Electrode arrangements for test element integrity

A method of verifying test element integrity of a test element having an integrity electrode, the method comprising:

• providing a test element including (a) a cover, (b) an electrode-support substrate comprising a capillary channel defined thereon and formed in part with the cover at a first end of the electrode-support substrate, (c) a working electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the working electrode including a first body portion and a first connective neck extending from the first body portion, (d) a counter electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the counter electrode including a second body portion, at least two second connective necks, and a third body portion coupled to one of the at least two second connective necks and positioned adjacent the first body portion of the working electrode opposite the second body portion, each of the at least two second connective necks extending transversely from a respective end of the second body portion, and (e) a spacer disposed on the electrode-support substrate and partially overlapping the third body portion of the counter electrode, the spacer including an edge defining a boundary of the capillary channel, the spacer coupled to the cover, wherein each of the at least two second connective necks extend across the boundary of the capillary channel free from the second body portion and the third body portion such that the second body portion is located entirely within the capillary channel, and the second body portion and the at least two second connective necks form a loop circuit surrounding the working electrode;
• and
• applying a signal across the at least two second connective necks of the counter electrode to verify continuity along the counter electrode.

A test element comprising:

• a cover;
• an electrode-support substrate comprising a capillary channel defined thereon and formed in part with the cover at a first end of the electrode-support substrate;
• a working electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the working electrode comprising a first body portion and a first connective neck extending from the first body portion;
• a counter electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the counter electrode comprising a second body portion, at least two second connective necks, and a third body portion coupled to one of the at least two second connective necks and positioned adjacent the first body portion of the working electrode opposite the second body portion, each of the at least two second connective necks extending transversely from a respective end of the second body portion;
• and
• a spacer positioned on the electrode-support substrate and partially overlapping the third body portion of the counter electrode, the spacer including an edge defining a boundary of the capillary channel, wherein the cover is coupled to the spacer,
• wherein each of the at least two second connective necks extend across the boundary of the capillary channel free from the second body portion and the third body portion such that the second body portion is located entirely within the capillary channel, and the second body portion and the at least two second connective necks form a loop circuit surrounding the working electrode.

A test element comprising:

• a cover;
• an electrode-support substrate comprising a capillary channel defined thereon and formed in part with the cover at a first end of the electrode-support substrate;
• a working electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the working electrode comprising a first body portion and a first connective neck extending from the first body portion;
• a counter electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the counter electrode comprising a second body portion, at least two second connective necks, and a third body portion coupled to one of the at least two second connective necks and positioned adjacent the first body portion of the working electrode opposite the second body portion, each of the at least two second connective necks extending transversely from a respective end of the second body portion;
• at least two sample sufficiency electrodes disposed on the electrode-support substrate, each of the sample sufficiency electrodes being positioned along a respective side edge of the electrode-support substrate;
• an integrity electrode disposed on the electrode-support substrate, the integrity electrode coupled to and extending between the at least two sample sufficiency electrodes, the integrity electrode configured to provide an indication of continuity to verify test element integrity;
• and
• a spacer positioned on the electrode-support substrate, the spacer including an edge defining a boundary of the capillary channel, wherein the cover is coupled to the spacer,
• wherein each of the at least two second connective necks extend across the boundary of the capillary channel free from the second body portion and the third body portion such that the second body portion is located entirely within the capillary channel, and the second body portion and the at least two second connective necks form a loop circuit surrounding the working electrode.