the third counter
electrode 36 is used as a counter electrode. The amount of the
interfering substance is determined based on the result of this
detection. The amount of the interfering substance is used for the
correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this correction,
the amount of the interfering substance determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between a current and an amount of the interfering substance may be
used or alternatively the detected current may be used as it is. In
Step 3, the voltage applied is, for example, 0.01 to 1 V and
preferably 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application time is, for
example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and
more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds.
[0092] (Step 4: Measuring Amount of Blood Cells)
[0093] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 37, an
electrolytic current depending on the amount of the blood cells can
be detected. In this step, the second working electrode 37 is used
as a working electrode and the third working electrode 32 is used
as a counter electrode. The amount of the blood cells is determined
based on the result of this detection. The amount of the blood
cells is used for the correction in the measurement of the glucose.
In this correction, the amount of the blood cells determined using
a previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between an electrolytic current and an amount of the blood cells
may be used or alternatively the detected electrolytic current may
be used as it is. In Step 4, the voltage applied is, for example, 1
to 10 V, preferably 1 to 5 V, and more preferably 2 to 3 V, and the
voltage application time is, for example, 0.001 to 60 seconds,
preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 5
seconds. Preferably, Step 4 is performed as a last step in the
series of steps. Although the third working electrode 32 is used as
the counter electrode in the present example, the present invention
is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the first working
electrode 33 alone, the first counter electrode 35 alone, the third
counter electrode 36 alone, the combination of the third working
electrode 32 and the third counter electrode 36, or the combination
of the first working electrode 33 and the first counter electrode
35 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0094] The reason why the measurement of the amount of the blood
cells is performed last is as follows. When the amount of the blood
cells is measured before measuring the amount of the blood
component and the amount of the interfering substance, the
following phenomenon occurs. That is, although the mediator that
initially is in an oxidized state (e.g., potassium ferricyanide) is
provided on the electrode(s) used as the counter electrode, the
mediator that is in a reduced state (e.g., potassium ferrocyanide)
is generated by the measurement of the amount of the blood cells.
If the amount of the blood component and the amount of the
interfering substance are measured thereafter, the reduced mediator
thus generated causes a background noise, resulting in an error in
the measured value.
[0095] (Step 5: Correcting Amount of Blood Component)
[0096] The amount of the glucose obtained in Step 2 is corrected
using the amount of the interfering substance measured in Step 3
and the amount of the blood cells measured in Step 4. Preferably,
the correction is carried out based on a calibration curve
(including a calibration table) prepared previously. The corrected
amount of the glucose is displayed on or stored in the measuring
device.
EXAMPLE 3
[0097] FIG. 7 shows still another example of a sensor for measuring
a blood component according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a
plan view showing an electrode pattern in this sensor, which
corresponds to the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 6 in which
either one or the combination of the electrodes of the first
electrode system is shared with the third electrode system as the
counter electrode. Except for the above, this sensor has the same
configuration as the sensor according to Example 2, and the
components, the configuration of the reagent layers, production
method, etc. of this sensor are the same as those of the sensor
according to Example 2.
[0098] Measurement of a blood glucose level using this sensor can
be carried out in the following manner, for example. First, a
fingertip or the like is punctured with a dedicated lancet to cause
bleeding. On the other hand, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). The blood supply port of the sensor set
in the measuring device is brought into contact with the blood that
has come out, so that the blood is led inside the sensor by
capillary action. Then, the sensor analyzes the blood according to
the following steps.
[0099] (Step 1: Detecting Specimen (Blood))
[0100] The supply of blood to the sensor is detected by applying a
voltage between the first counter electrode 35 and the liquid
detecting electrode 34. It is to be noted here that the combination
of the electrodes used for the blood supply detection is by no
means limited to the above combination. After the supply of the
blood has been confirmed, the subsequent step is started. The
voltage applied in Step 1 is, for example, 0.05 to 1.0 V,
preferably 0.1 to 0.8 V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V.
[0101] (Step 2: Measuring Glucose)
[0102] After allowing glucose in the blood to react with an
oxidoreductase for a certain period of time, a voltage is applied
to the first working electrode 33. In this step, the first working
electrode 33 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 35 is used as a counter electrode. A reduced mediator
generated on the first working electrode 33 through the enzyme
reaction is oxidized, and the oxidation current caused at this time
is detected. The glucose is allowed to react with the
oxidoreductase for, for example, 0 to 60 seconds, preferably 1 to
30 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 10 seconds. In Step 2, the
voltage applied is, for example, 0.05 to 1 V, preferably 0.1 to 0.8
V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application
time is, for example, 0.01 to 30 seconds, preferably 0.1 to 10
seconds, and more preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0103] (Step 3: Measuring Amount of Interfering Substance)
[0104] By applying a voltage to the third working electrode 32, a
current caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the
interfering substance is detected. In this step, the third working
electrode 32 is used as a working electrode and the first working
electrode 33 is used as a counter electrode. The amount of the
interfering substance is determined based on the result of this
detection. The amount of the interfering substance is used for the
correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this correction,
the amount of the interfering substance determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between a current and an amount of the interfering substance may be
used or alternatively the detected current may be used as it is. In
Step 3, the voltage applied is, for example, 0.01 to 1 V and
preferably 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application time is, for
example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and
more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. Although the first working
electrode 33 is used as the counter electrode in the present
example, the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be
noted that the first counter electrode 35 alone or the combination
of the first working electrode 33 and the first counter electrode
35 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0105] When the first working electrode 33 or the combination of
the first working electrode 33 and the first counter electrode 35
is used as the counter electrode, Step 3 preferably is performed
after the amount of the blood component has been measured. The
reason why the amount of the interfering substance is measured
after the amount of the blood component has been measured is as
follows. When the amount of the interfering substance is measured
before measuring the amount of the blood component, the following
phenomenon occurs. That is, although the mediator that initially is
in an oxidized state (e.g., potassium ferricyanide) is provided on
the electrode(s) used as the counter electrode, the mediator that
is in a reduced state (e.g., potassium ferrocyanide) is generated
by the measurement of the amount of the interfering substance. If
the reduced mediator thus generated diffuses on the first working
electrode 33 for measuring the amount of the blood component, the
mediator causes a background noise during the measurement of the
amount of the blood component, resulting in an error in the
measured value.
[0106] However, when the first counter electrode 35 alone is used
as the counter electrode, Step 3 may be performed before measuring
the amount of the blood component. The reason for this is that the
amount of the mediator in a reduced state (e.g., potassium
ferrocyanide) generated on the first counter electrode 35 is not
large enough to diffuse on the first working electrode 33 and thus
there is little chance that it might cause a background noise.
[0107] (Step 4: Measuring Amount of Blood Cells)
[0108] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 37, an
electrolytic current depending on the amount of the blood cells can
be detected. In this step, the second working electrode 37 is used
as a working electrode and the third working electrode 32 is used
as a counter electrode. The amount of the blood cells is determined
based on the result of this detection. The amount of the blood
cells is used for the correction in the measurement of the glucose.
In this correction, the amount of the blood cells determined using
a previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between an electrolytic current and an amount of the blood cells
may be used or alternatively the detected electrolytic current may
be used as it is. In Step 4, the voltage applied is, for example, 1
to 10 V, preferably 1 to 5 V, and more preferably 2 to 3 V, and the
voltage application time is, for example, 0.001 to 60 seconds,
preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 5
seconds. Preferably, Step 4 is performed as a last step in the
series of steps. Although the third working electrode 32 is used as
the counter electrode in the present example, the present invention
is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the first working
electrode 33 alone, the first counter electrode 35 alone, or the
combination of the first working electrode 33 and the first counter
electrode 35 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0109] The reason why the measurement of the amount of the blood
cells is performed last is the same as that described in Example
2.
[0110] (Step 5: Correcting Amount of Blood Component)
[0111] The amount of the glucose obtained in Step 2 is corrected
using the amount of the interfering substance measured in Step 3
and the amount of the blood cells measured in Step 4. Preferably,
the correction is carried out based on a calibration curve
(including a calibration table) prepared previously. The corrected
amount of the glucose is displayed on or stored in the measuring
device.
EXAMPLE 4
[0112] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show still another example of a sensor
for measuring a blood component according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor, FIG. 9 is a
sectional view of the sensor, and FIG. 10 is a plan view of the
sensor. In these three drawings, the same components are given the
same reference numerals. The sensor according to the present
example corresponds to the sensor according to Example 3 from which
the third reagent layer provided on the third working electrode is
removed. As shown in the drawings, in this sensor, a first
electrode system including a first working electrode 53 and a first
counter electrode 55, a second working electrode 57, a third
working electrode 52, and a liquid detecting electrode 54 are
formed on an insulating substrate 501. A first reagent layer 63 is
provided on the first electrode system. The first reagent layer 63
contains an oxidoreductase such as glucose dehydrogenase and a
mediator such as potassium ferricyanide and optionally contains an
enzyme stabilizer, a crystal homogenizing agent, and the like. A
cover 503 is disposed on the insulating substrate 501 so as to
cover an entire area excluding one end portion (the end portion on
the right in the drawings) with a spacer 502 intervening
therebetween. In this sensor, the insulating substrate 501, the
spacer 502, and the cover 503 form a channel 64 for leading blood
to the respective electrodes (52 to 55, and 57). The channel 64
extends to the other end portion (the end portion on the left in
the drawings) of the sensor, and the tip of the channel 64 is open
toward the outside of the sensor so as to serve as a blood supply
port. The five electrodes (52 to 55, and 57) are connected to
leads, respectively. These leads extend to the above-described one
end portion (the end portion on the right in the drawings) of the
sensor with the tip of each lead not being covered with the cover
but being exposed. The cover 503 has an air hole 65 at a portion
corresponding to the right end portion of the channel 64.
[0113] The first reagent layer 63 is formed in the following
manner. For example, an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 5
U/sensor of glucose dehydrogenase, 10 to 200 mM of potassium
ferricyanide, 1 to 50 mM of maltitol, and 20 to 200 mM of taurine
is dropped on a round slit portion 60 and then is dried. By
providing this slit portion 60, it becomes possible to suppress the
spreading of the droplet of the aqueous solution, thereby allowing
the first reagent layer 63 to be provided at a desired position
more accurately. In this manner, the first reagent layer 63 is
formed on the first working electrode 53 and the first counter
electrode 55. The drying may be natural drying or forced drying
using warm air, for example. However, if the temperature of the
warm air is too high, there is a possibility that the enzyme
contained in the solution might be deactivated. Thus, the
temperature of the warm air preferably is around 50.degree. C.
[0114] Measurement of a blood glucose level using this sensor can
be carried out in the following manner, for example. First, a
fingertip or the like is punctured with a dedicated lancet to cause
bleeding. On the other hand, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). The blood supply port of the sensor set
in the measuring device is brought into contact with the blood that
has come out, so that the blood is led inside the sensor by
capillary action. Then, the sensor analyzes the blood according to
the following steps.
[0115] (Step 1: Detecting Specimen (Blood))
[0116] The supply of blood to the sensor is detected by applying a
voltage between the first counter electrode 55 and the liquid
detecting electrode 54. It is to be noted here that the combination
of the electrodes used for the blood supply detection is by no
means limited to the above combination. After the supply of the
blood has been confirmed, the subsequent step is started. The
voltage applied in Step 1 is, for example, 0.05 to 1.0 V,
preferably 0.1 to 0.8 V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V.
[0117] (Step 2: Measuring Glucose)
[0118] After allowing glucose in the blood to react with an
oxidoreductase for a certain period of time, a voltage is applied
to the first working electrode 53. In this step, the first working
electrode 53 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 55 is used as a counter electrode. A reduced mediator
generated on the first working electrode 53 through the enzyme
reaction is oxidized, and the oxidation current caused at this time
is detected. The glucose is allowed to react with the
oxidoreductase for, for example, 0 to 60 seconds, preferably 1 to
30 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 10 seconds. In Step 2, the
voltage applied is, for example, 0.05 to 1 V, preferably 0.1 to 0.8
V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application
time is, for example, 0.01 to 30 seconds, preferably 0.1 to 10
seconds, and more preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0119] (Step 3: Measuring Amount of Interfering Substance)
[0120] By applying a voltage to the third working electrode 52, a
current caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the
interfering substance is detected. In this step, the third working
electrode 52 is used as a working electrode and the first working
electrode 53 is used as a counter electrode. The amount of the
interfering substance is determined based on the result of this
detection. The amount of the interfering substance is used for the
correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this correction,
the amount of the interfering substance determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between a current and an amount of the interfering substance may be
used or alternatively the detected current may be used as it is. In
Step 3, the voltage applied is, for example, 0.01 to 1 V and
preferably 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application time is, for
example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and
more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. Although the first working
electrode 53 is used as the counter electrode in the present
example, the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be
noted that the first counter electrode 55 alone or the combination
of the first working electrode 53 and the first counter electrode
55 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0121] When the first working electrode 53 or the combination of
the first working electrode 53 and the first counter electrode 55
is used as the counter electrode, Step 3 preferably is performed
after the amount of the blood component has been measured. The
reason why the amount of the interfering substance is measured
after the amount of the blood component has been measured is the
same as that described in Example 3.
[0122] (Step 4: Measuring Amount of Blood Cells)
[0123] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 57, an
electrolytic current depending on the amount of the blood cells can
be detected. In this step, the second working electrode 57 is used
as a working electrode and the first working electrode 53 is used
as a counter electrode. The amount of the blood cells is determined
based on the result of this detection. The reason why the first
working electrode 53 is used as the counter electrode is as
follows. After the amount of the blood component has been measured,
the mediator that is in an oxidized state (e.g., potassium
ferricyanide) is present dominantly on the first working electrode
53. Thus, when the first working electrode 53 is used as the
counter electrode for measuring the amount of the blood cells, it
is possible to suppress the electrolytic reduction reaction
occurring at the counter electrode from being a rate-determining
step. The amount of the blood cells is used for the correction in
the measurement of the glucose. In this correction, the amount of
the blood cells determined using a previously prepared calibration
curve showing the relationship between an electrolytic current and
an amount of the blood cells may be used or alternatively the
detected electrolytic current may be used as it is. In Step 4, the
voltage applied is, for example, 1 to 10 V, preferably 1 to 5 V,
and more preferably 2 to 3 V, and the voltage application time is,
for example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds,
and more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. Preferably, Step 4 is
performed as a last step in the series of steps. Although the first
working electrode 53 is used as the counter electrode in the
present example, the present invention is not limited thereto. It
should be noted that the first counter electrode 55 alone or the
combination of the first working electrode 53 and the first counter
electrode 55 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0124] The reason why the measurement of the amount of the blood
cells is performed last is the same as that described in Example
2.
[0125] (Step 5: Correcting Amount of Blood Component)
[0126] The amount of the glucose obtained in Step 2 is corrected
using the amount of the interfering substance measured in Step 3
and the amount of the blood cells measured in Step 4. Preferably,
the correction is carried out based on a calibration curve
(including a calibration table) prepared previously. The corrected
amount of the glucose is displayed on or stored in the measuring
device.
EXAMPLE 5
[0127] FIG. 11 shows still another example of a sensor for
measuring a blood component according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an electrode pattern in this sensor,
which corresponds to the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 10 in
which the second working electrode serves also as the third working
electrode. Except for the above, this sensor has the same
configuration as the sensor according to Example 4, and the
components, the configuration of the reagent layers, production
method, etc. of this sensor are the same as those of the sensor
according to Example 4.
[0128] Measurement of a blood glucose level using this sensor can
be carried out in the following manner, for example. First, a
fingertip or the like is punctured with a dedicated lancet to cause
bleeding. On the other hand, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). The blood supply port of the sensor set
in the measuring device is brought into contact with the blood that
has come out, so that the blood is led inside the sensor by
capillary action. Then, the sensor analyzes the blood according to
the following steps.
[0129] (Step 1: Detecting Specimen (Blood))
[0130] The supply of blood to the sensor is detected by applying a
voltage between the first counter electrode 55 and the liquid
detecting electrode 54. It is to be noted here that the combination
of the electrodes used for the blood supply detection is by no
means limited to the above combination. After the supply of the
blood has been confirmed, the subsequent step is started. The
voltage applied in Step 1 is, for example, 0.05 to 1.0 V,
preferably 0.1 to 0.8 V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V.
[0131] (Step 2: Measuring Glucose)
[0132] After allowing glucose in the blood to react with an
oxidoreductase for a certain period of time, a voltage is applied
to the first working electrode 53. In this step, the first working
electrode 53 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 55 is used as a counter electrode. A reduced mediator
generated on the first working electrode 53 through the enzyme
reaction is oxidized, and the oxidation current caused at this time
is detected. The glucose is allowed to react with the
oxidoreductase for, for example, 0 to 60 seconds, preferably 1 to
30 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 10 seconds. In Step 2, the
voltage applied is, for example, 0.05 to 1 V, preferably 0.1 to 0.8
V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application
time is, for example, 0.01 to 30 seconds, preferably 0.1 to 10
seconds, and more preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0133] (Step 3: Measuring Amount of Interfering Substance)
[0134] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 57, a
current caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the
interfering substance is detected. In this step, the second working
electrode 57 is used as a working electrode and the first working
electrode 53 is used as a counter electrode. The amount of the
interfering substance is determined based on the result of this
detection. The amount of the interfering substance is used for the
correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this correction,
the amount of the interfering substance determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between a current and an amount of the interfering substance may be
used or alternatively the detected current may be used as it is. In
Step 3, the voltage applied is, for example, 0.01 to 1 V and
preferably 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application time is, for
example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and
more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. Although the first working
electrode 53 is used as the counter electrode in the present
example, the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be
noted that the first counter electrode 55 alone or the combination
of the first working electrode 53 and the first counter electrode
55 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0135] When the first working electrode 53 or the combination of
the first working electrode 53 and the first counter electrode 55
is used as the counter electrode, Step 3 preferably is performed
after the amount of the blood component has been measured. The
reason why the amount of the interfering substance is measured
after the amount of the blood component has been measured is the
same as that described in Example 3.
[0136] (Step 4: Measuring Amount of Blood Cells)
[0137] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 57, an
electrolytic current depending on the amount of the blood cells can
be detected. In this step, the second working electrode 57 is used
as a working electrode and the first working electrode 53 is used
as a counter electrode. The amount of the blood cells is determined
based on the result of this detection. The reason why the first
working electrode 53 is used as the counter electrode is the same
as that described in Example 4. The amount of the blood cells is
used for the correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this
correction, the amount of the blood cells determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between an electrolytic current and an amount of the blood cells
may be used or alternatively the detected electrolytic current may
be used as it is. In Step 4, the voltage applied is, for example, 1
to 10 V, preferably 1 to 5 V, and more preferably 2 to 3 V, and the
voltage application time is, for example, 0.001 to 60 seconds,
preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 5
seconds. Preferably, Step 4 is performed as a last step in the
series of steps. Although the first working electrode 53 is used as
the counter electrode in the present example, the present invention
is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the first counter
electrode 55 alone or the combination of the first working
electrode 53 and the first counter electrode 55 also may be used as
the counter electrode.
[0138] The reason why the measurement of the amount of the blood
cells is performed last is the same as that described in Example
2.
[0139] (Step 5: Correcting Amount of Blood Component)
[0140] The amount of the glucose obtained in Step 2 is corrected
using the amount of the interfering substance measured in Step 3
and the amount of the blood cells measured in Step 4. Preferably,
the correction is carried out based on a calibration curve
(including a calibration table) prepared previously. The corrected
amount of the glucose is displayed on or stored in the measuring
device.
EXAMPLE 6
[0141] Example 6 is directed to an example where a sensor as shown
in FIG. 11 was used as in Example 5 and an electrode pretreatment
further is performed.
[0142] Measurement of a blood glucose level using this sensor can
be carried out in the following manner, for example. First, a
fingertip or the like is punctured with a dedicated lancet to cause
bleeding. On the other hand, the sensor is set in a dedicated
measuring device (a meter). The blood supply port of the sensor set
in the measuring device is brought into contact with the blood that
has come out, so that the blood is led inside the sensor by
capillary action. Then, the sensor analyzes the blood according to
the following steps.
[0143] (Step 1: Detecting Specimen (Blood))
[0144] The supply of blood to the sensor is detected by applying a
voltage between the first counter electrode 55 and the liquid
detecting electrode 54. It is to be noted here that the combination
of the electrodes used for the blood supply detection is by no
means limited to the above combination. After the supply of the
blood has been confirmed, the subsequent step is started. The
voltage applied in Step 1 is, for example, 0.05 to 1.0 V,
preferably 0.1 to 0.8 V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V.
[0145] (Step 2: Pretreating Electrode)
[0146] A voltage is applied to the second working electrode 57 to
clean the surface of the second working electrode 57. In this step,
the second working electrode 57 is used as a working electrode and
the first counter electrode 55 is used as a counter electrode. In
Step 2, the voltage applied preferably is in the range from 0.01 to
1 V and more preferably from 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage
application time is, for example, 0.001 to 30 seconds, preferably
0.01 to 10 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. By
performing this pretreatment, the surface of the second working
electrode 57 is cleaned, so that the amount of the interfering
substance can be measured more accurately. Step 2 may be performed
simultaneously with or after Step 4 (the measurement of glucose) to
be described later.
[0147] As long as Step 2 is performed before measuring the amount
of the interfering substance and the amount of the blood cells,
Step 2 can be performed at the most effective timing from the
viewpoint of simplicity in operation and reduction in time required
for the whole measurement process.
[0148] (Step 3: Measuring Amount of Interfering Substance)
[0149] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 57, a
current caused by the electrolytic oxidation reaction of the
interfering substance is detected. In this step, the second working
electrode 57 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 55 is used as a counter electrode. The amount of the
interfering substance is determined based on the result of this
detection. The amount of the interfering substance is used for the
correction in the measurement of the glucose. In this correction,
the amount of the interfering substance determined using a
previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between a current and an amount of the interfering substance may be
used or alternatively the detected current may be used as it is. In
Step 3, the voltage applied is, for example, 0.01 to 1 V and
preferably 0.01 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application time is, for
example, 0.001 to 60 seconds, preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and
more preferably 0.01 to 5 seconds. Although the first counter
electrode 55 is used as the counter electrode in the present
example, the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be
noted that the first working electrode 53 alone or the combination
of the first working electrode 53 and the first counter electrode
55 also may be used as the counter electrode.
[0150] When the first working electrode 53 or the combination of
the first working electrode 53 and the first counter electrode 55
is used as the counter electrode, Step 3 preferably is performed
after the amount of the blood component has been measured. The
reason why the amount of the interfering substance is measured
after the amount of the blood component has been measured is the
same as that described in Example 3. However, when the first
counter electrode 55 alone is used as the counter electrode as in
the present Example 6, Step 3 may be performed before measuring the
amount of the blood component. The reason for this is that, in this
case, the amount of the mediator in a reduced state (e.g.,
potassium ferrocyanide) generated on the first counter electrode 55
is not large enough to diffuse on the first working electrode 33
and thus there is little chance that it might cause a background
noise.
[0151] (Step 4: Measuring Glucose)
[0152] After allowing glucose in the blood to react with an
oxidoreductase for a certain period of time, a voltage is applied
to the first working electrode 53. In this step, the first working
electrode 53 is used as a working electrode and the first counter
electrode 55 is used as a counter electrode. A reduced mediator
generated on the first working electrode 53 through the enzyme
reaction is oxidized, and the oxidation current caused at this time
is detected. The glucose is allowed to react with the
oxidoreductase for, for example, 0 to 60 seconds, preferably 1 to
30 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 10 seconds. In Step 2, the
voltage applied is, for example, 0.05 to 1 V, preferably 0.1 to 0.8
V, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the voltage application
time is, for example, 0.01 to 30 seconds, preferably 0.1 to 10
seconds, and more preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0153] (Step 5: Measuring Amount of Blood Cells)
[0154] By applying a voltage to the second working electrode 57, an
electrolytic current depending on the amount of the blood cells can
be detected. In this step, the second working electrode 57 is used
as a working electrode and the first working electrode 53 is used
as a counter electrode. The amount of the blood cells is determined
based on the result of this detection. The amount of the blood
cells is used for the correction in the measurement of the glucose.
In this correction, the amount of the blood cells determined using
a previously prepared calibration curve showing the relationship
between an electrolytic current and an amount of the blood cells
may be used or alternatively the detected electrolytic current may
be used as it is. In Step 4, the voltage applied is, for example, 1
to 10 V, preferably 1 to 5 V, and more preferably 2 to 3 V, and the
voltage application time is, for example, 0.001 to 60 seconds,
preferably 0.01 to 10 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 5
seconds. Preferably, Step 4 is performed as a last step in the
series of steps. Although the first working electrode 53 is used as
the counter electrode in the present example, the present invention
is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the first counter
electrode 55 alone or the combination of the first working
electrode 53 and the first counter electrode 55 also may be used as
the counter electrode.
[0155] The reason why the measurement of the amount of the blood
cells is performed last is the same as that described in Example
2.
[0156] (Step 6: Correcting Amount of Blood Component)
[0157] The amount of the glucose obtained in Step 4 is corrected
using the amount of the interfering substance measured in Step 3
and the amount of the blood cells measured in Step 5. Preferably,
the correction is carried out based on a calibration curve
(including a calibration table) prepared previously. The corrected
amount of the glucose is displayed on or stored in the measuring
device.
[0158] As an example of the blood component measurement, Examples 1
to 6 describe the case where the glucose concentration in blood is
measured. However, the present invention is by no means limited
thereto. As already described above, the present invention also is
useful for the measurement of other blood components, such as
lactic acid and cholesterol.
[0159] Although several electrode patterns are shown in Examples 1
to 6, the present invention is by no means limited thereto. It is
to be noted here that the electrode pattern can be changed as
appropriate depending on the purpose or the conditions of use of
the sensor, for example.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1
[0160] A sensor having a configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3
was produced. The first reagent layer 23 was formed by dissolving
glucose dehydrogenase (1 to 5 U), potassium ferricyanide (60 mM),
and taurine (80 mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare
a reagent solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit
portion 20, and then drying it. The second reagent layer 21 and the
third reagent layer 22 were formed by dissolving potassium
ferricyanide (60 mM) and taurine (80 mM) in a CMC aqueous solution
(0.1 wt %) to prepare a reagent solution, dropping the reagent
solution on the round slit portions 18 and 19, and then drying
it.
[0161] Using this sensor, a response current for determining the
amount of an interfering substance was measured. Ascorbic acid was
used as an example of an easily oxidizable interfering substance,
and blood samples respectively containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 mal of
ascorbic acid were provided. Using the thus-prepared four blood
samples, a current flowing through the third electrode system was
measured. The measurement was performed by applying a voltage of
0.5 V to the third working electrode 12 for 3 seconds.
[0162] Next, using the same sensor, a response current for
determining the amount of blood cells was measured. Three types of
blood samples in which the amounts of blood cells were adjusted to
be 25%, 45%, and 65%, respectively, were provided. Using the
thus-prepared three blood samples, an electrolytic current flowing
through the second electrode system was measured. Using the third
working electrode 32 as a counter electrode, the measurement was
performed by applying a voltage of 2.5 V to the second working
electrode 17 for 3 seconds.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2
[0163] A sensor having a configuration shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6
was produced. The first reagent layer 43 was formed by dissolving
glucose dehydrogenase (1 to 5 U), potassium ferricyanide (60 mM),
and taurine (80 mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare
a reagent solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit
portion 40, and then drying it. The third reagent layer 42 was
formed by dissolving potassium ferricyanide (60 mM) and taurine (80
mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare a reagent
solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit portion
39, and then drying it.
[0164] Using this sensor, a response current for determining the
amount of an interfering substance was measured. Ascorbic acid was
used as an example of an easily oxidizable interfering substance,
and blood samples respectively containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 mal of
ascorbic acid were provided. Using the thus-prepared four blood
samples, a current flowing through the third electrode system was
measured. The measurement was performed by applying a voltage of
0.5 V to the third working electrode 32 for 3 seconds.
[0165] Next, using the same sensor, a response current for
determining the amount of blood cells was measured. Three types of
blood samples in which the amounts of blood cells were adjusted to
be 25%, 45%, and 65%, respectively, were provided. Using the
thus-prepared three blood samples, an electrolytic current flowing
through the second electrode system was measured. The measurement
was performed by applying a voltage of 2.5 V to the second working
electrode 37 for 3 seconds.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3
[0166] A sensor having a configuration shown in FIG. 7 was
produced. The first reagent layer 43 was formed by dissolving
glucose dehydrogenase (1 to 5 U), potassium ferricyanide (60 mM),
and taurine (80 mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare
a reagent solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit
portion 40, and then drying it. The third reagent layer 42 was
formed by dissolving potassium ferricyanide (60 mM) and taurine (80
mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare a reagent
solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit portion
39, and then drying it.
[0167] Using this sensor, a response current for determining the
amount of an interfering substance was measured. Ascorbic acid was
used as an example of an easily oxidizable interfering substance,
and blood samples respectively containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 mal of
ascorbic acid were provided. Using the thus-prepared four blood
samples, a current flowing through the third electrode system was
measured. Using the first working electrode 33 as a counter
electrode, the measurement was performed by applying a voltage of
0.5 V to the third working electrode 32 for 3 seconds.
[0168] Next, using the same sensor, a response current for
determining the amount of blood cells was measured. Three types of
blood samples in which the amounts of blood cells were adjusted to
be 25%, 45%, and 65%, respectively, were provided. Using the
thus-prepared three blood samples, an electrolytic current flowing
through the second electrode system was measured. Using the third
working electrode 32 as a counter electrode, the measurement was
performed by applying a voltage of 2.5 V to the second working
electrode 37 for 3 seconds.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 4
[0169] A sensor having a configuration shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10
was produced. The first reagent layer 63 was formed by dissolving
glucose dehydrogenase (1 to 5 U), potassium ferricyanide (60 mM),
and taurine (80 mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare
a reagent solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit
portion 60, and then drying it.
[0170] Using this sensor, a response current for determining the
amount of an interfering substance was measured. Ascorbic acid was
used as an example of an easily oxidizable interfering substance,
and blood samples respectively containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 mal of
ascorbic acid were provided. Using the thus-prepared four blood
samples, a current flowing through the third electrode system was
measured. Using the first working electrode 53 as a counter
electrode, the measurement was performed by applying a voltage of
0.5 V to the third working electrode 52 for 3 seconds.
[0171] Next, using the same sensor, a response current for
determining the amount of blood cells was measured. Three types of
blood samples in which the amounts of blood cells were adjusted to
be 25%, 45%, and 65%, respectively, were provided. Using the
thus-prepared three blood samples, an electrolytic current flowing
through the second electrode system was measured. Using the first
working electrode 53 as a counter electrode, the measurement was
performed by applying a voltage of 2.5 V to the second working
electrode 57 for 3 seconds.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5
[0172] A sensor having a configuration shown in FIG. 11 was
produced. The first reagent layer 63 was formed by dissolving
glucose dehydrogenase (1 to 5 U), potassium ferricyanide (60 mM),
and taurine (80 mM) in a CMC aqueous solution (0.1 wt %) to prepare
a reagent solution, dropping the reagent solution on the round slit
portion 60, and then drying it.
[0173] Using this sensor, a response current for determining the
amount of an interfering substance was measured. Ascorbic acid was
used as an example of an easily oxidizable interfering substance,
and blood samples respectively containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 mal of
ascorbic acid were provided. Using the thus-prepared four blood
samples, a current flowing through the third electrode system was
measured. Using the first working electrode 53 as a counter
electrode, the measurement was performed by applying a voltage of
0.5 V to the third working electrode 52 for 3 seconds.
[0174] Next, using the same sensor, a response current for
determining the amount of blood cells was measured. Three types of
blood samples in which the amounts of blood cells were adjusted to
be 25%, 45%, and 65%, respectively, were provided. Using the
thus-prepared three blood samples, an electrolytic current flowing
through the second electrode system was measured. Using the first
working electrode 53 as a counter electrode, the measurement was
performed by applying a voltage of 2.5 V to the second working
electrode 57 for 3 seconds.
[0175] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the result of measurements of the
response currents for determining the amount of the interfering
substance in Reference Examples 1 to 5. As can be seen from FIG.
12, the response currents reflecting the amounts of the interfering
substance could be detected.
[0176] FIGS. 13 to 17 show the result of measurements of the
response currents for determining the amount of the blood cells in
Reference Examples 1 to 5. In FIGS. 13 to 17, FIGS. 13A to 17A are
graphs each showing changes in response current (.mu.A) over time
during the application of the voltage (V), and FIGS. 13B to 17B are
graphs each showing changes in difference in sensitivity (%) over
time during the application of the voltage (V). As can be seen from
these drawings, according to the sensors of Reference Examples 1 to
5, the difference in sensitivity did not depend on the voltage
application time, so that the response current reflecting the
amount of the blood cells could be detected definitely.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0177] The method of measuring a blood component according to the
present invention measures the amounts of an interfering substance
and blood cells with high accuracy and high reliability and
corrects the amount of the blood component based on the amounts of
the interfering substance and the blood cells. Thus, the method of
the present invention can measure the blood component with high
accuracy and high reliability. Accordingly, the present invention
is useful for the measurement of a blood component such as
glucose.
* * * * *