a method and apparatus implement effective testing of a sense amplifier for an efuse without having to program or blow the efuse . after initial processing of the sense amplifier , testing determines whether the sense amplifier can generate a valid “ 0 ” and “ 1 ” before programming the efuse . a first precharge device and a second precharge device that normally respectively precharge a true sense node and a complement sense node to a high voltage are driven separately . for testing , one of the precharge devices is conditionally held off to insure the sense amplifier results in a “ 0 ” and “ 1 ”. this allows the testing of the sense amplifier devices as well as down stream connected devices . once testing is complete , both precharge devices are controlled in tandem .