Stabilized tetrazolium reagent compositions and methods for using the same

Abstract

Stabilized tetrazolium dye reagent compositions and methods for their use in the measurement of an analyte in a sample are provided. The subject reagent compositions include a tetrazolium dye component, e.g., a water soluble tetrazolium salt, and an effective amount of a nitrite stabilizing agent, e.g., a nitrite salt. In many embodiments, the subject reagent compositions include additional members of an analyte oxidizing signal producing system, such as: an analyte oxidizing enzyme, e.g., an analyte dehydrogenase or an analyte oxidase; an electron transfer agent; and an enzyme cofactor. Also provided are test strips that include the subject reagent compositions, as well as systems and kits incorporating the subject test strips. The subject reagent compositions, test strips, systems and kits find use in the detection of a wide variety of analytes in a sample, such as a physiological sample, e.g., blood or a fraction thereof, or ISF (interstitial fluid).

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
     
     
         33 . A method of fabricating a reagent test strip, the method comprising: 
 providing a substrate;    providing a test pad;    contacting the test pad with an analyte oxidizing signal producing system comprising a water soluble tetrazolium salt and a nitrite stabilizing agent; and    contacting the test pad to the substrate.    
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the step of contacting the test pad with the analyte oxidizing signal producing system comprises immersing the test pad in an aqueous composition comprising the signal producing system for a sufficient period of time; and wherein the method further comprises drying the test pad.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the step of contacting the test pad with the analyte oxidizing signal producing system comprises coating the test pad with the analyte oxidizing signal producing system.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising employing a surface area over the test pad where the test pad is positioned between the substrate and the surface layer.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the substrate comprises a bibulous material.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the substrate comprises a non-bibulous material.