A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in a meter
includes inserting a calibration strip into the meter, with the
calibration strip having a substrate and a permutative grey scale
calibration pattern disposed on the substrate. In addition, the
permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes more than one grey
scale region that define a grey scale permutation uniquely corresponding
to a calibration code of test strips in a package associated with the
calibration strip. The method also includes: (i) detecting the
permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scale
photodetector module of the meter, and (ii) determining a calibration
code that uniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the
permutative grey scale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrix
stored in the meter.