A system is disclosed, the system comprises a diagnostic test strip having a diagnostic end and a meter contacting end, the meter contacting end having at least one identifying feature that distinguishes the meter contacting end from the diagnostic end; a diagnostic meter configured to read information from the meter contacting end of the test strip when the meter contacting end of the test strip is fully inserted in to the meter; and a port in the meter, the port having a gating mechanism configured to identify the meter contacting end and allow the test strip to be fully inserted into the meter only after the gating mechanism identifies the meter contacting end of the test strip as a proper end for insertion.