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Rapid diagnostic tests for glucosuria are still influenced by ascorbic acid.
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|December 1, 1983
Summary
Ascorbic acid interferes with commercial rapid diagnostic tests for glucosuria, even at low pathological glucose levels. Despite manufacturer claims, these tests remain unreliable for detecting glucosuria in the presence of physiological ascorbic acid concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diagnostic Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used for detecting glucosuria.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is known to interfere with certain diagnostic assays.
- Manufacturers claim improved stability of RDTs against ascorbic acid interference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro influence of ascorbic acid on commercial rapid diagnostic tests for glucosuria.
- To assess the reliability of these tests at lower pathological glucose ranges.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of commercial RDTs for glucosuria.
- Exposure of tests to varying concentrations of glucose and ascorbic acid.
- Analysis of test results for accuracy and interference.
Main Results:
- All investigated commercial RDTs for glucose were substantially influenced by ascorbic acid.
- Interference occurred at potentially physiological concentrations of ascorbic acid.
- The lower pathological range of glucosuria showed significant susceptibility to ascorbic acid interference.
Conclusions:
- Commercial rapid diagnostic tests for glucosuria are not reliably stable against ascorbic acid interference.
- Ascorbic acid at physiological levels can lead to inaccurate glucosuria detection, particularly at lower pathological ranges.
- Further improvements are needed to ensure the accuracy of RDTs for glucosuria in diverse physiological conditions.