Which method is considered the reference method for measuring glucose?

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Multiple Choice

Which method is considered the reference method for measuring glucose?

Measuring glucose with a method that yields results tied directly to the amount of glucose in a sample is essential for accuracy and comparability. The hexokinase method is the reference because its two-step reaction is highly specific for glucose. First, hexokinase transfers a phosphate from ATP to glucose, forming glucose-6-phosphate. Then glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase oxidizes that product while reducing NADP+ to NADPH. The NADPH generated is stoichiometric with the glucose present, so the amount of NADPH (measured by absorbance at 340 nm or via a coupled readout) directly reflects glucose concentration. This specificity minimizes interference from other sugars or common substances in blood, providing a robust, accurate measurement that labs use as the gold standard for calibration and trueness. Other methods, such as glucose oxidase–based colorimetric assays or glucose dehydrogenase approaches, can be more prone to interference and matrix effects, making them excellent for routine screening but not the reference method.

Measuring glucose with a method that yields results tied directly to the amount of glucose in a sample is essential for accuracy and comparability. The hexokinase method is the reference because its two-step reaction is highly specific for glucose. First, hexokinase transfers a phosphate from ATP to glucose, forming glucose-6-phosphate. Then glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase oxidizes that product while reducing NADP+ to NADPH. The NADPH generated is stoichiometric with the glucose present, so the amount of NADPH (measured by absorbance at 340 nm or via a coupled readout) directly reflects glucose concentration. This specificity minimizes interference from other sugars or common substances in blood, providing a robust, accurate measurement that labs use as the gold standard for calibration and trueness. Other methods, such as glucose oxidase–based colorimetric assays or glucose dehydrogenase approaches, can be more prone to interference and matrix effects, making them excellent for routine screening but not the reference method.

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