System and method for detection of contact with a test strip using capacitive sensing

An analyte test meter comprising:

• a test strip port configured to receive a first portion of an electrochemical test strip;
• a capacitive sensor positioned proximate to the test strip port and coupled to at least one electrode in the electrochemical test strip;
• and
• a controller connected to the test strip port and the capacitive sensor, the controller being configured to:
• identify insertion of the first portion of the electrochemical test strip into the test strip port;
• apply a drive signal to the capacitive sensor after the insertion;
• measure a first response to the drive signal from the capacitive sensor corresponding to a first level of capacitance in the capacitive sensor;
• identify dosing of a fluid sample on a second portion of the electrochemical test strip that is outside of the analyte test meter after the measurement of the first response;
• apply the drive signal to the capacitive sensor after the identification of the dosing;
• measure a second response to the drive signal from the capacitive sensor corresponding to a second level of capacitance in the capacitive sensor;
• and
• detect contact between a body of a user and at least one electrode in the electrochemical test strip in the second portion of the electrochemical test strip in response to a difference between the first response and the second response exceeding a predetermined threshold.