The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is of great importance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain physiological abnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol and bilirubin should be monitored in certain individuals. In particular, it is important that diabetic individuals frequently check the glucose level in their body fluids to regulate the glucose intake in their diets. The results of such tests can be used to determine what, if any, insulin or other medication needs to be administered. In one type of blood-glucose testing system, test sensors are used to test a sample of blood.
The test sensor is adapted to receive fluid (e.g., blood) from a user. The test sensor typically includes a base and a lid that is attached to the base. Existing test sensors differ in the manner in which they receive fluids. In one existing test sensor, a channel is formed between a generally U-shaped spacer and is adapted to receive blood from a user. A user then places blood from, for example, his/her finger into the channel. Some test sensors receive blood via capillary action. In test sensors that receive fluid (e.g., blood) using capillary action, the test sensor needs at least one vent at an opposing end of the capillary channel from the blood-entry opening for the blood to flow into the capillary channel. One existing method of forming a vent includes creating an aperture in the lid or the base of the test sensor. Another existing method of forming a vent includes incorporating a mesh into a lid, which in effect creates a breathable surface or a vent in the lid. Such existing methods include additional processing steps that increase the manufacturing cost of a test sensor.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a test sensor that provides at least one vent that can be manufactured in a more cost-effective and/or efficient manner.