Sensor Technology and Chemical Interferences

Glucose Detection Chemistry

The FreeStyle Libre uses wired glucose oxidase (GO)-based enzyme technology with a sensing membrane, which operates at very low voltage, reducing susceptibility to electrochemical interferent substances, as reported by the Endocrine Society 1
An osmium (Os)-based mediator molecule is incorporated into earlier Abbott sensor constructs (FreeStyle Navigator) to reduce oxygen dependency, according to the Biomaterials society 2

Salicylic acid and ascorbic acid can affect sensor accuracy by reacting with the sensor's electrode, as stated by the Endocrine Society and The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology society 1, 3
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) at high doses (>4 g per day) may interfere with glucose readings, as reported by The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology society 3, 4
The wired-enzyme technology with sensing membrane has been shown NOT to be susceptible to acetaminophen at therapeutic levels, as stated by the Endocrine Society 1

Icodextrin, a component of peritoneal dialysis solutions, may potentially interfere with the sensor, though specific studies are lacking, as reported by the Endocrine Society 1
GO-based sensors like FreeStyle Libre should NOT be used in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis due to potential interference, as stated by the Endocrine Society 1