The present invention provides biosensor test devices for measuring the presence or amount of an analyte in a biological fluid. The devices have a base plate that has an electrode system embedded therein, and a hydrophilic porous material situated on the base plate. A hydrophobic protective layer is situated on the hydrophilic porous material, and a cover is placed on the hydrophobic protective layer to complete the device. Some embodiments also use an insulating layer, which can be situated between the base layer and the hydrophilic porous material. The cover of the device has an opening present therein, situated over the electrodes, so that the electrodes communicate with the exterior of the device through the groove. The insulating layer can also have a groove situated therein, which in one embodiment is placed to align with the groove in the cover. The invention also provides methods of manufacturing the devices, and methods of using them.