An article capable of both collecting interstitial fluid and detecting an analyte in that fluid and a method for use of that article. Preferably, the article is also capable of measuring the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid. The article can be used in conjunction with a meter that contains an appropriate detection element for determining the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid. In one preferred embodiment, the article is a multiple-layer element comprising: (1) a layer that is capable of being placed in contact with the skin of a patient; (2) a layer that is coated over the skin-contacting layer; (3) a layer, substantially coplanar with the overcoat layer, that is capable of transporting interstitial fluid by means of chemically aided wicking; (4) a layer, overlying the interstitial fluid transporting layer, that is capable of being placed in contact with a meter, said layer having an opening therein through which light can be transmitted; (5) a layer, disposed on the surface of the meter-contacting layer that faces the skin-contyacting layer, that is capable of detecting the presence of analyte or measuring the amount of analyte in the fluid. In order to use the multiple-layer element, light from a source of light is transmitted through the opening in the multiple-layer material to be absorbed at a light-absorbing target on the skin-contacting layer. This light transfers energy to the target, and this transferred energy causes an opening to form in the skin-contacting layer and an opening to form in the stratum corneum. Interstitial fluid exudes from the opening in the stratum corneum and contacts the interstitial fluid transporting layer. The interstitial fluid then moves along or through the interstitial fluid transporting layer to the detecting layer.