Ceria nanoparticle compositions for use with in vitro electrochemical chemical or biochemical sensors (e.g., test strip glucose sensors), for example to form a cathode or a reference electrode, are provided. The ceria nanoparticle compositions may be combined with a conductive material (e.g., mixed with) to form the cathode or the reference electrode or the ceria nanoparticle compositions may be deposited over a layer of conductive material to form the cathode or the reference electrode. Electrochemical in vitro sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte having a reference electrode and/or a cathode including a ceria nanoparticle composition, and methods for determining an analyte concentration using the electrochemical sensors are also described. Methods of making in vitro electrochemical sensors having a reference electrode and/or a cathode including a ceria nanoparticle composition are also provided.