Determination of plasma oxalate with oxalate oxidase

A method for the determination of plasma oxalate using oxalate oxidase (EC 1.2.3.4) and deproteinised plasma is described. Reference values are 1.2-6.4 mumol/l (n = 24, mean +/- SD 3.3 +/- 1.5 mumol/l). The sensitivity is 6-7 nmol, the accuracy 3-5 nmol, and the coefficient of variation 10.4% (at a level of 23 nmol). The recovery from plasma spiked with oxalate was 105 +/- 8% (n = 8). Allowing blood to stand for 4 h at room temperature had no effect on plasma oxalate levels; inhibitors of glyoxylate converting enzymes interfered with oxalate oxidase.