A system for measuring an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, comprising: a test strip for receiving a sample of the biological fluid and having at least one contact pad formed thereon; and a meter having a connector for receiving the test strip as it moves in a direction of insertion, the connector having at least one contact wire for contacting a surface of a respective one of the at least one contact pads at a respective at least one contact point; each of the at least one contact wires being located in a wire slot of a connector housing, and comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion comprising a contact portion, a transition portion, an arm portion and a spring portion, the arm configured for cantileveredly supporting the contact portion and the spring portion configured as a fulcrum point between the distal end and the proximal end, the proximal portion including an alignment portion and an engaging portion, which hold the contact wire within the connector housing; wherein upon insertion of the test strip, the test strip end engages the contact wire and deflects the contact portion, wherein the deflection creates a force on the contact wire at the point of contact between the contact portion and the test strip that is substantially normal to the direction of insertion, this force being translated through the transition portion to the arm portion and the stored energy in the spring portion creates a counter-force upon the test strip to squeeze the test strip between the contact portion and a first wire slot floor; wherein the contact wire has a radius of curvature at the contact point, taken in a plane parallel to the direction of insertion and perpendicular to the surface of the at least one contact pad, of at least about 3 mm. a test strip for receiving a sample of the biological fluid and having at least one contact pad formed thereon; and a meter having a connector for receiving the test strip as it moves in a direction of insertion, the connector having at least one contact wire for contacting a surface of a respective one of the at least one contact pads at a respective at least one contact point; each of the at least one contact wires being located in a wire slot of a connector housing, and comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion comprising a contact portion, a transition portion, an arm portion and a spring portion, the arm configured for cantileveredly supporting the contact portion and the spring portion configured as a fulcrum point between the distal end and the proximal end, the proximal portion including an alignment portion and an engaging portion, which hold the contact wire within the connector housing; wherein upon insertion of the test strip, the test strip end engages the contact wire and deflects the contact portion, wherein the deflection creates a force on the contact wire at the point of contact between the contact portion and the test strip that is substantially normal to the direction of insertion, this force being translated through the transition portion to the arm portion and the stored energy in the spring portion creates a counter-force upon the test strip to squeeze the test strip between the contact portion and a first wire slot floor; wherein the contact wire has a radius of curvature at the contact point, taken in a plane parallel to the direction of insertion and perpendicular to the surface of the at least one contact pad, of at least about 3 mm.