Gating system and method for biosensor test strips

A method comprising:

• placing a sample of a fluid for analysis on a diagnostic test strip, the test strip having a diagnostic end for receiving the sample and a meter contacting end for communicating information to a meter, the meter contacting end having at least one identifying feature that distinguishes the meter contacting end from the diagnostic end;
• inserting the meter contacting end into a port of the meter, the port having a gating mechanism that identifies the meter contacting end and allows the test strip to be fully inserted into the meter only after the gating mechanism identifies the meter contacting end of the test strip, wherein the gating mechanism includes one or more gates configured to be closed to prevent insertion of the test strip until the gating mechanism recognizes the strip;
• and
• causing the meter to read the information on the diagnostic test strip.