In a method for assaying an analyte comprising applying a liquid sample containing an analyte to a spreading layer of a multilayer analysis element comprising a support having laminated thereon at least one reagent layer containing a substrate capable of converting a detectable chemical species upon reaction with the analyte and a liquid sample-spreading layer and then detecting the chemical species, a wetting liquid is applied onto the spreading layer, prior to applying the liquid sample to the spreading layer. A liquid sample having a high analyte content can be measured with high accuracy.