Strip electrode including screen printing of a single layer

A method of making a single use disposable electrode strip for attachment to signal readout circuitry of a sensor system to detect a current representative of a compound in a blood sample, the strip comprising:

• a) an elongated support having a substantially flat, planar surface, adapted for releasable attachment to said readout circuitry;
• b) a first conductor extending along said surface and comprising a conductive element for connection to said readout circuitry;
• c) an active electrode on said surface in contact with said first conductor, said active electrode comprising, in a single printed layer on said surface an admixture of an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a substrate for said enzyme, a conductive material, and a mediator capable of transferring electrons transferred between said enzyme-catalyzed reaction and said first conductor to create a current representative of the activity of said enzyme and representative of said compound;
• d) a second conductor extending along said support, comprising a conductive element for connecting to said readout circuitry;
• and
• e) a reference electrode in contact with said second conductive conductor,
• the method comprising:
• a) supplying an ink comprising said admixture of said enzyme, said conductive material, and said mediator;
• and
• b) printing said active electrode by applying said ink to said surface over an area so dimensioned and sufficiently close to said reference electrode that said active electrode and said reference electrode present a combined effective area small enough to be completely coverable by a drop of blood.