A disposable, self-administered electrolyte test

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates the novel concept that it is possible to make a disposable, self-administered electrolyte test to be introduced to the general consumer market. Although ion specific electrodes have been used to perform point of care electrolyte tests in supervised health care environments since 1992, there has never been a personalized self-administered test available in a supermarket or convenience store. This thesis lays out a novel approach to adapting ion specific electrode technology to produce such a test. The suitability and method of integration of miniature ion-specific electrode technology has been analyzed and shown to be viable for such a purpose. A microelectronic chip has been specifically designed to interface to the sensor, perform the necessary calibration and decision making, and indicate the results to the user. It has been determined that the sensor, the electronics, and the supporting structures will be small and inexpensive enough to be included on a commercial sport drink bottle. The blueprints for this extension, including the selection and integration of a suitable power source, and method of result indication have been specified and shown to support this thesis.