Critical evaluation of a commercial enzyme kit (Sigma) for determining oxalate concentrations in urine

The Sigma reagent kit for urinary oxalate determination is reportedly simple, rapid, and specific for oxalate. We evaluated the kit and identified a number of shortcomings. Our investigations suggest that the recommended time for chromophore development is too short and should be doubled. Oxalate recovery during the extraction procedure depends strongly on urine pH. For complete extraction, urine should be acidified to pH 1.8-2.4. We also observed positive interference from ascorbate in urine. This interference was substantial, absorbances produced from ascorbate standards being approximately 80% of those obtained from oxalate standards of similar concentration. Our investigations also indicate the presence of a substance on the Sigma adsorbent that is eluted during the extraction procedure and interferes in the color reaction. These interferences represent potentially major sources of imprecision in the assay.