Patent ID: 8778168

Claim:
A method for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample, the method comprising: (a) applying a first test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode when a sample is introduced into an electrochemical cell and measuring a first current transient; (b) applying a second test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode, the second test potential being sufficient to oxidize a reduced mediator at the second electrode and measuring a second current transient; (c) applying a third test potential between a first electrode and a second electrode, the third test potential being sufficient to oxidize a reduced mediator at the first electrode, and measuring a third current transient; (d) calculating, based upon a summation of three or more current values measured during the first current transient, a first reference value; (e) calculating, based on the second and third current transients, a second reference value; and (f) determining, based on the first and second reference values, whether the sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample.