Which factor can interfere with glucose measurements when using the glucose dehydrogenase method?

When using the glucose dehydrogenase method for glucose measurement, uric acid can interfere with the accuracy of the results. Glucose dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is specifically designed to catalyze the oxidation of glucose to gluconolactone, and in the presence of uric acid, this reaction may be inhibited or the measured levels affected due to competitive or non-specific interactions.

High levels of uric acid, particularly in patients with conditions such as gout or certain kidney disorders, can lead to falsely elevated or reduced glucose measurements. This suggests that the results may not accurately reflect the actual glucose concentration in the blood, which could impact clinical decisions and patient management.

In contrast, glucose itself is the target substrate for this method and does not interfere. Red blood cells, while playing a role in overall glucose levels through cellular uptake, do not affect the enzyme's ability to measure glucose directly. Hemoglobin concentration, while important in evaluating overall blood composition, also does not interfere with the glucose dehydrogenase method specifically.