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 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 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 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 . <EOS>