Abstract: An analyte meter is configured to digitally test for the presence of a test strip in the meter and for the presence of a sample in the test strip prior to activating an analog current measurement circuit of the meter. A test strip port connector having a plurality of contacts receives an inserted test strip in which the contacts electrically connect to electrodes on the test strip for digitally detecting both the presence of a test strip and a sample added to the test strip. A control circuit monitoring the contacts maintains the analyte meter in a low power mode until detecting both the test strip and the sample, whereupon the control circuit activates the meter and enables an analog analyte measurement circuit.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an analytical test strip (for example, an electrochemical-based analytical test strip) in the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (e.g., a whole blood sample) includes a housing, a micro-controller disposed in the housing, a body portion proximity sensor module disposed at least partially in the housing, and a strip port connector configured to operationally receive an analytical test strip. The body portion proximity sensor module of the analytical test strip is configured to sense presence of a user's body portion (e.g., a user's finger, forearm or palm) within a predetermined distance of the strip port connector and, upon sensing the presence of such a body portion, transmit a signal to the micro-controller indicating the presence of such a body portion.

Abstract: An analyte meter is configured to digitally test for the presence of a test strip in the meter and for the presence of a sample in the test strip prior to activating an analog current measurement circuit of the meter. A test strip port connector having a plurality of contacts receives an inserted test strip in which the contacts electrically connect to electrodes on the test strip for digitally detecting both the presence of a test strip and a sample added to the test strip. A control circuit monitoring the contacts maintains the analyte meter in a low power mode until detecting both the test strip and the sample, whereupon the control circuit activates the meter and enables an analog analyte measurement circuit.