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A simple spectrophotometric assay for urinary leukocyte esterase activity
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
Biochemical Medicine and Metabolic Biology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
A new spectrophotometric method accurately measures urinary leukocyte esterase activity using a synthetic substrate. This rapid assay aids in the early diagnosis of urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and early diagnosis is crucial.
- Leukocyte esterase (LE) is an enzyme present in white blood cells, and its presence in urine often indicates infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive and rapid spectrophotometric method for quantifying urinary leukocyte esterase activity.
- To establish a reliable diagnostic tool for the early detection of UTIs.
Main Methods:
- A kinetic spectrophotometric assay was developed using the synthetic substrate N-toluene sulfonyl indoxyl alanine ester.
- The assay monitors the change in absorbance of the chromophore at 385 nm.
- The method requires only a small urine sample.
Main Results:
- The developed method is sensitive for assaying urinary leukocyte esterase activity.
- The assay is rapid, specific for leukocyte esterase, and kinetically based.
- The method demonstrates potential for early UTI diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- A novel, sensitive, and rapid spectrophotometric assay for urinary leukocyte esterase has been established.
- This method offers a valuable tool for the early and specific diagnosis of urinary tract infections.