Point of care tests for whole blood glucose monitoring primarily use which detection method?

Point of care tests for whole blood glucose monitoring predominantly utilize amperometric detection. This method involves measuring the current produced in an electrochemical reaction, which occurs when glucose oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the sample. The current generated is directly proportional to the concentration of glucose present in the blood. This allows for quick and efficient measurements, making it ideal for point of care applications where rapid decision-making is critical for patient management.

Amperometric methods provide high specificity for glucose, which is essential in a clinical setting to ensure accurate monitoring of blood sugar levels. This technique also allows for the miniaturization of sensors, leading to portable devices that can be easily used at the patient's side.

In contrast, colorimetric detection, while widely used in laboratory settings, relies on a color change in the presence of glucose and may not offer the same level of precision or speed as amperometric methods. Fluorescence detection, although sensitive, is less commonly employed in glucose monitoring due to the complexity and costs associated with fluorescence-based systems. Optical detection primarily involves measuring light absorption or transmission and is also not as direct or straightforward for quantifying glucose levels compared to amperometric techniques.