Rapid ward assessment of renal function by reflectance photometric determination of plasma creatinine

The Ames Seralyzer reflectance photometer and disposable reagent strips for the determination of plasma creatinine were evaluated in the laboratory and on a urology ward over a 3-month period. Principles of the instrument used are described, as are details of the evaluation procedures. Reproducibility of results under optimum conditions gave coefficients of variation less than 7%. Under routine conditions of use, medical staff and laboratory analysts achieved high correlation with the routine laboratory method of analysis (r = 0.986, N = 108: r = 0.996, N = 102 respectively). Potential sources of inaccuracy were identified. Seralyzer determination of plasma creatinine can be rapidly, simply and reliably performed by medical staff on a urology ward, thereby facilitating assessment of renal function governed by clinical requirement rather than by laboratory convenience.