Single- and coupled-enzyme nylon tube reactors for routine determination of pyruvate and lactate in serum

We describe the use of a continuous-flow clinical analyzer with an immobilized coupled-enzyme nylon tube reactor and an immobilized single-enzyme nylon tube reactor for routine estimation of lactate and pyruvate in serum. These reactors are incorporated into the flow system of a modified continuous-flow analyzer (Technicon AutoAnalyzer). Results for serum lactate and pyruvate by this method are compared with those by corresponding methods in which the same enzymes are used in solution, either automatically (pyruvate) or manually (lactate) performed. Routine clinical laboratory determinations with use of the coupled-enzyme system lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase, co-immobilized in the nylon tube reactor for estimation of lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase reactors for estimation of pyruvate give reliable and reproducible results with high precision at low cost.