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 , and opposite side edges that extend between the first and second ends , 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 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 , and opposite side edges that extend between the first and second ends , 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 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. <EOS>