A microfluidic analytical system for monitoring an analyte (such as glucose) in a fluid sample (e.g., blood or ISF) includes an analysis module and an electrical device (for example, a meter or power supply). The analysis module includes an insulating substrate and a microchannel(s) within the insulating substrate's upper surface. The analysis module also includes a conductive contact pad(s) disposed on the upper surface of the insulating substrate and an electrode(s), with the electrode(s) being disposed over the microchannel. In addition, the analysis module includes an electrically conductive trace(s) that electrically connects the electrode to at least one electrically conductive contact pad. The analysis module also has a laminate layer disposed over the electrode, the electrically conductive trace, the microchannel and a portion of the upper surface of the insulating substrate. The electrically conductive contact pad of the analysis module has an accessible exposed surface for electrical connection to the electrical device.