The invention relates to a method for producing a test element (1) for studying a body fluid sample, wherein detection layer (3) is covered with a polymeric spread layer (4) and applied to a support (5). According to the invention it is provided that the spread layer (4) is produced by being sprayed onto the detection layer (3). The invention further relates to such a test element having a spread layer (4) that has a thickness of at most 20 µm.