Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for use in the determination of the concentration of an analyte in a sample. In the subject methods, a sample is introduced to a reagent test strip, where the sample is either a test fluid or a control fluid, where the control fluid is free of a mediator dissolution slowing component and an oxidizing agent when used with an electrochemical analyte concentration determination assay. The concentration of analyte in the sample is determined and the sample is identified as a control fluid or a test fluid. Also provided are devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample, where the devices have a sample identification element for identifying whether a sample is a control or a test fluid. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, particularly in the determination of blood glucose concentrations.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for use in the determination of the concentration of an analyte in a sample. In the subject methods, a sample is introduced to a reagent test strip, where the sample is either a test fluid or a control fluid, where the control fluid is free of a mediator dissolution slowing component and an oxidizing agent when used with an electrochemical analyte concentration determination assay. The concentration of analyte in the sample is determined and the sample is identified as a control fluid or a test fluid. Also provided are devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample, where the devices have a sample identification element for identifying whether a sample is a control or a test fluid. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, particularly in the determination of blood glucose concentrations.