Abstract: Dry reagent compositions are disclosed that include one or more of an enzyme such as a dehydrogenase, a redox cofactor, an agent capable of eliciting at least one measurable change in a property of an indicator reagent in the presence of redox equivalents, an indicator reagent, and a pyridine-carboxylic acid, derivative or salt thereof. Also provided are diagnostic test elements including the reagent compositions for use in body fluid analysis. Further provided are methods of making test elements, as well as methods of body fluid analysis with such test elements. In the compositions, the pyridine-carboxylic acid, derivative or salt thereof attenuates, reduces or prevents a decrease of enzymatic activity of the at least one dehydrogenase under dry and/or humid conditions.

Abstract: Dry reagent compositions are disclosed for maintaining and preserving enzymatic activity. Also disclosed are test elements incorporating the same and methods of making and using the same for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a body fluid sample. The dry reagent compositions can include components such as a dehydrogenase, a redox cofactor, an agent capable of eliciting at least one optical change in an optical property of an indicator reagent in the presence of redox equivalents, an indicator reagent, and at least one compatible solute being ectoine or a derivative thereof.