A method for manufacturing an enzymatic reagent ink for use in analytical test strips (such as electrochemical-based analytical test strips configured for the determination of glucose in blood) includes determining a first relationship between wetability of a representative hydrophobic silica material (e.g., a hydrophobic fumed silica material) and at least a first calibration characteristic (for example, a calibration slope) of an analytical test strip that includes an enzymatic reagent ink containing the representative hydrophobic silica material. In the method, the first relationship defines a minimum wetability that provides an acceptable first calibration characteristic. The method also includes determining a second relationship defining wetability of a mixture of a particular hydrophobic silica material and a particular surfactant across a range of relative amount of the particular hydrophobic silica material and the particular surfactant and, subsequently, combining an amount of the particular hydrophobic silica material, an amount of the particular surfactant, and an amount of enzyme (such as glucose oxidase) to form an enzymatic reagent ink. Moreover, the amounts of the particular hydrophobic silica material and the particular surfactant are predetermined based on the second relationship to provide at least the minimum wetability defined by the first relationship.