Abstract: Disclosed is a method of using a handheld meter configured for determining an analyte concentration in a body fluid. In the inventive method, a handheld meter with a disposable test element is provided and the test element is positioned at an application site of the meter. A body fluid from a user's body part is applied to a reaction area of the test element and a series of measurement values from the reaction area of the test element is detected. A proximity sensor senses the presence of the body part in a monitored space in proximity to the reaction area of the test element. The measured values are processed as a function of an output signal of the proximity sensor. Consequently, bias in the determination of the analyte concentration caused by the presence of the body portion is reduced or eliminated. An associated handheld meter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical analyte testing system having a handheld meter, particularly, a glucose meter, and a test magazine is disclosed. In the disclosed method a replaceable test magazine including a plurality of test elements is provided in the handheld meter for conducting successive analyte tests. An auxiliary measuring unit of the handheld meter measures at various points of time at least one ambient parameter, including temperature or humidity. The method checks for a threshold violation by comparing the measured ambient parameter with a preset threshold. The preset threshold is lowered after an initial period of use of the test magazine, and a use-up period is adjusted based on the check for a threshold violation.