History & Major Events

Enzyme Chemistries: GOx vs. GDH-PQQ vs. GDH-FAD

The chemistry of diabetic test strips has evolved through three generations to balance accuracy and safety. Glucose Oxidase (GOx) was the original standard but suffered from the "Oxygen Effect," where variations in blood oxygen (e.g., COPD, high altitude) skewed results. The industry shifted to Glucose Dehydrogenase (GDH) to solve this, but the early GDH-PQQ variant caused fatal errors by cross-reacting with maltose (common in dialysis patients), leading to false highs and insulin overdoses. Consequently, the modern market has standardized on GDH-FAD and GDH-NAD, which offer both oxygen independence and immunity to maltose interference.

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Enzyme Chemistries Revolutionize [Diabetic Test Strips](/sell-diabetic-supplies)

Diabetic test strips just got a major upgrade! Enzyme chemistries are leading the charge.

The Old Guard: Glucose Oxidase (GOx)

GOx was the first standard, but it had a fatal flaw: the Oxygen Effect. This meant varying blood oxygen levels could skew results.

The New Players: Glucose Dehydrogenase (GDH)

The industry shifted to GDH to solve this problem. Early GDH-PQQ had a deadly flaw: it reacted with maltose, causing false highs and insulin overdoses.

The Game-Changers: GDH-FAD and GDH-NAD

Modern test strips use GDH-FAD and GDH-NAD, offering two major advantages: oxygen independence and maltose immunity. These new enzyme chemistries have transformed diabetic test strips, making them more accurate and safer for patients.

References

  1. FDA Public Health Notification: Potentially Fatal Errors with GDH-PQQ Glucose Monitoring TechnologySource

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