A method of analyzing a fluid sample for an analyte of interest using a test element having a multiple electrode arrangement, the method comprising: providing a test element comprising: a reagent composition for an analyte of interest; an electrode-support substrate; a spacer coupled to the electrode-support substrate, the spacer including an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the electrode-support substrate; a first electrode pair provided within the capillary channel on the electrode-support substrate; and a second electrode pair provided within the capillary channel on the electrode-support substrate, wherein in the capillary channel the first electrode pair is positioned between the two electrodes of the second electrode pair, wherein the electrode-support substrate has opposite first and second ends (46, 48), and opposite side edges (50, 52) that extend between the first and second ends (46, 48), wherein the capillary channel is open on at least three sides including the first end and a portion of both of the opposite side edges (50, 52) of the electrode-support substrate; dosing the test element with the fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample flows into the capillary channel; applying a signal to the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair; detecting a first response to the signal from the first electrode pair; detecting a second response to the signal from the second electrode pair; determining a time period between the first response and the second response; and applying a measurement test sequence for the analyte of interest to at least one of the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair if the time period is less than a first predetermined threshold. providing a test element comprising: a reagent composition for an analyte of interest; an electrode-support substrate; a spacer coupled to the electrode-support substrate, the spacer including an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the electrode-support substrate; a first electrode pair provided within the capillary channel on the electrode-support substrate; and a second electrode pair provided within the capillary channel on the electrode-support substrate, wherein in the capillary channel the first electrode pair is positioned between the two electrodes of the second electrode pair, a reagent composition for an analyte of interest; an electrode-support substrate; a spacer coupled to the electrode-support substrate, the spacer including an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the electrode-support substrate; a first electrode pair provided within the capillary channel on the electrode-support substrate; and a second electrode pair provided within the capillary channel on the electrode-support substrate, wherein in the capillary channel the first electrode pair is positioned between the two electrodes of the second electrode pair, wherein the electrode-support substrate has opposite first and second ends (46, 48), and opposite side edges (50, 52) that extend between the first and second ends (46, 48), wherein the capillary channel is open on at least three sides including the first end and a portion of both of the opposite side edges (50, 52) of the electrode-support substrate; dosing the test element with the fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample flows into the capillary channel; applying a signal to the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair; detecting a first response to the signal from the first electrode pair; detecting a second response to the signal from the second electrode pair; determining a time period between the first response and the second response; and applying a measurement test sequence for the analyte of interest to at least one of the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair if the time period is less than a first predetermined threshold.