APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD FROM BIOSENSOR METERS

A biosensor meter (10a) is provided for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid. The biosensor meter includes a USB port (14a) having a first data signal port terminal (32d'), and a detection circuit (50a) including a first input terminal and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the detection circuit (50a) is coupled to the first data signal port terminal (32d'). The detection circuit (50a) provides at the output terminal a first output signal when a current sensed at the first input terminal is greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, and a second output signal when the current sensed at the first input terminal is less than the first predetermined amount. The detection circuit (50a) is configured to detect whether the USB port (14a) of the biosensor meter (10a) is connected to the USB port (14b) of another electronic device, such as a computer (12) and even if the computer (12) is shut down, and to prompt the meter's user for not carrying out a measurement in order to reduce the risk of electrical shock.