<p>An analyte meter having a test strip port is configured to detect whether an approved test strip has been inserted into the test strip port before turning on analyte measurement subsystems in the analyte meter. After the meter is turned on, control circuitry in the meter continues to monitor whether the test strip is removed prior to application of a blood sample on the test strip or whether the test strip is removed after application of a blood sample on the test strip, such as during an assay of the sample.</p>
