Performance of a reflectometric technique for serum alanine aminotransferase determinations

The Ames Seralyzer uses solid phase chemistry coupled with reflectance spectroscopy to measure levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (serum ALT). The study reported here was carried out to evaluate the performance of the Seralyzer method compared to conventional analyses carried out on a Coulter Dacos discrete random access analyser using Boehringer (BCL) reagents conforming to SCE specications at 37 degrees C. Clinically acceptable accuracy and precision were obtained. The effect of bilirubin and haemoglobin on the test was investigated. Increased levels of bilirubin in sera did not affect the estimation but the presence of high haemoglobin levels produced significant interference. The overall practicality of the Seralyzer was assessed and the method was found to be particularly suitable for the estimation of urgent or high risk samples in the laboratory or for use by suitably trained personnel in other clinical areas.