Multi-zone, fixed potential test sensor heating system

An electrochemical test sensor for analyzing a sample, the test sensor comprising:

• an inlet in fluid communication with at least one isolated flow path;
• a first reaction zone in fluid communication with the inlet;
• a second reaction zone in fluid communication with the inlet;
• a reaction zone heating system configured to transmit heat to the first reaction zone and to the second reaction zone, the reaction zone heating system comprising:
• electrical heater conductors in electrical communication with heating elements, where the electrical heater conductors and the heating elements include a conductive material;
• at least one resistive layer contacting the heating elements, where the resistive layer includes a mixture of conductive and non-conductive materials;
• a substrate contacting the at least one resistive layer and forming at least a portion of the inlet and the at least one isolated flow path;
• and
• a base contacting the electrical heater conductors and the heating elements.

A method of analyzing a sample with a biosensor system, the method comprising:

• inserting a test sensor having at least two reaction zones and a reaction zone heating system into a measurement device, where the reaction zone heating system comprises:
• electrical heater conductors in electrical communication with heating elements, where the electrical heater conductors and the heating elements include a conductive material,
• at least one resistive layer contacting the heating elements, where the resistive layer includes a mixture of conductive and non-conductive materials,
• a substrate contacting the at least one resistive layer and forming at least a portion of the at least two reaction zones, and
• a base contacting the electrical heater conductors and the heating elements;
• applying a first fixed potential across the electrical heater conductors;
• introducing a sample to the test sensor;
• heating the sample at the at least two reaction zones to different temperatures in response to the first fixed potential;
• applying a second fixed potential across the electrical heater conductors;
• and
• analyzing the sample for the desired analyte or analytes.