A method of verifying test element integrity of a test element having an integrity electrode, the method comprising: providing a test element comprising: (a) a cover, (b) an electrode-support substrate including a capillary channel defined thereon and formed in part with the cover, (c) a first electrode provided on the electrode-support substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode formed in the capillary channel, (d) at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) provided on the electrode-support substrate, each of the sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) being positioned along a respective side edge (50, 52) of the electrode- support substrate, wherein the sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) define a gap therebetween, and (e) an integrity electrode on the electrode-support substrate in the capillary channel, wherein the integrity electrode is coupled to and extends between the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) proximate the end of the electrode-support substrate, and wherein the integrity electrode and the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode; and applying a signal across the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes(SSWE 36, SSCE 38) to verify continuity across the integrity electrode. providing a test element comprising: (a) a cover, (b) an electrode-support substrate including a capillary channel defined thereon and formed in part with the cover, (c) a first electrode provided on the electrode-support substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode formed in the capillary channel, (d) at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) provided on the electrode-support substrate, each of the sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) being positioned along a respective side edge (50, 52) of the electrode- support substrate, wherein the sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) define a gap therebetween, and (e) an integrity electrode on the electrode-support substrate in the capillary channel, wherein the integrity electrode is coupled to and extends between the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) proximate the end of the electrode-support substrate, and wherein the integrity electrode and the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode; and (a) a cover, (b) an electrode-support substrate including a capillary channel defined thereon and formed in part with the cover, (c) a first electrode provided on the electrode-support substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode formed in the capillary channel, (d) at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) provided on the electrode-support substrate, each of the sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) being positioned along a respective side edge (50, 52) of the electrode- support substrate, wherein the sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) define a gap therebetween, and (e) an integrity electrode on the electrode-support substrate in the capillary channel, wherein the integrity electrode is coupled to and extends between the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) proximate the end of the electrode-support substrate, and wherein the integrity electrode and the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes (SSWE 36, SSCE 38) surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode; and applying a signal across the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes(SSWE 36, SSCE 38) to verify continuity across the integrity electrode.