The present invention concerns a diagnostic test carrier (1) containing a supporting layer (2) with a detection layer (3) arranged thereon containing the reagents required to determine analyte in a liquid sample and a network (4) covering the detection layer (3) which is larger than the detection layer (3) and which is attached to the supporting layer (2), which is characterized in that the network (4) is hydrophilic but not capillary active on its own and an inert cover (5) made of sample-impermeable material is arranged over the areas (6) of the network that extend beyond the detection layer in such a way that a sample application site (7) remains free on the region of the network (4) covering the detection layer as well as the use of such a test carrier for the determination of analyte in a liquid. In addition the invention concerns a method for the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample with the aid of a test carrier according to the invention.